St. Petersburg Visa - Silver Cloud voyage 1912

We are booked on Silver Cloud Voyage 1912 with a 2 night stop in St. Petersburg in June. Can anyone advise if it is worthwhile to get individual Visas for private tours or just walking around the city or is it better to go on the ship tours?

We've been in St. Petersburg with Cloud many years ago and we had the private visas. We loved it. we managed to get a private tour of the hermitage which means we were able to see the gold room. By that time big groups were not allowed in there. We also walked around the city by ourselve and had a wonderful time. If I ever get the chance to go back I would never go without a private visa

Another thing to consider, and something I highly recommend, is that instead of ship's tours you get a private car, guide and driver from a company like Denrus or Red October for both your days in St. Petersburg. You can design your own tours, not have to deal with busloads of other people, you will be taken to the head of the line at every site and you can change things as you go if you like. And the best part is that it will cost you less than seeing the same things through the ship. Also, they will provide visas for you for all your tours so you do not need to procure them yourselves unless you really want to get off and walk around on your own. You can google both these companies and see their websites or email them for more info.

It's a great cruise. Enjoy!

Thanks for feedback. How did you get a private tour of the Hermitage and is St. Petersburg an easy city to walk around freely?

Thanks for the information. Did you book your driver and tours before you left the USA ?

Yes, it has to be booked before leaving the USA as they will need your passport info in order to get the visas. Just google Denrus or Red October, go to their website and get the email address. they are very good about replying quickly and will give you all the info you need.