RJB Posted June 7, 2015 #1 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Hearing a lot on the news lately about new political problems. Any thoughts if it is O.K. to go to St. Petersburg? Thanks, Richie :confused::confused::confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floridiana Posted June 7, 2015 #2 Share Posted June 7, 2015 What does the State Department say? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted June 7, 2015 #3 Share Posted June 7, 2015 If it is not safe the ship will cancel those ports Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kekilia Posted June 7, 2015 #4 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Hearing a lot on the news lately about new political problems. Any thoughts if it is O.K. to go to St. Petersburg? Thanks, Richie :confused::confused::confused: Russia is intractable, provocative, ruled by an egomaniac but not a rogue state. They will follow established international protocols. Even if something outrageous happened, like invading Ukraine, proper diplomatic rules would guarantee the safety of in country visitors (on both sides). Russia is also not stupid, they are suffering especially difficult economic times and will not risk damaging a superstar tourist attraction like St. Petersburg. As for the street, everywhere in the world it is dangerous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrHemlock Posted June 7, 2015 #5 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Exactly. Politics is politics; tourism is business. Maybe they do have a bit of a pickpocket problem. But awareness, alertness and reasonable precaution pretty much neutralize the danger of losing your goods to nimble hands. At least ordinary citizens there don't walk around the streets and in stores and Starbucks carrying guns as is done in some other countries which shall remain nameless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mura Posted June 7, 2015 #6 Share Posted June 7, 2015 I agree. I'm not interested in going to Russia, partly because my father's family came from Ukraine ... partly because we've already been there (well, to St. Pete anyway) ... and partly because I don't like Putin or what he is doing. So I vote with my wallet. But I wouldn't be worried about going there in terms of personal safety. They need that tourist's dollar (or Euro or whatever currency you want to mention). Mura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ronrick1943 Posted June 7, 2015 #7 Share Posted June 7, 2015 I'd say just don't worry abut it, if "O" stops it will be safe. Enjoy what it has to offer. Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Caroldoll Posted June 7, 2015 #8 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Get a travel insurance policy, not issued by the ship, for cancellation for any reason. Then you are covered if the ship cancels at the last minute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
computerworks Posted June 8, 2015 #9 Share Posted June 8, 2015 Russia, Safe to go in August? Yes, everyone there is on vacation that month. The Revolution is scheduled for early October. :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruiser John Posted June 8, 2015 #10 Share Posted June 8, 2015 Anyone considering travelling to Russia should read this book, Red Notice. A true story about business activities in Russia. It helps one understand some of the present day attitudes and problems. Traveller beware. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenMurphy Posted June 8, 2015 #11 Share Posted June 8, 2015 Russia is intractable, provocative, ruled by an egomaniac but not a rogue state. They will follow established international protocols. Even if something outrageous happened, like invading Ukraine, proper diplomatic rules would guarantee the safety of in country visitors (on both sides). Russia is also not stupid, they are suffering especially difficult economic times and will not risk damaging a superstar tourist attraction like St. Petersburg. As for the street, everywhere in the world it is dangerous. Hi I agree with the above poster! Go to St.Petersburg enjoy the wonderful city. Do book a guide to get the most out of your visit. We chose Dancing Bear tours,but all the guides offer a brilliant service and are so proud of the city and its history. Josie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warburg Posted June 8, 2015 #12 Share Posted June 8, 2015 We have been to St. Petersburg, three times, and Vladivostok once. It is impossible to insure perfect safety anywhere, and just a bit more difficult in places where dishonest behavior is common. If you are familiar with Barcelona, and get along there without incident, you already know what to do. Certainly leave valuables behind and limit the number of credit cards you carry to one. I carry one that has the shortest credit line, since I am unlikely to buy anything expensive there anyway. Have the port agent's phone number. Considering that Russia and China seem to like hacking, I avoid ATMs. We spent most of our time on Nefsky Prospekt. There are wonderful sites there, and pickpockets too. After all, they go where they hope the money is. Enjoy yourself. Mary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
resistk Posted June 8, 2015 #13 Share Posted June 8, 2015 100% safe IMO. We opted to get visas and will go out on our own in July. Russian consulate in DC answered all emails promptly and issued three year multiple entry visas in 1 weeks time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJB Posted June 10, 2015 Author #14 Share Posted June 10, 2015 Thanks for all the posts. Looks like we are going and will hope things stay quiet there. :):) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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