Cruising the Baltics with a Teen and Tween on the Getaway; A Review

[Travel R]

Selecting a Tour Guide for Saint Petersburg – Our Experience

 

Hmmmmmmm . . . . . in light of the above information (see prior two posts), I do not believe that this post would be of as much value to you, the reader. However, there are many of you that will still want to take a private tour (see my lists of advantages in the prior post), so I will give you a condensed version of this post:

 

Step 1: Gather all of the Intel I could on what there is to see in SPB

 

Step 2: Lay out the information to my family

 

Step 3: Family analyzes and discusses the data

 

Step 4: Family votes on the sites they would like to visit

 

Step 5: Dad (me) creates a spreadsheet detailing each of the major tour operators (including the ship's offerings)

 

Step 6: Dad determines which tour meets the requirements of the family group

 

The Hermitage and the Faberge museum were the two "must" criteria. This narrowed down many of the tours, unless we were to do tours without the Faberge, and visit there as an evening excursion. Since we did not want to do that, it narrowed down the list to three - DenRus Deluxe, SPB Treasures, and TJ Travel Exclusive w/ Faberge.

 

Since I was travelling with a teen and tween, I thought that they would enjoy the non-museum things as well, so TJ and SPB were knocked out of the race because they did not provide a canal boat trip or hydrofoil.

 

As I came upon my decision, another member of the roll call had posted that they were looking for others to join them. A plus was that they also had two daughters approximately the same age as my own. This member was also able to get a discount for the group (below what was advertised on the tour's website). Another family with a DD13 joined our group, as well as another trio of young ladies. The member had been in contact with DenRus and was able to rearange the schedule to include the Gold Room (which is an additional fee - but well worth it) and a vist to the Grand Choral Synagogue (which is not a part of the usual tour template).

 

Over the course of time between the group came together and the time we finally met, it allowed us to correspond back-and-forth between each other, so we got to know each other a little bit before meeting face-to-face. However, I must admit, I was a little bit intimidated to be meeting one of the members of our travel group [Why, you ask? The answer shall be revealed in an upcoming post.].

[fabnfortysomething]

been following this review with interest

we are doing a Baltic cruise in 2018 and intend going with private tour operator

I had heard tales that private tour operators were going to be banned completely from the port so this is better news

 

we have done Baltics cruise in 2010 and went with a private tour operator for just 3 of us

my husband was due to have hip replacement and walking any distance was a struggle so we set up a shortened 2 day visit[but still 7 hours per day so saw a lot]

however meeting the guide at 10am meant the worst of the immigration queues had died down and could have a leisurely breakfast[bear in mind there are several time changes on this cruise so a chance to have a lie in is a bonus

 

being in a smaller group meant getting closer eg dropped right off outside St Isaacs whereas larger coaches had to park further away

the minivan was also able to negotiate narrow canalside roads so a lot of time saved

 

as second time visitors we will adjust the itinerary but the forerunner company has said a later start time will make no difference to length of tour as will just drop off back at ship a bit later-not an issue as 2 day visit

[Travel R]

been following this review with interest

we are doing a Baltic cruise in 2018 and intend going with private tour operator

I had heard tales that private tour operators were going to be banned completely from the port so this is better news

 

we have done Baltics cruise in 2010 and went with a private tour operator for just 3 of us

my husband was due to have hip replacement and walking any distance was a struggle so we set up a shortened 2 day visit[but still 7 hours per day so saw a lot]

however meeting the guide at 10am meant the worst of the immigration queues had died down and could have a leisurely breakfast[bear in mind there are several time changes on this cruise so a chance to have a lie in is a bonus

 

being in a smaller group meant getting closer eg dropped right off outside St Isaacs whereas larger coaches had to park further away

the minivan was also able to negotiate narrow canalside roads so a lot of time saved

 

as second time visitors we will adjust the itinerary but the forerunner company has said a later start time will make no difference to length of tour as will just drop off back at ship a bit later-not an issue as 2 day visit

 

Thank you for your experiences. Going back a second time - that is awesome, most people do not get to go once. May I ask what are the things you would like to see an do that you did not get to during your first visit?

 

For those that are reading, as myself and fabnfortysomething have mentioned, there are still a lot of benefits to using a private tour over the ship's tours.

 

I would like to add that I do not work for, nor am I getting paid to promote the private tours.

[fabnfortysomething]

Thank you for your experiences. Going back a second time - that is awesome, most people do not get to go once. May I ask what are the things you would like to see an do that you did not get to during your first visit?

 

For those that are reading, as myself and fabnfortysomething have mentioned, there are still a lot of benefits to using a private tour over the ship's tours.

 

I would like to add that I do not work for, nor am I getting paid to promote the private tours.

 

 

we are travelling with American friends who we met on the first Baltics and have kept in touch

We didn't see Catherines palace last time or peter and Pauls cathedral but our guide has offered use of wheelchair so this will help my husband

Faberge museum is also on the agenda

 

We visited Peterhof last time and intend to explore the gardens again with use of wheelchair-this means we will forgo the hydrofoil as we did it last time and will be easier to transport wheelchair

we have been offered tour of the smaller palaces/buildings there

 

As second time visitors we don't intend to repeat the following

Hermitage

canal boat ride

subway ride

inside of St Isaacs and Church of spilled blood

 

still planning what else to include and open to suggestions

[Travel R]

Here is a link with some ideas - https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g298507-i707-k10262491-Second_visit_to_St_Petersburg-St_Petersburg_Northwestern_District.html

 

Personally, two of the places I would like to see if I return are the Dostoevsky and Pushkin museums - also the Pete and Paul Fortress, since we did not get to see the inside this last time.

 

Even though we saw the Gold Room, and a number of the Masters' artwork and a few other exhibits, I would still love to go back to the Hermitage and just spend an entire day there looking at many of the exhibits we missed.

[oldplayer532]

Here is a link with some ideas - https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g298507-i707-k10262491-Second_visit_to_St_Petersburg-St_Petersburg_Northwestern_District.html

 

Personally, two of the places I would like to see if I return are the Dostoevsky and Pushkin museums - also the Pete and Paul Fortress, since we did not get to see the inside this last time.

 

Even though we saw the Gold Room, and a number of the Masters' artwork and a few other exhibits, I would still love to go back to the Hermitage and just spend an entire day there looking at many of the exhibits we missed.

I am originally from Russia and visited SPB in 1973 for 10 days during winter break from college. This time around I am bringing my kids and gran kids. Personally, I'd spent at least 2 days in Hermitage, one day in the Russian Museum (paintings by Aivazovsky and Kuindzhi),visit Pushkin and Pavlovsk (parks are closed in winter times). Also Kunstkamera www.kunstkamera.ru/en/ and Pavlov Apartment museum (http://www.saint-petersburg.com/museums/ivan-pavlov-apartment-museum/). For Pushkin lovers, there is a fascinating excursion about his life and last few days he spend in his apartment on Moika .

Now back to reality!

 

As stated in New Disembarkation rules 2018 the five accredited tour companies have a priority to be first to enter the port’s area to take out their clients who are disembarking a ship.

Just curious about who they are...

It looks like jinteso and us are in the same boat...

[jinteso]

I am in the same boat. I was going to ask who the 5 are if anyone knows. But after reading many reviews (of which this is far and away the best and most detailed), I am still STRONGLY considering DenRus. So far, with my limited research and knowledge, my DW and I agree that 4 things are mandatory with any company: the Gold room, the Amber room, the Faberge museum and a ballet during the evening. Seemed like only 1 major company will accommodate that without paying an arm and a leg for a private tour.

[pmcx68]

Travel R,

I love your post. it is full of excellent information.

Can you explain this item:

1) Bring an old credit card or something with a magnetic strip to use for your room electricity

 

 

I am not sure what that means.

[hbgroadends]

Excellent review! Subscribing.

[Travel R]

As stated in New Disembarkation rules 2018 the five accredited tour companies have a priority to be first to enter the port’s area to take out their clients who are disembarking a ship.

Just curious about who they are...

It looks like jinteso and us are in the same boat...

 

I am in the same boat. I was going to ask who the 5 are if anyone knows. But after reading many reviews (of which this is far and away the best and most detailed), I am still STRONGLY considering DenRus.

 

FYI - I contacted the website with the SPB port information inquiring as to the names of the five authorized carriers. I am wondering if these carriers also provide private tours, and if so, will they have an advantage over other private tour operators.

 

As to DenRus, although they accomindated us with all of the modifications, in my opinion, my tour guide was good - but not great, and we did not have an inside visit of the Peter and Paul fortress. I will explain further in an upcoming post - when I get time to write. I am still very busy at work, hosted and cooked for a luau last Sunday for 20 ppl, a family BBQ (I am also hosting) this coming weekend. In addition, I have another article deadline looming on Sunday (in honor of Halloween - the topics discussed include the origin & history of candy, mincemeats, and sweets with a related discussion of the ghosts, ghouls, and monsters in antiquity.)

[Travel R]

Excellent review! Subscribing.

 

Thank you!

 

If you have any questions, I will do my best to answer.

[Travel R]

Travel R,

I love your post. it is full of excellent information.

Can you explain this item:

1) Bring an old credit card or something with a magnetic strip to use for your room electricity

 

I am not sure what that means.

 

When you first walk into your stateroom, there will be a little slot on the wall where you can place your room card - the electricity in the room will only work when your card is inserted in this slot.

 

Although I do agree that you should take out the card when no one is using the stateroom (no need to waste electricity - and it makes the ship as a whole more efficient), it is possible that you may forget to take out the card and leave the room.

 

Yes, I admit it, I had left my card in the slot and closed the door behind me. Luckily my family was close by to open the door for me, and laugh at my misfortune at the same time.

 

However, any card that has a magnetic strip, like an old credit card, or a hotel room key (which is what we used), will also work.

 

For an image of the card slot and additional info, see the following website. The article also has some other features of the "Away" ships - https://www.tnooz.com/article/the-technology-on-norwegians-newest-ship-the-norwegian-breakaway/

[Seminole1975]

FYI - I contacted the website with the SPB port information inquiring as to the names of the five authorized carriers. I am wondering if these carriers also provide private tours, and if so, will they have an advantage over other private tour operators.

 

As to DenRus, although they accomindated us with all of the modifications, in my opinion, my tour guide was good - but not great, and we did not have an inside visit of the Peter and Paul fortress. I will explain further in an upcoming post - when I get time to write. I am still very busy at work, hosted and cooked for a luau last Sunday for 20 ppl, a family BBQ (I am also hosting) this coming weekend. In addition, I have another article deadline looming on Sunday (in honor of Halloween - the topics discussed include the origin & history of candy, mincemeats, and sweets with a related discussion of the ghosts, ghouls, and monsters in antiquity.)

 

Your articles on food sound fascinating to me. I know we are not supposed to promote ourselves on CC, but is there a link where I can read this article? I love Halloween and the history of food in general. If you cannot, I understand.

[Travel R]

Your articles on food sound fascinating to me. I know we are not supposed to promote ourselves on CC, but is there a link where I can read this article? I love Halloween and the history of food in general. If you cannot, I understand.

 

I would rather not post/publicize it on these boards - I hope you understand.

[Travel R]

AUTHORIZED TOUR GROUPS IN SAINT PETERSBURG

 

Thanks to our friends at GuideToPetersburg.com, they provided the list of the five authorized tour groups for the ports in Saint Petersburg:

 

Arctur Travel http://www.arctur.spb.ru/content.html

Baltic Travel Company http://www.baltictravel.com/page/3

DenEesti http://www.deneesti.ee/ru/

Mir http://mirtc.ru/ (only in Russian)

European Cruise Service Russia http://www.europeancruise.no/contact.html

[Seminole1975]

I would rather not post/publicize it on these boards - I hope you understand.

I do understand. Just thought I would inquire since you told us about the article. Didn't know if there was a way to share it and still maintain anonymity. Thanks anyway. Continuing to enjoy your review. We leave in about 30 days!

[jinteso]

AUTHORIZED TOUR GROUPS IN SAINT PETERSBURG

 

Thanks to our friends at GuideToPetersburg.com, they provided the list of the five authorized tour groups for the ports in Saint Petersburg:

 

Arctur Travel http://www.arctur.spb.ru/content.html

Baltic Travel Company http://www.baltictravel.com/page/3

DenEesti http://www.deneesti.ee/ru/

Mir http://mirtc.ru/ (only in Russian)

European Cruise Service Russia http://www.europeancruise.no/contact.html

 

Thank you! That was a fast reply. Looks like I have more research to do!

[fabnfortysomething]

mmm none of those 5 companies are the most recommended private tour companies on here

[oldplayer532]

AUTHORIZED TOUR GROUPS IN SAINT PETERSBURG

 

Thanks to our friends at GuideToPetersburg.com, they provided the list of the five authorized tour groups for the ports in Saint Petersburg:

 

Arctur Travel http://www.arctur.spb.ru/content.html

Baltic Travel Company http://www.baltictravel.com/page/3

DenEesti http://www.deneesti.ee/ru/

Mir http://mirtc.ru/ (only in Russian)

European Cruise Service Russia http://www.europeancruise.no/contact.html

Thank you!

Mir page in English is http://www.mir-travel.com

[jinteso]

I know that this is off topic from your review, and if you prefer Travel R, I will start a new thread. The way that I interpret the article, even in 2018 this new system will only be implemented on busy port days. Looking at the port schedule which I provide below, we will be the only ship in port. I will be in St. Petersburg on 11 and 12 June. So would this still apply?

 

http://ports.cruisett.com/schedule/Russia/664-St_Petersburg/June_2018/

[twruger]

http://ports.cruisett.com/schedule/Russia/664-St_Petersburg/June_2018/

 

Thanks for this link! This is great info! It will be good to know if port loads alter those rules and at what load triggers it. I see one day with 14k cruise passengers! :-O

[Travel R]

I know that this is off topic from your review, and if you prefer Travel R, I will start a new thread. The way that I interpret the article, even in 2018 this new system will only be implemented on busy port days. Looking at the port schedule which I provide below, we will be the only ship in port. I will be in St. Petersburg on 11 and 12 June. So would this still apply?

 

http://ports.cruisett.com/schedule/Russia/664-St_Petersburg/June_2018/

 

Although any discussion pertaining to the Getaway or any of the ports on a Baltic itinerary would be great (the more information the better), it might be best in the Baltics section since this concerns all cruisers docking in Saint Petersburg.

 

However, please come back and post the URL to that thread - and report any findings as more is known.

[jinteso]

Although any discussion pertaining to the Getaway or any of the ports on a Baltic itinerary would be great (the more information the better), it might be best in the Baltics section since this concerns all cruisers docking in Saint Petersburg.

 

However, please come back and post the URL to that thread - and report any findings as more is known.

 

Great idea! Don't know why I didn't think about it to begin with.

[Travel R]

I just contacted one of the private tours for Saint Petersburg and asked them about the new changes. Their response was as follows:

 

Don't worry about it, if the changes will be applied, we'll do our best to operate our tours as promised and possibly a little more than promised :)

 

My interpretation of their response is that they do not know what will happen. If it were my business, I would expect a similar response from all of the tour guide providers.

 

[speaking of Tour Groups - A pic inside Catherine's Palace without all the crowds:]

 

 

[jinteso]

I just contacted one of the private tours for Saint Petersburg and asked them about the new changes. Their response was as follows:

 

Don't worry about it, if the changes will be applied, we'll do our best to operate our tours as promised and possibly a little more than promised :)

 

My interpretation of their response is that they do not know what will happen. If it were my business, I would expect a similar response from all of the tour guide providers.

 

That is good to know. Thank you. I could not see it for some reason on my browser and had to highlight it.

 

Here is the link to the new thread that I created in the Baltic forum relating to this topic.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2534350