The tea is prepared in the Samovar and Russian Tea Cakes, Cookies and Sandwiches are served to promote lingering an enjoyment of the guests. The tea is traditionally served in special glass holders which are made of metal, usually silver or bronze, and decorated with engraved pictures and enamel elements. The trays that heald the Russian Tea Cakes, Cookies and Sandwiches were usually very colorful, painted and adorned with flowers, children etc. The Tea Ceremony is often performed after a traditional dinner. Once the Samovar is set, everyone knows it is time for tea and a good conversation!

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Perceive the mastery of Old Russian craftsmen, try your hand in painting Russian nesting dolls. Discover the exciting world of bright colours and creativity. A nesting doll painted by yourself would be a unique souvenir from Russia for your relatives or friends.

Vodka drinking is done in a particular way in Russia. The preferred method is to drink it as a shot. In the big cities, you can get it mixed with other things, but this is pretty rare. Everything is a shot and each is usually accompanied by a toast of some sort. Toasts to family, love and women are common, even at the most informal of dinners. If you have the fortune to attend a wedding, make sure to take pictures. You will remember little of it!

Having finished the cruise, you will definitely impress your friends and relatives by greeting them in perfect Russian with no accent, or propose a famous Russian toast “Na Zdorovie!” You will even be granted with a true diploma of Master Degree in Russian Philology, if you only attend carefully our onboard Russian course.

Folk ensembles will perform the best Russian folk songs and gypsy romances. Russian music, particularly folk music, features a number of traditional instruments. Very popular is the Balalaika, a three-stringed instrument played with the fingers and varying in size. The Domra is a three-stringed or four-stringed lute that is either plucked or strummed. The Gudok has three strings and is played with a bow. Interestingly, the Gusli, a plucked string instrument, is amongst the oldest Russian instruments of music. Kugikli, also called Kuvikly, are basic panpipes. The Svirel is a Russian flute. Russia's button accordion is known as a Bayan. The Volynka is a traditional bagpipe. A Buben is similar to a tambourine.

Everybody has heard (at least once in their lives) famous Russian songs “Katusha” or “Kalinka” which harmonies are adventurous and soul cleansing. Have you ever dreamed of learning to sing them? It is easy now! At our onboard Sing-along classes you will discover your hidden artistic talents and just will have a good time.