St. Petersburg, Russia - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

anneron · 06-29-2008, 04:58 PM

Red October has been recommended for taking excursions in St. Petersburg. I know if you take an excursion through NCL (our next cruise in August) you don't have to get a viza, does the same apply if we book with Red October? Is it only if you are getting off the ship on your own to tour that you need a viza?

MD11F · 06-29-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anneron

Red October has been recommended for taking excursions in St. Petersburg. I know if you take an excursion through NCL (our next cruise in August) you don't have to get a viza, does the same apply if we book with Red October? Is it only if you are getting off the ship on your own to tour that you need a viza?

Yes, you will need a Russian Tourist visa if you're getting off the ship on your own shore excursion with Red October.

anneron · 06-29-2008, 05:10 PM

Hi

Thanks for info. Just a little bit leery as am dying to see St. Petersburg but don't want to be denied getting off ship, but also don't want to be picked up by the Russian police. Have you used Red October in St. Petersburg?

LuLu · 06-29-2008, 06:21 PM

There are times when it is just SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much easier to take an excursion offered by the ship!

We did a Princess excursion when we were in St. Petersburg and were so very pleased. Just don't know how it could have been better!

Must say, I've never heard anything but positive comments on Red October!

Whatever .... Enjoy your time in Russia and let us know what you decide!

gkm · 06-29-2008, 07:13 PM

Both Red October and Denrus are excellent tour companies. They see about your visa before you arrive and it's included in their fees.

I think a private tour is the way to go to see St. Petersburg. The private tour companies will get you into popular spots early before the cruise tour busses arrive. Also, because the tours have less people, you'll be able to see and do more than on a ship's tour.

We used Denrus and it was an excellent tour. They worked with us and tailored the tour to what we wanted to see. We even got to ride the subway and have lunch with a Russian family in their home--an experience I'll cherish.

Garry

zydecocruiser · 06-29-2008, 09:18 PM

I will be using Alla Tours in about 3 weeks. You do not need to obtain an individual visa if you are one one of the approved tours (like Red October, Alla, Denrus, there are a number of them and growing) and also the ship tours.

MD11F · 06-29-2008, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anneron

Hi

Thanks for info. Just a little bit leery as am dying to see St. Petersburg but don't want to be denied getting off ship, but also don't want to be picked up by the Russian police. Have you used Red October in St. Petersburg?

Hi anneron, you're welcomed.

No, I haven't but I've heard they are a very good tour company.

Krazy Kruizers · 06-30-2008, 05:31 AM

anneron

I see that you are new to CLF - Welcome!!

Please stop by the: Introduce Yourself! section.

Krazy Kruizers · 06-30-2008, 05:33 AM

We have also been to Russia a couple of times - omce when it was Lenningrad and then when it changed to St Petersberg.

We took the ships tours (Princess and Holland America).

JMO - I know that there are good companies out there and have heard positive reviews about them, but in a country like Russia, I prefer to do the ship's tour.