Giantfan13

We used SPB Tours and we thoroughly enjoyed our sit down meal immensely. WE have had borscht before, but eating the Russian version of it was a completly different experience. We are vegetarians so we had a fish meal and it was also delicious. Dessert we had some sort of pie with ice cream and again, we loved it.

To be honest, we didn't opt for this because we were concerned how the food would be. We are not eating in the ships dining room. it is a lunch and our main objective was to eat things the Russians would also eat in a Russian Restaurant, not sitting on a boat or bus, eating off our laps.

For some that is the way they wanted to go, fine, we didn't.

The pies on the second day were also very good. again, it was more the experience of eating things you may not get in your home country in the atmosphere of a Russian place.

Both my DW and myself are of the type that we take all our meals in the ship's Formal Dining room, we despise the buffets. Nothing to do with the food, we just enjoy being served and not running around carrying our food from here to there.

I am not condemning this for any one else, it's just not the way we like to do things on a cruise. So the restaurant was perfect. Having the food being very good was simply a plus.

Cheers

Len

Len, did you do any tours with SPB in any of the other ports or just St P? We're touring with Alla in both St P and Berlin. As I understand it, we pay for both tours when we're in St P, but I'm assuming we'll tip the Berlin guide and driver after that tour. Just wondering what your experience was if you did additional tours.

 

thanks!

Jayne

When we cruised, companies like SPB tours and all the rest were just starting to expand to these other ports. Most were just doing St Petersburg and Berlin. Since I had been to Berlin when I was in the service, we opted to stay local.

If I had to do it over again, I would have taken the train to any of the towns that others have mentioned not too far from Warnemunde.

We used SPB Tours only for St Petersburg. As I said in my other thread, we really prefer to do things on our own. Personally, I am not one to follow orders that well, and like to sort of move to my own drummer, if you know what I mean. It was hell to pay while I was in the service,:D:D but after that, I ran my own business for 30 years because being the boss, I knew best. LOL

Cheers

Len

I was referring to getting off the ship in St Petersburg. Did they issue you any sort of tickets to say when you can leave the ship?

Are you in Colorado?

My brother is a long time resident in Durango, and we've been out there many times? Just magnificent country (when it isn't burning ;););))

Cheers

Len

Dnylla

I thoroughly enjoyed reading of your cruise and your adventures. I'm not sure if I missed it or just forgot, but where are you from?

Funny though, on our cruise we found Stockholm to be the best port we visited. It was also our shortest stop but we had a bit more time. We were just fascinated by the Vasa, and Gamla Stan was mesmerizing. We loved to explore, and these narrow cobblestone Streets were just the thing.

I am so glad you had a great time.

If you ever do go back and I am saying this only as a piece of info. In St Petersburg, you had encountered all that traffic and there was nothing Princess could do about that. Many of the private tour companies could though. Then know when and were these things are and they just rearrange their schedules so these 'jams' are avoided. Like they might have gotten you out of the city that day to Catherine's Palace or Peterhoff even if they were scheduled for the first day. They have the flexibility to do that, the cruise lines do not.

But if you and your sis were satisfied, that's all that counts.

I am curious about one thing though. Another cruiser on Princess mentioned that they had to get tickets or something like that to disembark the ship. I didn't see you mentioning that. Did you have this occur also?

Again, thanks for the great review and just wonderful pixs.

Cheers

Len

So glad you had a great time my Dolfan from Miami.

Your report was great.

I have one silly question, if you don't mind. What is the difference between a Russian chicken and any other chicken??

Just making a joke.:D:D:D

Cheers

Len

I also was wondering about shoes, and this thread has been helpful. But I'm wondering what kind of shoes to wear in the evenings on the ship. Is going to be so chilly that sandals would look out of place (and wouldn't be warm enough)?

 

I try to pack lightly, and shoes take a lot of room. I'm not the type to dress up more than necessary, and I plan to wear black pants for formal nights, probably jeans or khakis the other nights. Do you think sandals would be OK? My husband, by the way, will definitely be more casually dressed than I will, no matter the setting!

 

I apologize if this has been addressed, and I look forward to your responses. I have been impressed with much of the advice I have found on here!

During the day, most people opt for some good walking shoes or sneakers. You WILL be doing a lot of walking in ports. I would really not recommend sandals for your time in ports, but many do use them.

As for your time on the ship, depending on when you are cruising and if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors on the ship, sandals might be a bit cool. But if you are used to that, and wear sandals all the time, that might not be a big problem. Sandals usually don't take up much room if you want to include them in your packing, but if you are cruising early in the season or later on, IMVHO, I would pack a pair of shoes you might just wear to dinner every night.

See, for us men it's easy, one pair of sneakers and a pair of loafers and we are all set. :D:D:D:D

Cheers

Len

How much are you supposed to tip tour guides and drivers? I read that the amount the tour company sites state of 10 and 5 percent respectively is excessive. They are taking advantage of US customary tipping and that amount i would be too much. In one thread I read that if a russian tour guide was getting 10% that would be around a month pay in a couple of days. Is that correct? Do they force you to pay exactly 10 and 5 percent? Just wondering.

You tip what you feel is appropriate. 10% is a good guideline depending on what you are paying. For our tour, our total price was $600, so tipped $60---$40 for the guide and $20 for the driver. We gave it all in an envelop to the guide but mentioned that the breakdown was in the envelop.

We had some one posting here a while back, who felt that the tour was so great he tipped 25%.

Again, there is no written thing on this and they will not feed you to the fish if you don't want to tip anything. Tipping is done when they bring you back to the ship on the final day of your tour, so they really do not know what you are giving them.

And no matter what some others think, tour owners do not show up at the end to insure that their people get tipped so they can share some of the money.

Tipping is optional, but most do it. And it is none of our business what guides make and how they spend their money.

Cheers

Len

We are of the Jewish faith and we tried to see as many synagogues as we could when on our cruise.

In Copenhagen, the synagogue is so unadorned that if you didn't see a small Star of David there, you wouldn't even know it was a synagogue.

In Helsinki, we happened to be there on a Saturday and we went to the synagogue there hopefully, to attend services. As was said, there are guards out front and wouldn't even allow us entry onto the grounds. they were very polite about it, but very firm.

In St Petersburg, we toured the Grand Choral Synagogue, which was the only religious house that remained open through out the entire Soviet regime. It is not on most itineraries, but if you ask, it could be included.

In our other stops, Tallinn and Warnemunde, we could find no evidence of Jewish religion. If they were there, we couldn't find them.

In Copenhagen, the main Synagogue is very plain

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe328_zpscd68473e.jpg

In Helsinki, the Synagogue is very nice, but they will not allow anyone onto it's grounds

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe328_zpscd68473e.jpg

But you can get a Kosher Pastrami sandwich

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe328_zpscd68473e.jpg

In St Petersburg, the Grand Choral Synagogue is magnificent, inside and out

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe328_zpscd68473e.jpg

The Sanctuary

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe328_zpscd68473e.jpg

The beamer

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe981.jpg

Hope this helps some

Cheers

Len

That is good to know that the Capital One card transactions showed up as charges....I am thinking this is because you actually used the card to charge something not used it to get money out of an ATM. Can you please verify that is the case.

 

I am under the impression that if one uses their card (pin and chip or otherwise) to get money out of an ATM...that is a cash advance and then subject to higher interest fees, higher exchange rates, and a transaction fee... in other words...one pays for that service in fees.

 

Thanks

Most Credit Cards are just that Credit Cards and not meant to be used at ATM's. If you do, it is usually considered a cash advance and subject to certain charges. Most of the people who have gotten and used the CapitalOne card have done so as a credit card only. Then you need a different card, a Debit Card, usually from your bank. or find one that doesn't charge fees for using their card at outside ATM's not in their system. There are many out there hat do that.

Cheers

Len

Thanks for the terrific write up and pixs. Keep up the great reports.

Cheers

Len

Pre-Cruise, we would like to depart London hotel, visit Stone Hinge and Winsor before being delivered to Southampton Hotel. Can anyone recommend a good tour operator?

Pardon the pun, but it is Stonehenge, and not "Stone Hinge. If you do end up at Stone Hinge, I hope that it is more than just a pile of old rocks as my friend John Bull calls them. :eek::eek::eek:

Even though you can't touch the rocks at Stonehenge, for us, it was one of those places we had always wanted to go to and when we got there, we were thrilled. To John, it may be a pile of rocks, :eek: but for us American's, who are fascinated with the 'Lore' of the place, we wish we could have spent more time there. :D

Cheers

Len

there was a good thread about this a month or so back

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=38120731

seems some cruise lines are trying to be cute in order to get you to use their excursions.

Do not fret as these cards are readily available either on line or at the port itself. You must have one filled out for Russian Immigration.

If you are still stuck, talk to your tour company. they will make sure you have everything you need to get thru immigration.

Cheers

Len

We will be in Saint Johns on July 23, 2013. Looking at that chart about the tides, if I am reading it correctly, it will be high tide thru most of the day. If so, walking to the caves seems to be out?. Am I correct in how I am reading it?

Cheers

Len

Jess

I agree with my fellow posters, I do NOT think having a babysitter is such a great idea.

Unless you are an art freak, the Hermitage is overwhelming and you will only get to see a portion of it. If you miss something along the way because of tending to the baby, it's no big deal. It is the whole experience that matters, not just everything you see.

Figure you will be there for about 3 hours, and you said you can bring the stroller, so hopefully the baby will nap for a while. The Hermitage is very bright, with well lit rooms and plenty of attention grabbing things. The baby will not be interested in them, but it could keep her busy for a while just looking around.

Anyway, I would keep the baby with you for your time there.

Here are a few examples of what I mean

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe927.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster955.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster953.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster958.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe920.jpg

http://s834.photobucket.com/user/Giantfan13/media/baltics/europemaster1037.mp4.html

Cheers

Len

Jess

Did you mentioned to Viktoria that you might be interested in a private tour?? I know they do them. We used SPB

Tours as Viktoria ia just a joy to work with. She will try and accommodate you in any way possible, but again, it's who YOU feel most comfortable with.

As I said before, when you enter Catherine's Palace, they give you those little hospital booties to wear over your shoes, so I wasn't sure if a stroller would be allowed there. Funny you got two completely different replies. I might think they are because how else do you go in with very small children?

Cheers

Len

Thanks Anni, I had forgotten about the lighthouse in Warnemunde. How could I have.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe429.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe446.jpg

I never saw a lighthouse I didn't take a picture of :D:D:D:D

Cheers

Len

Jess

I can't answer that one, but that is a great question to put to any of the tour companies that you write to.

If memory serves, I do not think you can use it at Catherine's Palace as you need to put those little booties on over your shoes.

(At least I believe it was Catherine's Palace)

Cheers

Len

My husband enjoys photographing lighthouses. Are there any special ones to see on the Baltic itin's?

I also love to photograph lighthouses, but alas, I didn't see a one in the Baltics.

Cheers

Len

Thank you Len for the very informative post. Thank you BLONDE 1981. Yes, I think I will write to both companies and compare the prices. May be we also will be able to do full day tours. It will be my first cruise and I’m not sure I know what is best for us J. Anyway thank you all for the information.

Jess :)

Again Jess, try and see as much of St Petersburg as you can, but if you want to join a group, be prepared to cater to some of the other's wishes also.

Anything else, I, or any of my fellow cruisers, can help you with, please just ask away.

You have picked a wonderful cruise for your first. You definitely will be spoiled, when it's time to plan the next one. The Baltics are just awesome.

If I may offer another bit of advice. As I said, this usually is a once in a lifetime cruise (at least for most of us), so try and do things YOU and your wife will enjoy also. Don't try and cater the cruise just for the child. It's YOUR vacation and YOU have to be able to enjoy it also.

Cheers

Len

Hi Len,

It looks like you are a very experienced cruiser and I think I need your help. Currently I’m choosing a tour company for a private two day tour in St. Petersburg. The problem is – we are traveling with a child of 3 and need a very individual approach. We will probably need a quick stop for lunch and we would prefer our tours to be finished at about 3-4 PM. I also think we should start at about 9-10 AM. We don’t want and we just can’t rush from one museum to another, we would prefer to see just the most famous ones such as the Hermitage and the Summer Palace. Could you please recommend a company which would be able to provide a very individual and personalized itinerary? Thank you for your help.

Jess.

Jess

My fellow cruisers have given you the exact advice I would give you. We used SPB Tours (http://www.spb-tours.com/st-petersburg/en/node) for our time and I would recommend them very highly. We used them because of personalized service and we felt that they really cared if we had a great time in St Petersburg.

That said, from what you describe as your ideal tour, surely will not appeal to many others. Most people visiting St Petersburg want to be off the ship as soon as possible, see as much as possible and be back to their ship as late as possible.

Since you have specific desires, I seriously doubt you will find many other cruisers to share a tour with you. Sharing a tour usually makes the price a lot cheaper. The rest is up to you. If you can pay the price you will get any of the tour companies to accommodate your needs.

I would contact several of the major players in St Petersburg, see who offers you what you are looking for at maybe the best price and see which one you feel the most comfortable with. This time of year, you should email them and should hear back by the next day.

There are many people who tour with young children who are able to do full day tours, but only you know what is best for your family.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Len

I carefully compared ALLA & SPB tours - Alla provides a box lunch on the 1st day - this did not appeal to me - I know the days are busy - but I want to relax at a restaurant - SPB has a standard meal - so the serve time is not long - that is why I chose SPB tours

You will love the lunch. Be sure to try the Borscht.

Cheers

Len

I just had such a good feeling I opted to use them...

 

100% correct.

Don't follow anyone's advice but choice the company that makes you feel most comfortable. That's the bottom line.

Cheers

Len

Thanks Len - one of my close friends from work is Jewish also (like me) and born and raised in Russia (been here since she was in her early 20s) and she told me it is also a must - so it will be added. We are not looking for a specific Jewish tour either per se - as my partner Roger he is not Jewish. My boys have seen some amazing Synagogue in the past few years -including Congregation Mickve Israel in the heart of the Historic District of Savannah, GA which is the 3rd oldest in the US plus the old Synagogue Rome in August 2011.

 

In Berlin for me it is a must for my boys to see Sachsenhausen, the concentration camp outside of Berlin on our way to Berlin. We do not plan to spend much time there but I want them to see it.

If you only used Alla in St. Petersburg - did you do your other ports DIY or did you use other comapnies

Thanks

Sharon

If you only used Alla in St. Petersburg - did you do your other ports DIY or did you use other companies

We did NOT use Alla in St Petersburg. We used SPB Tours. (http://www.spb-tours.com/st-petersburg/en/node). They do a fantastic job in all the other cities as well.

We preferred to do the other cities on our own, as we love to just wander about, do some shopping, and take a lot of pix. I would never consider any ship's excursion, but SPB Tours, as well as any of the other major players, all have multiply city tours right now, and, I'm sure, they all do a great job.

I was in business for 30 years dealing with the public and customer service is paramount to me, above a few dollars here and there. The service I received from SPB Tours was first rate and that's what sold me on them.

Cheers

Len

Sharon

We used SPB tours, but we only did St Petersburg with them. We were thrilled with their concerns that we really have a grand time with them. I'll give you one example. We are also of the Jewish faith. While we did not look for a Jewish tour but we did want to see the Grand Choral Synagogue which was not included in our itinerary. When I mentioned this to Viktoria, she immediately included it in our second days itinerary. The others on the tour knew nothing about this, but when it was announced that we would be visiting this 'extra' place, everyone was thrilled.

We couldn't have been happier about this courtesy by SPB Tours. I'm sure all the tour companies will bend over backwards to try and make your tour as memorable as possible, but we know first hand SPB Tours did it for us.

The Grand Choral Synagogue is just not to be missed.

Here are a few pix of it so you will know what to expect

From the outside

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe991.jpg

The main sanctuary

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe985.jpg

Their Chuppah

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe974.jpg

The bimah

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe981.jpg

The main entrance

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe970.jpg

AND, if you have some time, a nice Kosher restaurant next door

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe990.jpg

We also visited the Helsinki Synagogue on Saturday but were not even allowed on the grounds.--Security being what it is. Maybe with a private tour that can be arranged

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster1086.jpg

Cheers

Len

If I may inject a thought. If you are just planning on doing the 'usual' things in Stockholm: the Vasa, Gamla Stan, the Palace and maybe the Changing of the Guard, you really do NOT need a private tour. What you really need is transportation and that's it.

In the Vasa Museum, there are NO private tours. If you book a tour, they will take you there, but once inside, the Museum has their own guides and tours and outside tour companies are not used.

Same for Gamla Stan. This is an area where you just want to explore, walk around on your own. I do not believe any cars are allowed, and the entire fun of it is to just walk around and see what you can find. There is really not much of historical interest except maybe the Nobel Museum. I simply do not remember any tours in this second when we were there.

Also, if you want to see the Palace and the Changing of the Guard, it is simply a place to watch and no tour can do anything special for you.

IMVHO, tours are useless inh Stockholm, unless you are looking to see things out of the ordinary.

Cheers

Len