Moscow Day Trip

[cruisewmn]

We're extremely interested in a cruise next summer on the Soujourn which stops in St. Petersburg for almost three days. Seabourn lists two different "day trips" to Moscow via high speed train. Having previously cruised to St. Petersburg, we really don't want to stay there for three days and a side trip to Moscow would be the highlight of the cruise. Has anyone taken this excursion?

[kej1]

I have been to Moscow many times, but never as part of a cruise. Was recently on a Baltics cruise and spoke to people who had - it takes it out of them as it was a super long day. In fact they got home so late that third day they slept in and had "sea day" at port.

 

There is so much to see in Moscow, I it should be a land trip and there are many nice hotels on which you can stay. It is really a 3 day experience. Having said that, if there is not much else you want to see in St Petersburg, and you don't think you will get back to Russia by land, it is a very interesting city with much to do. You will skim the surface, but will enjoy. I would only do if you had limited or no plans in St Petersburg - especially the day after as you return very late at night.

 

If you do not go, there are many not so well known things to do in SP. The Russian Museum is fascinating for example as is Yuspov Palace. The military museums and sights are interesting as well.

 

Whatever you decide to do you will have a great time!

[JaneBP]

Here's a link to more discussions:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1391453&highlight=moscow

[TLCOhio]

We're extremely interested in a cruise next summer on the Soujourn which stops in St. Petersburg for almost three days. Seabourn lists two different "day trips" to Moscow via high speed train. Having previously cruised to St. Petersburg, we really don't want to stay there for three days and a side trip to Moscow would be the highlight of the cruise. Has anyone taken this excursion?

 

Doing a "day-trip" from St. Petersburg to Moscow and back can work well. We did that trip in 2008 with Crystal. Having sailed in the Greek Islands in 2006 with Seabourn on our first cruise, I am sure that the quality would be similar with your cruise line. One change now would be the use of the high-speed train in place of flying back and forth as we did in 2008. Here are more details to consider:

 

Having three days in St. Petersburg allows enough time to do BOTH in seeing Moscow and going to other places near where your ship is docked. Only a few of the better lines, such as Seabourn and Crystal, have that type of schedule. We used in 2008 the main schedule airline, Rossiya Russian Airlines, for this trip. That line is now part of Aeroflot. The train trip takes long, but lessens some of the added time needed going out to the airport and the train gets you closer to the central part of Moscow.

 

I'll offer up some added background, along with various pro/con factors for your consideration. My wife thought it was lots of money, but she viewed it as very much worth it after completing the trip as a "once in a lifetime" experience.

 

CON FACTORS: It's a long day! Leave the ship about 8 am (greeted by a small welcoming band dockside); lots of driving and traffic; get back by return flight to the St. Petersburg airport around midnight and back to the ship a little before 1 am. The cost through Crystal Cruises was not cheap, but it does include everything, including all bus transfers, your jet air flights on regularly schedule commercial airlines, lunch on the bus, dinner in a nice/historic club/restaurant, admissions, etc., etc. Moscow is a super large city of about ten million people. There has been huge growth in the suburbs of this city during the past decades or so. Traffic and time from the airport to the main downtown takes about an hour. You can get a good feel as you travel into town through the coach windows about the “new Moscow” with its suburban growth, commerce, advertising, capitalism, etc.

 

PRO FACTORS: Moscow has its unique history, sights and sites, from Ivan the Terrible up through Lenin, Stalin and the new Russian leaders of today. After a long ride in from the airport on the outer edge of this large metro areas of 17.3 million (with 10.5 million in the city), we stopped at a new hotel for coffee/tea/break. Then, we rode the Moscow subway and saw a couple of their very unique and artistic stations. Stalin at the time called these stations “People’s Palaces”. This Moscow Metro was first opened in 1935 and now has 182 stations, 12 different lines,187 miles of routes and carries seven million passengers each weekday. It’s the world second busiest subway system. This subway ride offered a good sampling of real life for people who live and work in Moscow. We then saw more key places enroute, including the home of the Bolshoy Ballet, KGB Headquarters, various Stalin era buildings, etc. Then we went to the Kremlin with its 19 historic towers. WOW, we were really there!

 

Inside the Kremlin are three key “super stars”. First, was the State Armoury with its spectacular Faberge Eggs, plus so many carriages, crowns, gowns, jewels, etc. Second are the various historic Cathedrals within the Kremlin Walls, plus the Tower Bells, Icon art, etc. This includes the Cathedral of the Annunciation built in the 1480’s and having such spectacular wall murals and icons. Third, was the Great Kremlin Palace with its spectacular reception halls, inlaid wood floors, gold and more gold, fancy ceilings, etc. The Czars were crowned here, plus the current heads of the Russian government, etc. You might check whether your cruise trip will take you insider here. The size and scale of these areas are hard to describe in words, let alone reflect and capture the history that has happened in some of these rooms dating back to the late 1400’s. We have seen lots of great palaces all over Europe, but this is something above and beyond for the eyes, heart and brain.

 

Then, we saw more building inside the walls of the Kremlin. We went outside of the Kremlin Walls and walked next door to adjoining Red Square, seeing St. Basil’s and the re-done Gum Department Store. Red Square is so historic, especially having grown up seeing the military May Day parades there, visuals of Lenin’s Tomb, etc. Have the words “spectacular” and historic been used too much? Maybe, but it fits for many of these unique places. St. Basil’s was built 1555–1561 on the order of Ivan IV (the Terrible). It was the tallest building in Moscow until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower (266 feet tall) in 1600 inside the Kremlin Walls. To be able to “CONTRAST” and compare Moscow and St. Petersburg during these three short days adds to the benefits of seeing both of these great Russian capital cities. Each is a very different and special city.

 

We finished with dinner in the Central Writers’ Club, a one hundred years old mansion made into a restaurant with crystal chandeliers, rich wood panelling, fireplaces, and antique balustrades. Finally, we drove back to the airport, passing many of the new suburban commercial development with big box stores and luxury housing, etc.

 

Is one day too short and limited? YES! You can, however, do and see lots in only that one short day. You get a small sampling above. How often do you get to Russia? The Cold War might not come back in full force, but there are going to be increasing and revisited tensions in future years involving Russia and getting access there. The major cruise lines have done this tour many times and has its details down well and timing perfected. Let me know any questions, thoughts or reactions.

 

Here are a few picture highlights of what we saw in Moscow. Have more to share, if you would like added views for the great potentials there.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Just back from a June 7-19 Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. These postings are now at 25,907 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 47,775 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Appreciate those who have “tuned in” for these two posts. Don’t be shy and feel free to comment and/or ask any questions of interest.

 

 

Walking on the famed Red Square of Moscow:

 

 

 

This is the interior for Moscow's most historic church, Assumption Cathedral or the Cathedral of the Dormition, inside the Kremlin walls. It is the mother church of Muscovite Russia. The church stands on Cathedral Square and was built in 1475–1479 by the Italian architect Aristotele Fioravanti. It was erected on the spot of an older 14th century cathedral of the same name:

 

 

 

The famed KGB Headquarters in Moscow where many entered and did not exit (alive) during the 1950’s and 1960’s:

 

 

 

Kazan Cathedral sits on the northeast corner of Red Square in Moscow. The current building is a reconstruction of the original church which was destroyed at the direction of Joseph Stalin in 1936. The original church was erected as a shrine in the early 1630s to mark the city's liberation from the Polish aggressors. After the Soviet Union’s fall, this was the first church to be completely rebuilt. The cathedral's restoration (1990–1993) was based on the detailed measurements and photographs of the original church:

 

 

 

Here is a small sampling of the Kremlin Royal Treasures of the Czars: Eggs & Jewels:

 

 

 

St. Basil's sits on Red Square and dates back to its 1555-61 construction on the orders of Ivan the Terrible (Ivan IV). It commemorates the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan and marks the geometric center of the city. This location has been the hub of its growth for Moscow since the 14th century. It was the tallest building in Moscow until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600. This church was near destroyed in the 1930’s when Stalin was in control.:

 

[MarciAnn]

We did it with Regent several years ago. We were also docked in St Petersburg for 3 days. We flew to Moscow though. Not sure how long the high speed train takes, but until you get to the airport, through security and your flight leaves it may be the same. It was a great day. I wouldn't have wanted to miss it. We got back about 11 and they had a special dinner waiting for those of us on this excursion. Really did get to see the highlights of Moscow as well as a fabulous lunch.

[wripro]

I did the day trip to Moscow several years ago with Seabourn. Normally, I would never undertake such a grueling day but it was my third time in St. Petersburg and I had seen everything I wanted so I thought why not? It turned out to be a highlight of the trip. Yes, it was a long day but who cares. The day is just as long if you stay on board. Seabourn handled the whole thing extremely well from the flights to the guides to the meals to the private sightseeing. We saw and experienced so much in that one day that I felt I had been there for two or three. Is it better to go and spend a few days? Of course! But if that is not an option and you're not sure if you'll ever get there on your own I think it's a great thing to do.

 

Everything I said though is only for those who have been to St. Petersburg before. If it's your first time you'll need every minute of those three days there to see even a fraction of what there is to see.

[cwn]

Thaks for all the great information. We will be on the Sojourn late next summer in the Baltic. We have been to St Petersburg and are thinking we might do this if offered. Sounds great, hope we get the chance!

[cruisewmn]

I can't thank you all enough for your quick and in depth responses. As much as I would like to take an extended tour of Moscow/Russia someday, I've learned that you never know what the future holds and not to let a good opportuity pass you by. The overall positive reviews and amazing pictures have sold us. While I realize we might be exhausted from the long day, it sounds well worth it.

 

THANK YOU!

[TLCOhio]

I can't thank you all enough for your quick and in depth responses. The overall positive reviews and amazing pictures have sold us. While I realize we might be exhausted from the long day, it sounds well worth it. THANK YOU!

 

Glad we have helped to "SELL YOU". You are summarizing and approaching things correctly. See "IT" while you can and are close. Here are a few more pictures to help you get ready for the amazing sights you will experience there in Moscow.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Just back from a June 7-19 Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. These postings are now at 25,907 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

One of the Kremlin Wall Towers in Moscow:

 

 

 

The domes of the historic church inside the walls of the Kremlin:

 

 

 

Inside the newly, more westernized GUM Department Store:

 

 

 

One of the 1930’s style building built by Stalin in Moscow:

 

 

 

Kremlin Treasures: Crowns and other “tools” for the Czars:

 

 

 

Moscow’s subways are called the People’s Palace with its marble coverings and unique designs for each of the stations.:

 

[merryecho]

Like you, we did the Moscow trip after a couple of trips to St Petersburg. Wouldn't have missed it for the world- totally different feel from SP, or anywhere else in the world. For those of us who lived through the cold war, it brought to life the spy novels I have read all my life.

[Camlachiegirl]

Could you please send more information on your Moscow trips - we would like to do a seperate trip to Moscow after the cruise. Any leads or information would be appreciated.

 

I have been to Moscow many times, but never as part of a cruise. Was recently on a Baltics cruise and spoke to people who had - it takes it out of them as it was a super long day. In fact they got home so late that third day they slept in and had "sea day" at port.

 

There is so much to see in Moscow, I it should be a land trip and there are many nice hotels on which you can stay. It is really a 3 day experience. Having said that, if there is not much else you want to see in St Petersburg, and you don't think you will get back to Russia by land, it is a very interesting city with much to do. You will skim the surface, but will enjoy. I would only do if you had limited or no plans in St Petersburg - especially the day after as you return very late at night.

 

If you do not go, there are many not so well known things to do in SP. The Russian Museum is fascinating for example as is Yuspov Palace. The military museums and sights are interesting as well.

 

Whatever you decide to do you will have a great time!

[kathy16]

We were on the Sojourn July/August 2012. We did a private day trip to Moscow using SPB tours via high speed train on our 2nd day in ST P. They picked us up from the ship around 5:30 am and dropped us off at the rail station, and we met our tour guide and a driver for the two of us at the Moscow rail station. It took 4 hours each way for the train, but it went from city center to city center, and it seemed to go by relatively quickly. We had a great time in Moscow- seeing the highlights as described on the tour itinerary, and we could customize it. There seemed to be little English spoken in Moscow, people not as friendly as in St P, and the traffic was horrible. I was actually glad to get back to St P( at around midnight).

It was a busy day, but that didn't stop us from a full day of touring before and after the Moscow trip on private tours by SPB tours. It was quite expensive, but I'm glad we went- and I really have no desire to go back.

Kathy

[seabournaddict]

Years ago we did a land tour of Russia, so got to spend about 5 days in both Moscow and St Petersburg. I actually like Moscow more than St Petersburg. We have also done a Baltic cruise on Seabourn, so have had another 3 days in St Petersburg, so NEXT time we will certainly do the day tour to Moscow. I would also prefer to do it the way they do now, by train, would have been dubious about a Russian "domestic" flight. ;)

[Emperor Norton]

Years ago we did a land tour of Russia, so got to spend about 5 days in both Moscow and St Petersburg. I actually like Moscow more than St Petersburg. We have also done a Baltic cruise on Seabourn, so have had another 3 days in St Petersburg, so NEXT time we will certainly do the day tour to Moscow. I would also prefer to do it the way they do now, by train, would have been dubious about a Russian "domestic" flight. ;)

 

I could've sworn I'd responded to this thread earlier:confused:

 

I'd take my chances on a domestic flight with their new fancy Boeing planes (or even an odd Ilyushin). The train was a less than stellar experience. Four hours each way in a straight backed non reclining seat. Some of them had another passenger about 24" in front of you, facing you - so no sticking your legs out. Further they didn't seem to believe in AC so the car just got hotter and hotter. Moscow itself was great, I found it particularly amusing that right across from Red Square they had a capitalist pig-dog mall filled with luxury American and European brands.

[MichiganDavid]

Following is a description and personal review of the Seabourn Cruise - St. Petersburg -shore excursion: “MOSCOW BY TRAIN & THE MYSTERIOUS KREMLIN”

 

On June 18, 2012 – my wife and I participated in the Seabourn Pride’s Moscow Excursion along with 12 other passengers and 2 guides. Most of us had room service breakfast at 4:30am, crossed the flooded river outside Russian Customs and met the bus @ 5:30am for a transfer to the St. Petersburg Train Station. The high speed train (mostly at 130-140 MPH) left the station at 6:30am and arrived in Moscow at 10:15am. The train ride was uneventful and a box snack was provided.

 

In Moscow, we were met by the local guide and a full size bus. We drove into and around central Moscow for about 30 min. – buildings and sights are interesting, but do not compare to the historical & decorative buildings of St. Petersburg. We then took a Metro (subway) ride in Moscow. The metro is interesting, but not as impressive as St. Petersburg’s. (You will notice that throughout this review, I state that St. Petersburg is better than Moscow, which is true of everything except for the Kremlin, which holds its own and should be the main purpose of this excursion.) (Seabourn states that the Kremlin is closed on Thursday – THEREFORE, DO NOT TAKE THIS TOUR ON THURSDAY.)

 

After driving around Moscow again to view several areas from the bus, we visited the Kremlin, which is a very large wall enclosed fortress with hundreds of buildings, churches, monuments, fortress walls with many towers/etc. After a long walk (many long walks to come) at an OLYMPIC SPEED PACE (You will walk fast to see everything in the allotted time). We started with the “Armory” museum which was very good and I do not normally like museums. There are rooms with royalty gowns, Czars’ crowns, royalty carriages, suits of amour and weapons, jewel covered bibles, Faberge Eggs, etc. – basically Royal Treasures. From here we walked to the “Churches Square” with It’s 17 churches. We entered the Annunciation Cathedral where most all the Czars were crowned. Outside - took pictures of the largest BELL in the world that has never been rung and the largest CANNON that has never been fired. Took pictures of government buildings and the President’s Palace.

 

At about 1:45pm, we walked back to the bus for a short ride to a very prestigious restaurant (and it was) for a four course late-lunch with an excellent French Bordeaux.

 

After lunch, we visited the very large Red Square @ 3:15pm for a tour of “St. Basil’s Cathedral” which was beautiful and very interesting with its many Onion Domes – but I liked St. Petersburg’s “Church on the Spilled Blood” better. We were able to see the front of the Lenin’s Tomb, but it was closed. At the other end of the Square was a beautiful museum and very nice smaller church where recorded services were being played.

 

We had 45 min. on our own to walk around the Square and after another long fast walk back to our bus, we proceeded to the train station for a 7:45pm departure back to St. Petersburg. A snack and drink was provided. Arriving in St. Petersburg at 11:30pm, with the sun just beginning to set (the mid-night sun), we proceeded to the ship – 18 hour tour/ 21 hour day.

 

Summary: Is the tour worth $1,000 per person – only if it is important to see Moscow once in your lifetime. See St. Petersburg first; tour has extensive walking at a very fast pace; you will be going to Moscow to see the Kremlin which is historical and beautiful.

 

Have Fun,

Dave