New generation Karelia cruise liners

New generation Karelia cruise liners

On June, the third cruise liner of Project 00840 Karelia was laid down at Krasnoye Sormovo Plant. All three vessels of this project are being built under the order of Vodohod company within the framework of the state program on river fleet renewal. The lead vessel was laid down on April 28, 2023, the second one - on May 26, 2023.

The new four-deck vessels will operate in the Caspian, Black, Azov, Baltic and White Seas, with the possibility of calling at the Solovetsky Islands, as well as in the Gulf of Finland and on Russia's inland waterways. The first vessel was named Nikolai Zharkov, the second - Mikhail Zhvanetsky, the third liner has not been named yet. It is planned that the first vessel will start navigation in 2025, two more - in 2026.

The cruise ship of project 00840 Karelia was developed by Vympel Design Bureau. The experience of design, construction and operation of the ship Mustai Karim of the PV300 project, which was also built at Krasnoye Sormovo Plant, was taken into account when developing the project of a new vessel. Compared to the cruise liners of the PV300 project the ship Karelia has smaller dimensions. This is caused by the area of operation of the projected vessel, namely, the necessity to pass through the White Sea-Baltic Canal to reach the White Sea, where the locks are narrower and shorter.

«When designing the cruise liners of the Karelia project, we asked to take into account the winter period of operation - we plan to use the ships in hotel mode with a berth in Moscow. For us, as a cruise operator, year-round operation of the vessels will expand economic opportunities, increase the profitability of the project and allow us to keep jobs during the inter-navigation period. » – Rishat Bagautdinov, General Director of Vodohod.

On four decks on board Karelia vessels, public spaces and living areas with staterooms will be perfectly divided for the convenience of guests. Modern laconic design, light atriums, elevator, comfortable staircases will give travelers a feeling of comfort and spaciousness.

The 870 m² promenade deck will offer a sun deck with a swimming pool, bar and soft seating area. Guests will be able to sunbathe in comfort, enjoy the river scenery or participate in interactive activities.

The restaurant (362 m²) on the boat deck features a main area with 183 seats, a private area for 8 people and a terrace for 24 passengers. Thus, guests will be able to enjoy gastronomic flavors not only in the main area of the restaurant, but also outdoors in the open deck area. The bar on the boat deck (148 m²) also has an open area with 20 seats. The music lounge (150 m²) on the middle deck seats 76 passengers. The wine library (82 m²) is designed for 26 persons and will also be located on the middle deck. The kids club is planned on the main deck at the maximum distance from the living area. A large spa area is located on the lower deck and will include: gym, hammam, sauna, massage room and beauty salon.

The cruise ship is equipped with the following stateroom types:

• Deluxe staterooms without balcony (20 m²) – 28.
• Deluxe staterooms with balcony (15 m² + 5 m²) – 46.
• Grand Deluxe staterooms with advanced design with balcony (23 m² + 9 m²) – 2.
• Prestige staterooms with balcony (33 m² + 4,5 m²) – 10.
• Grand Suite staterooms with panoramic balcony (41 m² + 22 m²) – 2.

For the first cruise liner of the Karelia project, which will go into operation in 2025, there is already an interesting route through the White Sea water area via Arkhangelsk, Solovetsky Archipelago and Kandalaksha. On June 15, 2023 the corresponding agreement on the development of expedition cruises along the White Sea water area was signed between Vodohod company and the Government of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions.

Technical dara of project 00840 Karelia

The steel automotive vessel is equipped with two pod propulsion system, has a plumb stern, transom aft end, excessive overwater side, extended four-story topside. The wheelhouse is located forward and the engine room aft.

- Length - 131 m.

- Width - 13.8 m.

- Draught - 2.9 m.

- Speed - 22 km/h (11,9 knots).

- Crew - 97 persons.

- Passenger capacity: 183 persons.