Moldavia

Image: AI-generated.

History and cruising area

Moldavia is part of the passenger fleet of the Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company UDP. Built in 1979, the ship originally sailed under the name Moldaviya; its ENI number, 42000002, distinguishes it from the Moldaviya of the same name built in 1953. UDP mentions historic voyages between the Alps and the Black Sea. The company lists Moldavia as laid up since 2022, with a return to service dependent on modernization. Its cruising area is the Danube.

Cabins and former amenities

Standard cabins measure around eleven square metres. Main-deck cabins in this category have non-opening portholes; amenities include a shower, toilet, ventilation and telephone. Twin cabins have two separate lower beds, one of which serves as a sofa during the day. Standard cabins on the upper deck have large opening windows. The compact cabins, measuring about eight square metres, have bunk beds. In triple cabins, there are two lower beds and an upper folding bed mounted on the wall. Deluxe cabins measure around 14 square metres and are described as double rooms with a sofa; the double bed has two separate mattresses. Amenities include a refrigerator, hairdryer, bathrobe and satellite TV.

The 2017 configuration comprised 84 cabins for 178 passengers.

Public spaces and onboard amenities

Former onboard amenities included a panoramic restaurant, two bars and a reading room; meals were served at a set time for all passengers. One bar was located on the covered aft deck, and there was also a covered promenade deck. A heated pool was located on the sun deck. Facilities included a shop, hairdresser, doctor and sauna; massages were available at an additional charge. The entertainment programme included folk performances, live music, quiz nights and bingo. Books, board games and card games could be borrowed. Smoking was permitted only on the sun deck at the time. The onboard currency was the euro. The final bill and booked shore excursions could be paid in cash or by EC card, Mastercard or Visa; a PIN was required for card payments. Moldavia is one of the river ships operated by a specialist national passenger company; UDP is the Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company.

The deck plan divides the ship into four levels: the main deck with a wellness area, the upper deck with a lobby, the promenade deck with a lounge and restaurant, and the sun deck with a pool. The decks were accessible only by interior and exterior staircases; there was no elevator.