Walk in St Petersburg after tour?

[dogs4fun]

Just got back from a trip to St. Petersburg. There is very little to see around the port but I don't really think it's the best idea to walk around alone. One of the passengers on our ship, the Breakaway was robbed while on tour visiting the Church of the Spilled Blood. This was not a pick pocket but a direct robbery so I would think twice before walking around Russia.

I was not aware that the Breakaway visited Russia - perhaps you mean the Getaway?

I frequently visit St. Petersburg - most recently last October/November. We walk around during the day, evening and at night (after dark) and have never had any problems with robberies or anything of the sort. I have also done the same in other Russian cities including Moscow. I take the usual precautions and do not carry my valuables in a purse or anywhere that gives thieves easy access. I understand that crime can occur anywhere, and I do not know the particulars of this "robbery" while visiting Our Savior on Spilled Blood but I feel that it is unfair to single out Russia as an unsafe destination to walk around.

Yes, there is very little to see/do around the port area except some shops in the terminal - the Marine Facade (where the cruise ships dock) is located some distance from the city center.

[ALLO]

I was not aware that the Breakaway visited Russia - perhaps you mean the Getaway?

I frequently visit St. Petersburg - most recently last October/November. We walk around during the day, evening and at night (after dark) and have never had any problems with robberies or anything of the sort. I have also done the same in other Russian cities including Moscow. I take the usual precautions and do not carry my valuables in a purse or anywhere that gives tI didnhieves easy access. I understand that crime can occur anywhere, and I do not know the particulars of this "robbery" while visiting Our Savior on Spilled Blood but I feel that it is unfair to single out Russia as an unsafe destination to walk around.

Yes, there is very little to see/do around the port area except some shops in the terminal - the Marine Facade (where the cruise ships dock) is located some distance from the city center.

Your right, I did mean the Getaway. I don't want to single out St Perersburg but this was the first time I heard of what I would call a strong are robbery. An eldery man witnessed 2 men, one old one younger having an altercation. When tried to stop it they both turned on him and took his wallet etc. After reporting it to the cops he discovered that they had already charged over $2500 on his credit card. This is just a reminder to carry a travel wallet with only 1 card, licence and a few bucks.

[chubbypiggy]

Ah, that is an excellent idea - it will save you the hassle (and cost) of having to apply for a Russian visa. Adding 2 days to your cruise may be about the same cost as the visa. :)

 

If not wanting to end in SPB, then it will be the 25-day cruise instead of the 21-day cruise. It is 4 more days with 2 ports and 2 sea days. That additional 4 days will cost about $1,200 more per person (balcony cabin).

[dogs4fun]

If not wanting to end in SPB, then it will be the 25-day cruise instead of the 21-day cruise. It is 4 more days with 2 ports and 2 sea days. That additional 4 days will cost about $1,200 more per person (balcony cabin).

Ouch! That is definitely more than the cost of a visa.

[rebusrockeress]

we've just returned from a Baltic cruise with P&O. We actually used a Russian company this time, TJ travel, which as excellent and we chose to do a Russian Experience in the evening, which was a stroll along Nevsky Prospect with a guide (just the two of us and her!). However our ship provided a 'St Petersburg Explorer' which we did 4 years ago and saw that it was repeated this year, where we were dropped off, with maps and info in 3 different places and given free time to wander - the last stop was in Nevski prospect and we had 3 hours of freedom! It was fantastic and at no time did we every feel uncomfortable despite it being Navy Day (although, to be fair, I can speak a little Russian and can read all the signs, but my husband can't and he thoroughly enjoyed it). Having said that our guide this time was rather confused that we were allowed to do this (walk about on our own without a proper visa). I don't know if other companies provide such a tour, but it was exactly what it sounds you want to to

[Pet Nit Noy]

However our ship provided a 'St Petersburg Explorer' which we did 4 years ago and saw that it was repeated this year, where we were dropped off, with maps and info in 3 different places and given free time to wander - the last stop was in Nevski prospect and we had 3 hours of freedom! It was fantastic ... Having said that our guide this time was rather confused that we were allowed to do this (walk about on our own without a proper visa). I don't know if other companies provide such a tour, but it was exactly what it sounds you want to to

 

I know the poster who first kicked off this topic is thrilled with the information she's learned, but count me in your guide's category. In fact, I think most of us share your guide's confusion!

 

I've been on this board for several years. Although the topic of independent time has come up repeatedly, this is the first time anyone has posted with specific information contradicting both the conventional wisdom and the posted regulations about visa free port calls.

 

And not just one person! Several!

 

Princess Cruise line and, now, P & O has been mentioned more than once for offering independent excursions. Perhaps the company that contracts the ship's excursion for those two lines (former partners until they were bought by Carnival) feels the risk of bending the rules along Nevsky Prospekt falls within their comfort level.

 

When a licensed guide is surprised...

[rebusrockeress]

What I didn't make clear, is that the bus / driver and guide stayed where we were dropped each time so, technically, we weren't on our own completely without support and without a guide - it is just a very extended photo stop! I hope posting about it will not jeopardise the excursion...

[rebusrockeress]

We did have the correct documentation - our passports were stamped at passport control and we were covered by a blanket visa as our stay in St P's was less than 72 hrs and we were on an organised tour. The visa is what is needed mainly to get you into a country. we had to get a visa to get into the US but at no point after that were we ever asked to show it (not that there is anything to actually show anyway - just the stamp in our passports) It is no different to a guy on our ship who, in the crowds at Peterhof, got separated from his group. Even 8 years ago, on an official ship's excursion on our first visit, we were told at various stopping places, to just get back to the coach or a designated meeting point at a set time - at no point did the guide tell us to stay with him - we had free time to wander around the places knowing where to go for help if necessary. I think if the tours are provided by the cruise lines, then they must be pukka, as cruise lines are notorious for keeping to the rules and being slightly paranoid about safety. These tours have been running for several years with official Russian guides on official ships' excursions, so there must be a suitable arrangement being made and we always knew where the guide would be if we needed him, so the tours were not independent in that sense, therefore not violating any rules. We were actually told not to make it too obvious that we were tourists, so the first thing the ship does is provide you with a sticker to show that you are a tourist on an excursion..... Am quite shocked at the strength of replies to this thread to be honest

[Pet Nit Noy]

We did have the correct documentation - our passports were stamped at passport control and we were covered by a blanket visa as our stay in St P's was less than 72 hrs and we were on an organised tour.

 

I think you're confusing your most recent tour with the one you took several years ago and the ones posters have described in this thread involving 2 1/2 to 4 hours of independent wandering.

 

Here's text from what I think is the clearest explanation of the regulations for visiting St Petersburg visa free: "The 72-hour exemption for cruise ship passengers does not mean that visitors have three days free in St. Petersburg. Not only will you have to sleep on the ship (not a problem for most cruise passengers), you will also have to be accompanied at all times on shore by a licensed tour guide. In other words, from the moment you leave the ship in the morning to the moment you step back on board in the evening, you will have to follow a pre-arranged schedule and will not have the opportunity to explore the city under your own steam. (My emphasis added to the published text)

 

http://www.saint-petersburg.com/russian-visa/for-cruise-ship-passengers/

 

The conventional wisdom is that a tour company may quite legally give people 30 minutes to do some individual shopping or whatever, but that's orders of magnitude different from the companies that are letting people wander Nevsky 2 1/2 to 4 hours. Clearly, the tour companies running those time-on-you-own tours take a different point of view.

 

No one is annoyed with you or any other poster who took the opportunity that was offered to them. We're simply echoing what your own guide felt. Did you tear into your guide when he/she expressed surprise? I suspect not. So why are you angry at us for the same reaction?

 

[rebusrockeress]

Sorry, not angry at all, just a little bewildered as all I tried to do was reassure those who are considering their options that I am sure all is well whichever option they choose. The same blanket visa applies to tours booked with the ship and those booked with a Russian tour company. If a ship offers a tour with more free time then I am convinced that they will only be able to do that legally, that's all I am saying. Sorry if my post sounded angry, it wasn't meant to be. Hope all who visit St P's have a truly wonderful time there. The Russian people are very warm and welcoming we found. over and out :)

[cat-tav]

Stop the press! This is exactly the type of thing I am looking for. How do we find out the name of the tour operator that these 2 cruise lines used? I would still book an organized tour for the first day, but I would love this type of independence for part of the second day.

Excellent work you sleuths you!

We're going to St. Petersburg on the Crown Princess in July. We have booked a Princess tour called "Hermitage Museum and St. Petersburg On Your Own". It includes a 2 hour guided tour of the Hermitage, followed by 3 hours free time on Nevsky Prospekt. Notes on the excursion say that this part is non-guided and does not include lunch or any entrance fees. The cost is $99.95 per person. The other day that we're in Russia we're taking the Princess sponsored "Moscow in a Day" tour--high speed train to Moscow, time in Red Square, the Kremlin, etc., train back to SP. Breakfast and dinner served on the train. This one includes 105 minutes free time in Red Square. We're also "do it on our own" kind of travelers, so we were really happy to find these two tours.

[upwarduk]

Thanks to everyone for the helpful replies. It sounds a bit less restrictive than I feared, but I won't break away from a group.

I'd especially like to get night time photos of the city. Does the cruise ship terminal have good views of the city or is it in an industrial area? Thanks again.

You will need to be on a small ship to moor at English Bridge, which is near the centre of the city ( Azamara perhaps?)

The larger ships are out at a new purpose built port, close to the stadium which will be used for the World Cup in 2018.

[collijoha]

You will need to be on a small ship to moor at English Bridge, which is near the centre of the city ( Azamara perhaps?)

The larger ships are out at a new purpose built port, close to the stadium which will be used for the World Cup in 2018.

 

yes, it always depends on the ship - we hoped for an in-city landing area but it appeared to be an industrial zone. I was really disappointed..

[uboatman]

Succinct and to the point: It's Russia.

 

There are some great websites that provide tour-specific guidance, i.e., http://www.saint-petersburg.com. Without the "blanket tour visa" (rules changed in 2012) you MUST remain with the tour guide at all times. NOTE: There are some cruise lines that state, "If you don't book with us you will not be allowed to leave the ship!" (e.g., MSC). This is a tactic used to intimidate passengers to use the cruise line's pre-paid tours. As long as your tour company is sanctioned and licensed by the Russian Government and you have provided your tour agent, e.g., SPB, all personal information to support entry, you will be allowed to enter Russian turf.

[spbstan]

There is a lot of confusion and questionable information given, mixed in with good information...and always is the case on any topic.

 

There are tour operators who have free time options, which usually after the day tour, by choice one can stay out in the city center or return to the ship with the rest of your party. Often, people are really tired by 6pm since they have been on the go since getting up at 6am. But some prefer to stay in the city center. Technically they need supervision but that is a pretty broad term. One company I know of has college students who are going through the tourism program in college as escort to lead one to shopping or restaurants or whatever they want and meet up again at an agreed time to head back to the port. That is a free option. The suggested activities include shopping, fine dining, jazz clubs, dance clubs, walking around exploring,river dinner cruise, a pub crawl, or just sit in an outdoor cafe people watching. Of all the options the most popular is going to some social place like an English style pub and interact, chat with locals. That seems to be what people enjoy the most. It IS fun because Petersburgers are rather social and well traveled so enjoy conversation with visitors. Most patrons of pubs are like all evening activities, young university educated people and usually outgoing, fun and speak English. In pubs or trendy cafes, you will find that most customers are young women, who seem to be more social, and gather with their girlfriends for an outdoor or roof top terrace glass of wine, or pubs. Pubs are social centers, where it is normal to strike up a conversation with anyone. St Petersburg is the most educated city in Russia which is the most educated country on earth. You probably will not meet anyone who does not have a college or university degree, by age 20. The best thing about St Petersburg is the people and it is a shame most visitors from ships never have direct interaction with locals. When read to return to the ship the escort is met and using public transportation(about $1.50 total per person) or a taxi, about $8-10, return to the port. One of the most popular entrances in the evening is the Faberge Museum and palace and another is the climb up St Isaac Cathedral's colonnade which offers spectacular views. Great opportunity for photographers to get shot with fewer people in the way that is a problem during the day. No charge for any of this but it is nice to tip the escort. They will know where to point you to for what you want to do, for example shopping, away from the expensive tourist shops. If you want specific advice, just ask. I know the laws very well, and practical application of them as it pertains to cruise visa free visits.

[bonnyweed]

There is a lot of confusion and questionable information given, mixed in with good information...and always is the case on any topic.

 

There are tour operators who have free time options, which usually after the day tour, by choice one can stay out in the city center or return to the ship with the rest of your party. Often, people are really tired by 6pm since they have been on the go since getting up at 6am. But some prefer to stay in the city center. Technically they need supervision but that is a pretty broad term. One company I know of has college students who are going through the tourism program in college as escort to lead one to shopping or restaurants or whatever they want and meet up again at an agreed time to head back to the port. That is a free option. The suggested activities include shopping, fine dining, jazz clubs, dance clubs, walking around exploring,river dinner cruise, a pub crawl, or just sit in an outdoor cafe people watching. Of all the options the most popular is going to some social place like an English style pub and interact, chat with locals. That seems to be what people enjoy the most. It IS fun because Petersburgers are rather social and well traveled so enjoy conversation with visitors. Most patrons of pubs are like all evening activities, young university educated people and usually outgoing, fun and speak English. In pubs or trendy cafes, you will find that most customers are young women, who seem to be more social, and gather with their girlfriends for an outdoor or roof top terrace glass of wine, or pubs. Pubs are social centers, where it is normal to strike up a conversation with anyone. St Petersburg is the most educated city in Russia which is the most educated country on earth. You probably will not meet anyone who does not have a college or university degree, by age 20. The best thing about St Petersburg is the people and it is a shame most visitors from ships never have direct interaction with locals. When read to return to the ship the escort is met and using public transportation(about $1.50 total per person) or a taxi, about $8-10, return to the port. One of the most popular entrances in the evening is the Faberge Museum and palace and another is the climb up St Isaac Cathedral's colonnade which offers spectacular views. Great opportunity for photographers to get shot with fewer people in the way that is a problem during the day. No charge for any of this but it is nice to tip the escort. They will know where to point you to for what you want to do, for example shopping, away from the expensive tourist shops. If you want specific advice, just ask. I know the laws very well, and practical application of them as it pertains to cruise visa free visits.

 

Stan, Would you please provide specific information about how to arrange the opportunity to meet local residents at a pub or to tour for a few hours independently? I'm especially interested in the company using the tourism students. Thank you!

[spbstan]

Stan, Would you please provide specific information about how to arrange the opportunity to meet local residents at a pub or to tour for a few hours independently? I'm especially interested in the company using the tourism students. Thank you!

There are several, one is Ludmila Tours, and other is Tickets and Tours, which has that feature on their tours offered on Viator booking site "2-Day St. Petersburg City and Local Culture Shore Excursion in a Small Group" as a group tour and another as a private tour called "2-Day Private City Tour of St Petersburg" on Viator. Another is Victoria at VJ-Services.com

I am sure there are others. About 1/5th of recent ship passengers have been people from countries which need no visa(Russia has visa waiver agreements with 44 countries, an increase in 10 just in the last year) so a lot more people are just taking a taxi or the bus 158 to the metro station or into the city center.

[BURNSMN]

There is a lot of confusion and questionable information given, mixed in with good information...and always is the case on any topic.

 

There are tour operators who have free time options, which usually after the day tour, by choice one can stay out in the city center or return to the ship with the rest of your party. Often, people are really tired by 6pm since they have been on the go since getting up at 6am. But some prefer to stay in the city center. Technically they need supervision but that is a pretty broad term. One company I know of has college students who are going through the tourism program in college as escort to lead one to shopping or restaurants or whatever they want and meet up again at an agreed time to head back to the port. That is a free option. The suggested activities include shopping, fine dining, jazz clubs, dance clubs, walking around exploring,river dinner cruise, a pub crawl, or just sit in an outdoor cafe people watching. Of all the options the most popular is going to some social place like an English style pub and interact, chat with locals. That seems to be what people enjoy the most. It IS fun because Petersburgers are rather social and well traveled so enjoy conversation with visitors. Most patrons of pubs are like all evening activities, young university educated people and usually outgoing, fun and speak English. In pubs or trendy cafes, you will find that most customers are young women, who seem to be more social, and gather with their girlfriends for an outdoor or roof top terrace glass of wine, or pubs. Pubs are social centers, where it is normal to strike up a conversation with anyone. St Petersburg is the most educated city in Russia which is the most educated country on earth. You probably will not meet anyone who does not have a college or university degree, by age 20. The best thing about St Petersburg is the people and it is a shame most visitors from ships never have direct interaction with locals. When read to return to the ship the escort is met and using public transportation(about $1.50 total per person) or a taxi, about $8-10, return to the port. One of the most popular entrances in the evening is the Faberge Museum and palace and another is the climb up St Isaac Cathedral's colonnade which offers spectacular views. Great opportunity for photographers to get shot with fewer people in the way that is a problem during the day. No charge for any of this but it is nice to tip the escort. They will know where to point you to for what you want to do, for example shopping, away from the expensive tourist shops. If you want specific advice, just ask. I know the laws very well, and practical application of them as it pertains to cruise visa free visits.

This post best describes what I was told by a Russian Customs agent upon my return to the NCL Getaway on the first night of our two days in St. Petersburg. I actually had time to stop and talk to an agent who was very friendly and wanted to practice her English! I was returning from my first day of two days with SPB Tours. The agent said that my tour documentation for the two days was flexible and that if I wanted to I could have added a night time tour that was not originally scheduled. To be fair I would have used SPB to arrange it that day because they had handled the original paperwork for me. The agent said that they did not recheck against specific tour times that were on the documentation presented the first morning that you entered Russia. I did not end up doing a night tour but could have added it as late as the first night without any additional approvals.

[upwarduk]

I did not end up doing a night tour but could have added it as late as the first night without any additional approvals.

Useful information.

Thanks.

[El turista]

If you get permission to debark on St. Petersburg because you bought a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean, can you shop around in the cruise terminal for souvenirs?

[threetowner16]

If you get permission to debark on St. Petersburg because you bought a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean, can you shop around in the cruise terminal for souvenirs?

Your shore excursion ticket only allow one entry and one exit through Russian immigration,so you can shop in the terminal while waiting for your excursion group to assemble or on return before you go through immigration...you cannot reboard the ship and then get off to visit the shops as you would have to pass through immigration again,and as you had already entered once your shore excursion ticket would be invalid and you would not be allowed to enter the terminal again

[bonnyweed]

I started this thread and I have received a great deal of useful information. Thank you very much.

[bonnyweed]

This post best describes what I was told by a Russian Customs agent upon my return to the NCL Getaway on the first night of our two days in St. Petersburg. I actually had time to stop and talk to an agent who was very friendly and wanted to practice her English! I was returning from my first day of two days with SPB Tours. The agent said that my tour documentation for the two days was flexible and that if I wanted to I could have added a night time tour that was not originally scheduled. To be fair I would have used SPB to arrange it that day because they had handled the original paperwork for me. The agent said that they did not recheck against specific tour times that were on the documentation presented the first morning that you entered Russia. I did not end up doing a night tour but could have added it as late as the first night without any additional approvals.

 

BURNSMN--Thanks, you are a good sleuth!

[CRHeel94]

I'm wandering if only Pincess has this kind of tours. The itinerary seems to be really good especially for "on their own" travelers:D And just to clear it up, does the guide stay somewhere nearby during the free time?

 

We just came back from RCI and they had something similar. We met a couple who did a one day tour the first day and than had this "wanderer" set up the next day.

[bonnyweed]

We just came back from RCI and they had something similar. We met a couple who did a one day tour the first day and than had this "wanderer" set up the next day.

Further proof that the unicorn-like independent tour is real! If a driver or minder needs to be waiting in the car that is fine. Thanks for sharing.

NCL isn't offering this independent option, but I have been lucky to join a private tour that meets my desire for flexibility.