Baltic Shipping Company: The Soviets built five similar big liners, beginning with the IVAN FRANKO in 1963 and finishing up with the subject of this deck plan brochure, the MIKHAIL LERMONTOV, in 1972. These ships were hard currency generators for the faltering Russian economy. They were also handsome looking ships. Frank Braynard sailed on the LERMONTOV in 1980 and was delighted that she had a glass enclosed Promenade Deck where you could walk around the ship fully protected. Vincent Messina reported that her cabins reminded him of railway compartments. This undated 16 page deck plan brochure covers all 8 passenger decks and includes 8 interior photos plus the handsome portrait on the cover. The cabin photos really do look like railway compartments. The ship was cruising in New Zealand waters in February 1986 when the captain decided to take a short cut that unfortunately had a reef in the way. A 40' gash sent the ship to the bottom where today she is a popular diving spot. For sinking photos go here: http://www.nzmaritime.co.nz/lermontov.htm.