MS Svetlov

Although named the same, the MS Mikhail Svetlov is in fact not the ship that brought “ordinary Soviet citizen” Semyon Gorbunkov (played by the renowned Yuri Nikulin) to Istanbul in the popular Soviet-era film “The Diamond Arm” (“Brilliantovaya Ruka”). Instead, this three-decker is one of the great river boats (Sergey Yesenin-class, type Q-065) that Austria built for the Soviets in 1985. It arrived on the Lena River in 1988 and has since made cruise ship history on Russia’s fourth longest river (11th longest in the world). With a capacity of 160, the Svetlov is designed for safe sailing in uncertain waters at a cruising speed of 21.5 kph (13 mph). Each room has a private shower and toilet. With an 82-seat restaurant, a welcoming 50-seat bar, music area, and reading salons, you’ll find comfort here in the Siberian wilderness. Of course you’ll never meet the deceased Nikulin on the ship, but then no one will try to smuggle diamonds on your person in an orthopedic cast (see the film).