Viking Homelands in May

Given the current expulsions, closures, tension, etc. between Russia and the UK & US, is anyone else worried that we might not be allowed to dock and/or disembark in St. Petersburg? Have been looking forward to this port and hope we don’t feel uncomfortable. 😃

Given the current expulsions, closures, tension, etc. between Russia and the UK & US, is anyone else worried that we might not be allowed to dock and/or disembark in St. Petersburg? Have been looking forward to this port and hope we don’t feel uncomfortable. [emoji2]

Don’t worry you’ll dock in St Petersburg . We where in Cuba in January this year and we didn’t have any issues. Just keep an open mind and remember not to hit or rock the velvet ropes surrounding the exhibits. The little old ladies guarding the areas will give you a hard time, like your second grade teacher did when you where in school. Not kidding! But I do admire the ladies, they work hard and they want to protect their past.

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They're not getting a bean from us. We'll have a relaxing few days on board and all the more to spend in the other Baltic and Scandic countries

We have been wondering about this also. We are scheduled to do the Viking Homelands Cruise in late May and have really been looking forward to St.Petersburg. Now, I’m feeling a bit uneasy. Our friends did this cruise last year and felt they were hassled a bit by immigration authorities when they were headed back to the ship.

They're not getting a bean from us. We'll have a relaxing few days on board and all the more to spend in the other Baltic and Scandic countries

If you don’t go to St Petersburg you are missing one of the most beautiful stops on the whole tour. From Peter the Great Summer Home to their museums everyone is special . I’ve been there and would go back tomorrow if possible. Viking will keep you safe and well taken care of . Go and see how the others live, you will treasure your freedoms once you return.

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I couldn't understand the draw of SP UNTIL we got there. I was a bit uneasy before leaving home. It was an awesome two days. We were absolutely NOT hassled at all, period, by anyone. We were treated with utmost respect from everyone we encountered during our two day stay. We even rode the subway a month after the bombing in April 2017. We felt perfectly safe. We, also, were in Stockholm right after a car was driven into a crowd of tourists. It happens everywhere. We have no regrets.

I already treasure my freedoms . We had been told by a friend that St Petersberg was the low point of their cruise. Too much queueing and shuffling round places at the pace of the slowest. Happy to miss that.

We actually live in a world heritage centre so are pretty used to historical buildings and artifacts. Of course they are different from Russian ones.

We've been to Salisbury. It's a beautiful old town...

We are not concerned. The reason we picked this cruise was because they have a overnight stay in St Petersburg. We travel to see the world and different cultures and we understand we all have different views on politics. That's what makes our country great. The ability to have your own opinions.

There is so much more to life than tourism.

We've been to Salisbury. It's a beautiful old town...

Glad to hear it! We’re taking an excursion that includes Salisbury and Stonehenge. So much to see, so little time.

Many tourists are now avoiding Salisbury. Parts of it are still closed off as police and specialist services try to find if there are still traces of the Russian nerve agent in the various pubs and restaurants. You might want to put a visit to Salisbury on hold.

Many tourists are now avoiding Salisbury. Parts of it are still closed off as police and specialist services try to find if there are still traces of the Russian nerve agent in the various pubs and restaurants. You might want to put a visit to Salisbury on hold.

Thank you, but I think I’d rather support Salisbury right now. I’m not worried about toxins at this point. I suspect Salisbury is the cleanest city in Britain these days.

I'm not either. I'm angry that a foreign power thinks its OK to contaminate our towns. Imagine if it was your town.

We are booked on the Russian and the Baltic Sea Viking cruise in late April of 2019. It is very hard to predict where things will stand at that point, but I fervently hope that we will be able to visit St. Petersburg on our scheduled three day stay. If that is altered, we will likely use our cancel for any reason insurance to switch to another trip altogether. We have already lost out on a visit to Istanbul and Ephesus on our first cruise, which saddened me greatly.

I understand and respect someone's decision to avoid a visit to Russia to demonstrate their severe disapproval of government policies and actions. However, as I need to remind myself on a daily basis, a country is more than just its government and its leader. Even the people represent a diverse range of beliefs. Life is too short and my chances to see the world are limited, so I will continue to go to the places I want to see as long as possible.

Different reason for cruising for us. We just want a relaxing holiday. We feel no need to rush around ticking off sights and will enjoy sailing and mooching around in the other destinations.

We are booked on the Russian and the Baltic Sea Viking cruise in late April of 2019. It is very hard to predict where things will stand at that point, but I fervently hope that we will be able to visit St. Petersburg on our scheduled three day stay. If that is altered, we will likely use our cancel for any reason insurance to switch to another trip altogether. We have already lost out on a visit to Istanbul and Ephesus on our first cruise, which saddened me greatly.

 

I understand and respect someone's decision to avoid a visit to Russia to demonstrate their severe disapproval of government policies and actions. However, as I need to remind myself on a daily basis, a country is more than just its government and its leader. Even the people represent a diverse range of beliefs. Life is too short and my chances to see the world are limited, so I will continue to go to the places I want to see as long as possible.

I agree.

I understand and respect someone's decision to avoid a visit to Russia to demonstrate their severe disapproval of government policies and actions. However, as I need to remind myself on a daily basis, a country is more than just its government and its leader. Even the people represent a diverse range of beliefs. Life is too short and my chances to see the world are limited, so I will continue to go to the places I want to see as long as possible.

Beautiful.

Cash is king. nothing has changed. Have a pleasant time. It will be wonderful.

We were in Russia in October/November of 2017. Our governments create animosity between us. We talked to the people there and they are warm and friendly. Please don’t confuse political views and government policies with real people. Go. Talk to people and see the real side of Russia. You might be surprised. And we LOVED St. Petersburg. It’s a beautiful city.

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We were in Russia in October/November of 2017. Our governments create animosity between us. We talked to the people there and they are warm and friendly. Please don’t confuse political views and government policies with real people. Go. Talk to people and see the real side of Russia. You might be surprised. And we LOVED St. Petersburg. It’s a beautiful city.

 

 

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Glad to hear that your experience supports my theory. I am really looking forward to seeing a whole new part of the world for us.

These are different times. UK and US consulates in St Petersberg have been closed down. Things are most definitely not what they were

Cash may be king for some people but, fortunately, not nearly enough for others.

I am a Londoner and am more than happy to walk anywhere despite the despicable acts of deluded people. Why would any person stay away from Salisbury ? All it does is hurt local innocent business. I passed through on Thursday on my way to lovely little Shaftesbury. Very few tourists but I was delighted to see Sonehenge was busy despite awful weather.

I will be in Nice in June and would go back to wonderful St Petersburg and Istanbul in a heartbeat. We had great interactions with our local Alla tourleader and the private guy we picked at random on the street outside Hagia Sofia.

We should not confuse the dreadful current crop of world leaders with ordinary people. Putin would not care tuppence if a few cruise passengers stay onboard. The only ones to suffer will be the young enthusiastic guides who represent the hope for all of our futures.

I do know that Mrs Miggins. Countries get the leaders they vote for. If even one person notices that not every cruise passenger is happy to visit their country that's enough for us. We can only do our small bit to support our country. Luckily, the governments of more than 20 other countries are doing their best to support us. 'In order for evil to prevail it is sufficient for good men to do nothing' etc.

'In order for evil to prevail it is sufficient for good men to do nothing' etc.

I guess we must agree to disagree since I feel the above quote supports 'good men' visiting Salisbury, London Bridge, Nice, etc etc. rather than staying away.

It was certainly an education to visit St Petersburg. One could certainly have some sympathy with the revolutionaries in 1917. Such splendour for the few.

However I understand completely that you have every right to stay onboard if you prefer. I am sure you will have a relaxing couple of days and Viking will look after you admirably.

I do know that Mrs Miggins. Countries get the leaders they vote for. If even one person notices that not every cruise passenger is happy to visit their country that's enough for us. We can only do our small bit to support our country. Luckily, the governments of more than 20 other countries are doing their best to support us. 'In order for evil to prevail it is sufficient for good men to do nothing' etc.

As I realize that politics and Cruise Critic should not mix, this will be my last comment on this topic. I support the UK in the outrage over the attack in Salisbury by Russia, and I support your decision to not visit St. Petersburg. However, I am sure you realize that not all people in a country get the leader they vote for in an election.

I share Mrs. Miggins view that people and culture and history are in many ways separate from government, and the more opportunities to connect with those facets of another country, the better the chance for understanding. This can be true for both the natives and the visitors. That is one of the main reasons I travel. Seeing pretty buildings is just a wonderful bonus.