Radisson Cruise
Radisson Cruise
River cruises on the Moskova in Moscow with icebreaker yachts: itineraries past the Kremlin, Novodevitchi and the Christ the Saviour Cathedral.
Radisson Cruise offers river cruises on the Moskova in the heart of Moscow, aboard icebreaker yachts that navigate year-round, including in winter when the river freezes. The itineraries run past the main monuments of the Russian capital: the Kremlin, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Novodevitchi Convent, Lomonosov University.
Why take a cruise on the Moskova
The Moskova flows through Moscow from west to east and borders the majority of the city's iconic sites. A cruise offers continuous views of these monuments without the constraints of walking or repeated stops. It's also one of the few tourist activities that operates without interruption in winter: Radisson Cruise yachts are equipped with icebreaker hulls, allowing navigation even when the river is frozen over.
Night cruises are particularly popular: the façades of the Kremlin, Christ the Saviour Cathedral and Stalinist skyscrapers are then illuminated, which substantially changes your perception of the city compared to daytime visits.
What you see from the boat
The long itinerary, departing from the Radisson Royal Hotel pier (formerly the Ukraine Hotel), follows a route that successively passes:
- the House of the Government of the Russian Federation (White House) ;
- Novodevitchi Convent, a UNESCO World Heritage site ;
- Luzhniki Stadium (former Lenin Stadium), the main venue for the 1980 Olympic Games ;
- Lomonosov State University, one of the seven Stalinist skyscrapers ;
- the Academy of Sciences ;
- Tsereteli's monument to Peter the Great, standing 98 metres high ;
- the Christ the Saviour Cathedral ;
- the walls and towers of the Kremlin ;
- Novospassky Monastery, the endpoint of the route.
Departing from Gorky Park pier, the journey is shorter and either travels up the Moskova towards the Radisson Royal Hotel pier, or down towards the Kremlin and Novospassky.
The fleet's yachts
The company operates four types of boats:
- Classic yacht: main panoramic glass hall with a capacity of around 200 people, featuring a central dance floor and upper deck open during the summer season.
- Royal class yacht (super yacht): a more spacious version accommodating up to 300 people, with an enclosed upper deck area suitable for entertainment or private events.
- Erwin River yacht: enclosed upper deck fitted out as a 50-seat dining area, decorated with palm trees and plants.
- Smaller yachts dedicated to express packages.
All boats have a bar, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, multilingual audio guides and multilingual staff.
Practical information
Four packages are available: First, Royal and Business (approximately 2h30 each) departing from the Radisson Royal Hotel pier, and Express (approximately 1h30) from Gorky Park pier. Prices vary depending on the package and passenger age, with the Express package remaining affordable and higher prices for the First package on a private yacht. Discounts generally apply to children. Bookings are possible online on the official website or directly at the ticket offices at both piers, open during the day and early evening.
Allow 1h30 for a quick express overview and 2h30 to complete the full itinerary with onboard dining.
When to visit
The company operates year-round. Summer (June to August) allows you to enjoy open upper decks and extended evenings thanks to the long days of the north. Winter (December to February) offers a rarer experience: the icebreaker hull cuts through the frozen Moskova, and year-end illuminations enhance the riverside monuments beautifully. The shoulder seasons suit those who wish to avoid heavy summer tourist crowds.
How to get there
The Radisson Royal Hotel pier is reached by bus (M2 line from the city centre) or taxi. The pier is on your right when facing the hotel. For Gorky Park pier, get off at Park Kultury metro station, then allow a few minutes on foot to reach the landing stage located at the edge of the park.
Nearby attractions
The Radisson Royal Hotel pier is within easy reach of the historic centre. While you're in Moscow, take the opportunity to visit Saint Basil's Cathedral on Red Square, the Bolshoi Theatre or the Christ the Saviour Cathedral, which the cruise also passes along the river.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Radisson Cruise boats are equipped with icebreakers and navigate year-round, even when the Moskova is frozen over.
Allow approximately 1h30 for the Express package from Gorky Park, and 2h30 for the First, Royal and Business packages departing from the Radisson Royal Hotel pier.
Online booking is recommended, especially for night cruises during peak season and for packages with dining included. Ticket offices at both piers also allow same-day purchases subject to availability.
The Radisson Royal Hotel pier covers the long itinerary with the maximum number of monuments (Novodevitchi, Luzhniki, Lomonosov University, Kremlin, Novospassky). Gorky Park offers shorter routes, which are practical if your time is limited.
Yes. The yachts have air-conditioned indoor spaces, entertainment for children is offered on the royal class yacht on weekends and public holidays, and reduced rates apply to 6-12 year-olds depending on the packages.
Plan your trip
A cruise on the Moskova fits easily into a few-day stay in Moscow. To plan a complete itinerary between the capital, Saint Petersburg and the Golden Ring, consult our trips to Russia.
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