Thoughts on recent Baltic Cruise, Explorer, Aug 21-Sep 1

Mary, our Cruise Consultant was a he, not a she, but it was a similar thing...Reception told my in-laws to go see him at 4:00 and we showed up right about 3:58...and we're told that "you need to have an appointment to talk to me, and I already have a 4:00 scheduled. Come back tomorrow." He eventually issued a "provisional" silver card to the in-laws but let them know they still needed to validate their cruises before it was 'official'. And he was smug about it, too.

 

I finally contacted my TA who got things straightened out with Miami...and the next day, the cruise consultant had the cojones to tell my in-laws that HE got their cruise status fixed. :mad:

 

Just left a bad taste.

Sounds like a new Cruise Consultant. Hope that you wrote this up on your Comment Card. Also, when you get settled, please write to Jason O'Keefe as this is his area of expertise!

Sorry to hear about your bag going astray at the beginning and the weather not playing ball with your outward flights, but everything seems good from then onwards.

Having our first Regent cruise booked for a year January, I'm loving all these insights into Regent Cruises, so will eagerly await your full report.

Sounds like a new Cruise Consultant. Hope that you wrote this up on your Comment Card. Also, when you get settled, please write to Jason O'Keefe as this is his area of expertise!

Jackie - you know me - I'm quick to praise good service, and just a bit more reluctant to point out bad service. You bet your bippie I mentioned this on my Comment Card. I was also going to send an email to Jason O if our TA wasn't able to correct the issue in a timely manner.

BP - we found the included tours to be very good to excellent in StP. We did private tours on day 1, then did the Imperial Evening with the Tsars the first evening. Day 2 was the marathon Moscow trip on the Sapsan, and Day 3 was the Faberge museum in the AM and a StP subway/shopping trip in the PM. Busy, busy, busy.

 

There's something to be said for going private, as you really do get to see more in a shorter amount of time...but the included tours aren't too shabby. We loved the Evening with the Tsars (although the vodka didn't flow as freely this time as it did in '10). And Moscow was a real eye-opener. Finally, the StP shopping trip was much more relaxed than our last trip there...they even let us wander off on our own for a few hours, something that wasn't allowed last time. The entire country seemed much more relaxed than it did 7 years ago.

I am considering the mad dash to Moscow on my cruise next year. Was it worth the rather substantial price tag? I've been to St. P before, but never Moscow. The description sounds like it's primarily a series of drive-bys.

I am considering the mad dash to Moscow on my cruise next year. Was it worth the rather substantial price tag? I've been to St. P before' date=' but never Moscow. The description sounds like it's primarily a series of drive-bys.[/quote']

Wish - whether it's worth it is so much a personal question I'm hesitant to answer - but for us, yes, it most certainly was. I've heard of people doing this via a 3rd party company for less money, but I like the ease and convenience of the Regent tour.

 

Be aware that it's a LONG day (we ran close to 20 hours start to finish) and there's a lot of walking. The Сапсан (Sapsan) is comfortable and smooth, although it only runs about 200 kph so it's not too speedy. The trip takes just under 4 hours. Security in the train station can be a bit of a pain, too. It was hectic getting two groups of about 36 people each to the station, through the screening, and to the designated cars on the train, but once on you can relax a bit.

 

After arriving in Moscow we went to the Kremlin first, and it was amazing. You get to see the Armory, the Cathedral, Putin's office, and many other sights. The coffee break was nice, and our only letdown was the fact that Red Square was closed off for a Military Tattoo. So we saw it, but didn't get to visit it. But no worries - we had more time in ГУМ (GUM) which was also incredible. It was nice to be turned loose in Russia for a change. Then we took a short ride on the Metro and checked out some of the stations. Then dinner, then bedlam in the train station again, then another 3:50 back to StP. We were back onboard around 12:30 or so as I recall and of course we were too wound up to sleep.

 

So in a nutshell, it's a long, busy, tiring day - but if you've never been to Moscow before and want to get a good overview, it's worth it. At least it was to us. And remember - the Moscow trip is only offered if you have 3 days/2 nights in StP due to the travel time involved...

 

Hope this helps a bit.

 

FWIW, we had 'free time' in both Moscow and StP, something we didn't get on our last trip there. It's nice to just wander around at your own pace, have a cup of coffee or a vodka, and just chill. I mention that because it might be a less expensive alternative to get a third-party tour put together. You don't really have to be concerned about getting back to the ship 'on time' because you're in StP another full day.

Mary, our Cruise Consultant was a he, not a she, but it was a similar thing...Reception told my in-laws to go see him at 4:00 and we showed up right about 3:58...and we're told that "you need to have an appointment to talk to me, and I already have a 4:00 scheduled. Come back tomorrow." He eventually issued a "provisional" silver card to the in-laws but let them know they still needed to validate their cruises before it was 'official'. And he was smug about it, too.

 

I finally contacted my TA who got things straightened out with Miami...and the next day, the cruise consultant had the cojones to tell my in-laws that HE got their cruise status fixed. :mad:

Just left a bad taste.

Our last two cruise consultants were average at best. They acted like they were doing us a favor. I remember working with Michael Coleman who was knowledgeable and a gentleman. I'm sorry he is no longer with Regent.

Our last two cruise consultants were average at best. They acted like they were doing us a favor. I remember working with Michael Coleman who was knowledgeable and a gentleman. I'm sorry he is no longer with Regent.

I didn't know that. We really liked Michael. I remember a cruise a few years ago - around Christmas time when Regent offered "double nights" on cruises. Everyone on the ship must have lined up to book cruises (we booked three). He was up all hours of the night to insure that everyone could be accommodated. He never lost his sense of humor but did look tired.

Perhaps that is why we are hearing about "new" and perhaps not so great Cruise Consultants. Lynn Madsen (believe that is her last name) has been with Regent a long time and is great. We booked cruises with her on our second day onboard.

UUNetBill, thank you. Value is indeed a personal call. My main concern was in spending 8 hours on a train, only to spend 12 hours on a bus without actually visiting anything. I find the "lots of walking" comment comforting.

Last time I was in Russia, there was no going out on your own. A private arrangement might be an option, but this is one place where I'd rather stick with the ship's arrangements. Particularly as it's just me--my travel buddy has already been there, done that.

My complete, official review of this cruise was finally approved and posted. Here's the link for anyone who's interested: https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=590827&et_cid=2974649&et_rid=204993897&et_referrer=Boards_WAR_CC

I need to see if I can edit the StP excursion section - I wasn't able to add anything for Moscow, which was a cool trip.

Well, back to work.

Bill, what a great review! As you know, we feel the same as you do about Explorer. That could be a good thing or not so good because it make going back to the other ships a tad disappointing.

I assume that the new ship will not have the stairway to nowhere but I learned that the staircase leading down from the 5th deck to deck 4 will be reversed. Instead of ending up facing the theater and elevators, you will be facing Compass Rose, the lounge and casino. While not something that is a big deal, this is what they want to do. Just a bit of trivia about the new ship.

Bill, what a great review! As you know, we feel the same as you do about Explorer. That could be a good thing or not so good because it make going back to the other ships a tad disappointing.

 

I assume that the new ship will not have the stairway to nowhere but I learned that the staircase leading down from the 5th deck to deck 4 will be reversed. Instead of ending up facing the theater and elevators, you will be facing Compass Rose, the lounge and casino. While not something that is a big deal, this is what they want to do. Just a bit of trivia about the new ship.

They should really mix it up and have one facing forward and one facing aft. :o

They should really mix it up and have one facing forward and one facing aft. :o

That would be funny:D

I assume that the new ship will not have the stairway to nowhere but I learned that the staircase leading down from the 5th deck to deck 4 will be reversed. Instead of ending up facing the theater and elevators, you will be facing Compass Rose, the lounge and casino. While not something that is a big deal, this is what they want to do. Just a bit of trivia about the new ship.

Are you referring to the 'grand staircase' under the chandelier?

Are they keeping the 'golf ball' finials? Very strange decorative design!!

Are you referring to the 'grand staircase' under the chandelier?

Are they keeping the 'golf ball' finials? Very strange decorative design!!

And I hope they source a better finish for the handrail; the one on Explorer is already worn through to the base material in numerous spots...

Bill...thanks for the smart review! I noticed you weren't too wild about Helsinki. Neither were we. On Viking, we sprung for an extra excursion to small town Porvoo, then a little river cruise to historic hotel Haikko Manor for lunch then back to Helsinki. Alas, the entire day was somewhat underwhelming, and we too wished we had just explored around downtown on our own...which wasn't that great in comparison to our other ports, but at least somewhat interesting.

Where did you go on your excursion?

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Are you referring to the 'grand staircase' under the chandelier?

Are they keeping the 'golf ball' finials? Very strange decorative design!!

Yes - the grand staircase.

Bill...thanks for the smart review! I noticed you weren't too wild about Helsinki. Neither were we. On Viking, we sprung for an extra excursion to small town Porvoo, then a little river cruise to historic hotel Haikko Manor for lunch then back to Helsinki. Alas, the entire day was somewhat underwhelming, and we too wished we had just explored around downtown on our own...which wasn't that great in comparison to our other ports, but at least somewhat interesting.

Where did you go on your excursion?

 

 

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BP - in all fairness to Helsinki, the weather was bad and we were all pretty tired...but...it was our second trip to Helsinki and 'underwhelming' was the word we used to describe it both times. It's a nice enough city and the people are friendly, but there's no 'hook' for me, nothing that grabs me.

We did a boat tour and the fortress island, but with the weather the way it was we just stayed on the boat and passed on the fortress, a decision I found out later was a good call. Afterwards we just wandered around downtown and wandered the market. Like I said, nice but not fabulous. I think next time we're there we'll look into a tour out in the countryside somewhere.

BP - in all fairness to Helsinki, the weather was bad and we were all pretty tired...but...it was our second trip to Helsinki and 'underwhelming' was the word we used to describe it both times. It's a nice enough city and the people are friendly, but there's no 'hook' for me, nothing that grabs me.

 

 

 

We did a boat tour and the fortress island, but with the weather the way it was we just stayed on the boat and passed on the fortress, a decision I found out later was a good call. Afterwards we just wandered around downtown and wandered the market. Like I said, nice but not fabulous. I think next time we're there we'll look into a tour out in the countryside somewhere.

Good thinking. We explored the outdoor market as well, and bought a relatively pricey box of mixed berries and just wandered around eating them.

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Hello, Bill - and, neighbor, it looks like?! - I've so appreciated reading your Explorer/Baltics posts. I'm getting ready to follow your footsteps next month. Stockholm to Copenhagen. First time on Regent but hopefully not the last! Working with a terrific agent but would love to get your insight on how private excursions really work.

Our 1st day in St. Petersburg we're doing a Private Car. It's only our 2nd full day aboard so I'm nervous about having enough time to coordinate the details (which I understand you can't do until you embark?) with all the excitement of getting settled. Any advice on ensuring that goes smoothly & we have time to plan what we want for that day? For any stops we make, like Peterhof, does RSSC book those tickets & charge to my account, or do I need to purchase on my own? Last, will our RSSC guide actually tour us around, tell us the history, even shortcut the admission process like some tours do -- or should we expect them to be more hands-off?

Thanks!

Hello, Bill - and, neighbor, it looks like?! - I've so appreciated reading your Explorer/Baltics posts. I'm getting ready to follow your footsteps next month. Stockholm to Copenhagen. First time on Regent but hopefully not the last! Working with a terrific agent but would love to get your insight on how private excursions really work.

 

Our 1st day in St. Petersburg we're doing a Private Car. It's only our 2nd full day aboard so I'm nervous about having enough time to coordinate the details (which I understand you can't do until you embark?) with all the excitement of getting settled. Any advice on ensuring that goes smoothly & we have time to plan what we want for that day? For any stops we make, like Peterhof, does RSSC book those tickets & charge to my account, or do I need to purchase on my own? Last, will our RSSC guide actually tour us around, tell us the history, even shortcut the admission process like some tours do -- or should we expect them to be more hands-off?

 

Thanks!

Thank you for asking this question. We have booked a private car for the 3 days and I have the same concerns/questions. Will look out for any responses...

When we were in St Petersburg on the Voyager we booked a private tour guide and car. Not cheap but well worthwhile. Our guide, Galina, worked for the US Consulate, taking their VIPs around (Took Bill Clinton around for example). she planned the 3 days and took us to places that were closed to the public at the time. Catherine's Palace, for example, where we had coffee with the Director on arrival and then shared the state rooms and the Amber room - with the cleaners! At the Chinese Palace the Director himself took us around. It was an amazing 3 days and well worth the money we spent for it. DaisyUK - you have my email... if you want more info just drop me a message!

Thank you Gerry, and I did get in touch with Galina several months ago after you mentioned her previously, but she never replied to my email. We eventually booked the private car through Regent.. I have given Regent a broad outline of what we want to do and they have confirmed that it should be possible, but I am a little nervous about it because they have said that final details can be confirmed once onboard and I would have preferred to have had it all tied up before travelling.

Maybe Galina has moved on to other things...I will stop telling people to contact her! But my goodness she was superbe!! Anyway hope you have a wonderful cruise and tell us all about it!