APT has announced the launch of a second Russian river cruise ship named Anastasia next year in response to increased demand for the destination.
APT has operated Russian river cruises on the AmaKatarina for three years and is a major shareholder in Russian rail operator Golden Eagle.
“This set the platform for our commitment to really growing our Russia business,” APT chief executive Chris Hall said.
APT will offer seven departures in 2015 that will incorporate the Golden Eagle train from Vladivostok to Moscow followed by the river cruise.
“Our partners AMA wanted more capacity, we wanted more capacity,” Hall said.
MS Anastasia will be modelled on the recently launched MS AmaReina.
“A lot of our past clients come to Europe and then they go to Russia and they want a similar or same experience when they are travelling on the ships,” Hall said.
APT group brand Travelmarvel will also expand its Russia product for 2015, although details of this are yet to be confirmed.
“We see Russia as a great opportunity, plenty of potential, not only for the Australia and New Zealand market but also for the UK,” Hall said.
MS Anastasia is a refurbished ship that will include a Vietnamese-French restaurant designed by APT ambassador and chef Luke Nguyen called Indochine.
Fine dining will also be available at Tsars, a champagne and caviar bar on board. Above deck there will be an ice cream bar, heated pool and two spas.
The first departure is anticipated for early May next year.
