Moscow? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

jstducky · 03-31-2006, 07:04 PM

I know that one of the options on cruises that stop at St. Petersburg is an overnight excursion to Moscow.

Has anyone done this? Was it worth it?

I know it cost big big bucks. But it would be amazing to see Red Square. Possibly a once in a life time opportunity!

JodiBB · 03-31-2006, 07:45 PM

Alisa...I totally agree, seeing Red Square would be incredible!!! That being said, you may want to stick with St. Petersburg for this trip first...you will be spending 1/2 of your two days either traveling or sleeping and the other 1/2 touring....

St. Petersburg has SO much to see/do that you would not be disappointed....

jstducky · 03-31-2006, 07:59 PM

Yeah but Jodi, this may be my only trip ever over there.. and we do have 2 days in St. Petersburg.

I was just on the RCI website checking out the options. I didn't realize that they don't have the overnight Moscow excursions anymore. There are 2 day trip options. I guess the flight from St. Petersburg to Moscow is only 1 hour each way. The excursion is 16.5 hours. So theoretically, I could do Moscow on Day 1 and St. Petersburg on Day 2.

Not saying that I would do this, but I'd love to hear from someone who did go to Moscow to see what they thought.

I knew before that the overnight trips were in the thousands. Which wow, way out of my budget.

But the day trip they have of the Kremlin and Red Square, etc. plus the plane trip and lunch and dinner is $679 per person. Yes thats a lot a lot a lot of money. But then I keep thinking. I spent a little over $400 for a 3 hour dog sledding excursion in Alaska.... this really isn't that much for a 16.5 hour excursion included meals....

I know, its crazy.... but....

JodiBB · 03-31-2006, 11:11 PM

If you can do it, then it's an option...just know that there is SO much to see in St. Petersburg that even 2 days wasn't enough time....honestly.....

I've heard from those who have lived there (including one of my colleagues) that as a tourist, St. Petersburg is the best place to remain for a first trip. Moscow's sites are really limited to the Kremlin and the Red Square. St. Petersburg has more sites than even we were able to manage.

jstducky · 04-01-2006, 03:06 PM

I dont disagree with you Jodi. The shore excursion list on RCI for St. Petersburg is extensive.

And I do agree that in Moscow there really is only Red Square and the Kremlin. But Red Square is Red Square and seeing St. Basil's Cathedral would be amazing.

I don't know. I doubt it would happen or that I would shell out that money. I mean after the airfare to Europe, the hotel, the cruise itself, I'll be wiped out.

I just thought it was a pretty neat option to have.

raindropsalways · 07-09-2006, 03:46 PM

The trip to Moscow is expensive on all cruises. Is it worth it? That depends on the individual. I am glad I spent the money, and I feel it is a must for the majority.

:think: For some unknown reason, the Armory is getting the short end of the stick. It is a very interesting museum, both the building and the artifacts. Add it to the Kremlin and Red Square, plus whatever else is thrown in on the tour and one would have an excellent tour. And where else in the world would they offer vodka

instead of water for lunch?

Stanj · 03-14-2007, 06:50 PM

I do not want to dampen anyones enthusiasm but when a ship is in port only 36 hours as they are in St Petersburg(there are some in port for 2 1/2 days however), wasting much of that valuable time traveling to and from airports, each located some distance from the city centers, it is a disservice do enjoying either city. Few cruise ships offer the option anymore for two reasons 1 few takers and 2. loss of liability insurance for the air charter service.
Most Russians take the train between Moscow and St Petersburg because it is actually faster when total portal to portal time is considered. Traffic, distance, security checks, frequent flight delays....as in all airports, the short flight, long trips into the city center at the height of rush hour, and finally seeing Red Square but already exhausted, then a quick bite to eat and head back repeating all steps to get back just in time to hear the stories of seeing wonderful breath-taking sights all day as told by the lucky ones who stayed in St Petersburg and saw several museums and palaces and had a full day of touring during the time the Moscow group was sitting in traffic or waiting in security check lines.

Better to plan a return trip to see what was missed. Flights from many cities in Europe are getting very low with new no-frills airlines so getting here is not such an issue like it was in the past. There is no reason to assume you will not return unless you just don't like the experience, a possibility that seems very remote indeed.