Our Ship - The AmaKatarina

Our vessel was known as the AmaKatarina, being the latest vessel of the Ama Waterways group.

However, under Russian requirements all vessels have to have a name from some person. And our vessel was named Mstislav Rostropovich. The gentleman was a well known celloist. The vessel has just been through a costly refit. Built around 1968 and grossing around 4000 tons, she carries a Russian crew of around 100.

The entrance part of the ship opens into a lobby area raising to the three levels. Cabins are on Decks 1, 2 and 3. The Front Desk is generally manned during waking hours.

We had cabin 203 on Deck 2, and like most cabins we had a balcony - which we were determined to use - as it was the first one we ever had.


Our cabin desk


The bathroom was slightly larger than the one that we had on the train, but still cupboard size.



Forward on deck 3 we had a lounge along with a bar. This was also used for occasional meetings.



(R - The computer section - adjacent to Deck 3 Dining Room)

In the rear of the vessel on Deck 3, we had a "computer section". The vessel was equipped with an erratic Wi-Fi, and this area had its own computer that could be used by passengers who didn't have their own computers. Naturally the wait could be long for this computer. It was much easier with your own computer!

(L - The computer group tunes in to the net)

(R - On Deck 4 we had an open deck for exercise)


(L - Despite leaving dock some passengers would prefer the rest and sunshine)

(R - The open deck area at the front of Deck 3 - good for viewing the way ahead)



(L - The rear deck area)


(R - Shortly after our first sailing from Moscow we went through the usual lifeboat drills - here are some passengers rigged up in their fashionable jackets)


(L - We had several lessons or hobbies which we could try out - this one was in painting wooden Matrushikas)

(R - One of the students paints her doll)


(L - Our voyage also included a trip to the Bridge to see the ship's officers at work)

(R - Lunches and dinners were extensive with 3-4 courses each time - well over the required levels of calrie intakes)



(L - We had two visits by the Captain - at a welcome dinner and also a farewell dinner - the latter being held 3 days before we arrived in St Petersburg - as for those last few days we were docked!)

(R - What ship would be complete without a gift shop?? On the lobby floor)