Doug, supply and demand, I suppose. And no more "heavy fuel" ships allowed in the area due to environmental concerns. For sure, you are one lucky couple to be making this trip. It was $$$ even in the years when Regent chartered the Explorer II (now Minerva), a much less luxurious vessel than the Prince Albert, or whatever it is called now. I absolutely loved it, in spite of heaving (there's just no better word!) for a couple of days. If I had a deep pocket, I'd be right on the roll call again.

All that being said, I'm so glad I will get to experience it with you all over again due to Andi's great generosity in posting from aboard! You two are real troopers with a sense of adventure and roll with the punches. I was thoroughly entertained on your last cruise without spending a penny! But I doubt a river cruise on the Volga is in my future!