Nizhny Novgorod (Нижний Новгород in Russian) is the 4th largest city in Russia with a population of 1.3 million, and is the administrative center of the Nizhny Novgorod region and of the Volga Federal District, which covers 14 regions and republics of the Russian Federation. Nizhny Novgorod covers an area of 260 square miles along the riverbanks of the Volga and Oka Rivers.
Nizhny Novgorod is situated about 250 miles east of Moscow and is easily accessible by an overnight train or by air (see Travel Information).
The climate of Nizhny Novgorod is similar to the climate of Moscow.
The weather in Nizhny Novgorod in July is typically warm (sometimes hot), with daily temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 C. Rain is quite possible.
The Russian payment and monetary unit is ROUBLE.
Foreign currency is not accepted. One can exchange foreign currency in the cities.
The American dollars and the Euros are the most widely accepted currency all over Russia.
Traveller’s cheques can be cashed at the commission of 2 or 3% (available only in major cities and not at every bank).
One gets the equivalent in roubles at the current purchase exchange rate of the bank where one cashes the cheque.
Credit cards are relatively widely accepted in Russia (VISA or MASTER CARD are preferable).
Payment with a credit card may sometimes incur a surcharge of a couple of per cents, so make sure you know if there are surcharges before you decide to run your card.
Credit cards will not be accepted on board.
Simple Rules to Follow During the Trip
KEYS: Please, leave your keys at the reception when you leave the ship and go sightseeing.
Take your keys from the reception right after you come back: a key at the reception means that not everybody is on board and the ship cannot leave.
BADGES: Organizing Committee would appreciate your wearing badges all the time during the trip to facilitate communication.
ELECTRICITY: No heating appliances (hair driers, irons, water heaters) can be used in your cabins.
There is an ironing room on the main deck. Hot water is available from boilers. Cell phones and notebooks can be charged at the OC cabin.
RADIO: Listen to radio announcements to be reminded about the schedule for the day.
E-MAIL: Due to networking problems, the Organizing Committee will guarantee the participants and guests of the Symposium the possibility to use e-mail only when we stay in or pass big cities.
VISITING MONASTERIES: Women visiting Russian monasteries are requested to wear long skirts and, preferably, head scarves. Visitors, both men and women, wearing shorts will not be allowed in.
Long sleeves are appreciated.
MEDICAL SERVICE: Medical assistance will be available on board.
OC cabin number: 127