Booking with an Outside Tour Group

[sailingmickey]

We will be aboard the Brilliance of the Seas arriving in St. Petersburg on July 22nd. For the first time ever, we have book a tour with an outside tour group. Has anyone had trouble getting off of the ship when you have booked a tour with someone other than Royal Caribbean? I am asking because the cover letter I received from our tour group said:

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“First of all, the ship employees cannot hold the passengers aboard against their will. All the foreign tourists will be allowed to enter Russia provided they have the proper documents” Which according to them is our valid passport and our tour ticket which also a blank visa.

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Since this is our first time booking with an outside tour group, I am a little nervous.

 

Thank you, in advance, for your responses.

[hallasm]

There is absolutely no reason to be nervous - the cruise ship holds no passengers back. It is only the Russian immigration that determines whether you can get into Russia - they do require a passport and a valid tour ticket functioning as visas in this case.

 

The only problem may be for passengers who need a Visa to enter the Schengen area (Not required for US citizens) and only hold a single entry and not a multiple entry visa - but they will not make it to St. Petersburg

[John Bull]

Your tour operator is aware that some cruise lines have been known to hold folk back so that their own tour participants can get ahead of them in the line for immigration. Hence the note in that covering letter.

 

But RCI have not been guilty of this practice :)

 

Do be sure to hover near the gangway & DISEMBARK SOONEST. That will put you ahead of ship's groups, which will be assembling in public rooms on the ship.

 

The paperwork at immigration is simpler & quicker on the second day.

 

Yes, you'll have to take your passports ashore. And your tour ticket, which allows you through immigration visa-free.

 

No worries

 

JB :)

[sailingmickey]

Thank you both for your comments, especially the assurance regarding RCI. Feel so much better now.

[Giantfan13]

This all stems back to a few years ago, when most of the cruise lines just did everything in their power to try and make their passengers book tours thru their own excursion desk. Many people who post on CC, knew about this even though they had booked private tours. Ships used to tell passengers booked with private companies that they had to wait until all ship's tour passengers had disembarked, before they could leave the ship, some even went as far as to tell those booked with private tours that they are not covered by any sort of visa and they couldn't even leave the ship. There were many 'scare' tactics. But thanks to an overwhelming cry from many passengers who knew the truth, and, I believe, a couple of law suits, most cruise lines relented and everyone can disembark as they please. But some of the private companies do let it's customers know that if any sort of shenanigans takes place by the cruise line, what your rights are as a passenger.

 

I haven't heard of any cruise line trying these tactics recently, so don't even trouble yourself about it.

 

Cheers

 

Len

[swaudr]

In 2013 used Alla Tours for excursions in Baltic, they had a 5 port package including 2 day of tours in St Petersburg. Great tours, guides knowledge excellent. recommend them.

Used Cruising Excursions for tours in Norway. No problem with timing. Very good.

Used another private company in Portugal and Spain, not a problem.

 

Syd

[Ashland]

We have sailed on RCI and ported in St Petersburg...used TJ Travel for our private 2 day tour...had no trouble being some of the first off the ship....RCI personel said "Have A Wonderful Day" as we exited :)