Red October vs. Ships Tour; How are they different?

[swdke]

I have read many positive remarks about Red October and DenRus. I am planning a cruise for next summer and will probably do the same with these private tours. Still, I was wondering what is the difference between the Ship's tours to St. Petersburg, and these private tours that make them stan out? Also, what was the difference in price? I would appreciate any information on this matter, and thank your for your responses.

[msiowa]

Last summer (2003) we were on Constellation. We joined 4 other people who we met on this board for a 2-day tour of St. Petersburg with Red October. In my opinion, it's the only way to go.

At first we thought we'd do ship tours because Red October for just the 2 of us was too expensive. But when we joined with the 4 others, Red October became less expensive to see far more than the ship tours. (I'm sorry, I don't have figures for you.)

We were able to customize our 2 days of touring including going to the ballet on our first night. Compared to our table mates who did ship tours we went far more places, had some different experiences (rode the subway, went to a grocery store) all in great comfort and without feeling like part of a herd.

It's much easier to maneuver with 6 people than a group of 50-60 so, for example, in the Hermitage we saw a great deal more because our guide could zip us around a VERY crowded facility so we saw all the highlights.

We never stood in line (some ship tours did) and the 2nd morning when we started our day at Catherine's Palace, we got in about a half hour before the Celebrity tours who were there waiting. There were about 10 of us from Red October and we had the whole place to ourselves.

Our guide could cater to our needs and whims and we had her full attention for 2 days. We had interesting conversations about the places we visited, history, the changes since the Soviet regime collapsed, and life in Russia.

It was an incredible experience. If I could tour like that everywhere, I would.

I highly recommend using Red October. You won't regret it!

Happy sailing.
Joanie

[gbc]

We used DenRus on our August 2004 Grand Princess cruise. They were fabulous and I agree, it is the only way to go. We had four people to one guide - we could hear everything she said and could ask as many questions as we wanted. There were no lines. We went to the Gold Room at the hermitage and the Choral Synagogue which are generally not included in ship's tours. The most important difference is that you customoze your trip. We did some reading in advance and told DenRus where we wanted to go and that is what we saw. In our case the 2 days were $400 per person v $300 for the equivalent (?) ship's tour. To be blunt (but please read this as unobnoxiously as you can), the cruise was $3000 per person plus airfare - I wasn't going to quibble over $100 to see what for us was the crowning jewel of the Baltic.

Whatever you decide, the Baltic cruise is fabulous and I am sure you will love it!
Gail

[aqua]

We did 2 days with Red October this summer on our Constellation cruise. We had a group of 9 people and paid about $300 per person for the 2 days. I talked to a lady who took the ship's tour of the Hermitage. She complained that all she did was chase the guide around the museum. The Hermitage was so crowded that she couldn't hear anything and she was afraid of losing the guide in the mob scene. By contrast, our guide waited for our small group to gather around her at each point ot interest. Red October (and Denrus, I believe) arranges priority admission to the palaces and museums. We felt a little guilty walking past Celebrity passengers on our way into the buildings, but it was nice to avoid the lines! We also made special requests, such as going inside Peterhof and Catherine's Palace. We were very pleased with our tour.

[dlutz]

We used Denrus for tours in August and we would do it again in a heartbeat. We never waited in lines. The guide took us in side doors or the exits or around the long lines at the normal entrance. We went at our pace, not someone elses. We took one ships tour in Oslo and felt a little rushed, but saw a lot. the tour is customized for you and can change mid tour if you like. Stay longer, stop to shop, see something not scheduled. And the price if you have a car or van full is less than a ships tour. I can't think of a single reason not to use a private company. You also get a tremendous amount of additional information about Russian history while driving around and in the museums, etc. They are talking to you, not twenty other people. You will not be disappointed.

[photofoot]

Ditto to all those who told you the advantages of a private tour. If you only used a private tour in one place I would make it
St.Petersburg. Not having to wait and being in a small group is worth everything and the cost really is about the same.

[MaseratiCruiser]

I also agree with all the above. We took an Oceania cruise last August to St. Petersburg, and this wonderful city, along with our Red October tour, was the highlight of our cruise. You really feel like a VIP using Red October.

Be sure to pay a bit extra to have a "lunch with a Russian family". Although it may sound insignificant, this home cooked meal prepared by real Russian people, within their own home or apartment, will become one of the things you remember most fondly of your whole Russian experience.

[Cally]

[quote name='cruise4food']I also agree with all the above. We took an Oceania cruise last August to St. Petersburg, and this wonderful city, along with our Red October tour, was the highlight of our cruise. You really feel like a VIP using Red October. QUOTE]

Front of the line everywhere. No waiting and very professional. It is the only way to go.

[derik]

Looks good! [quote name='swdke']I have read many positive remarks about Red October and DenRus. I am planning a cruise for next summer and will probably do the same with these private tours. Still, I was wondering what is the difference between the Ship's tours to St. Petersburg, and these private tours that make them stan out? Also, what was the difference in price? I would appreciate any information on this matter, and thank your for your responses.[/QUOTE]

[realproperty]

We did a private tour for a group of 8 but used the private tours arranged through Royal Caribbean. We told the excursion people on the boat what we wanted to see, we got off the boat, met the guide and off we went. Catherine's and Peter's palace, first thing, one on each of the 2 mornings, restaurant lunches, Hermitage for as long as was reasonable, Coral synagogue, ride on the subway, a few churches, a supermarket, and some drives through some real neighbourhoods. The advantage was no visa hassles or arrangements and we were free to set our pace and beat the bus tours to the 2 palaces which in my view is THE most critical thing.

[JodiBB]

[quote name='realproperty']We did a private tour for a group of 8 but used the private tours arranged through Royal Caribbean. We told the excursion people on the boat what we wanted to see, we got off the boat, met the guide and off we went. Catherine's and Peter's palace, first thing, one on each of the 2 mornings, restaurant lunches, Hermitage for as long as was reasonable, Coral synagogue, ride on the subway, a few churches, a supermarket, and some drives through some real neighbourhoods. The advantage was no visa hassles or arrangements and we were free to set our pace and beat the bus tours to the 2 palaces which in my view is THE most critical thing.[/QUOTE]

So let me get this straight...you took a tour through RCI but privately? How did you arrange this? Let us in on the secret! How did the cost compare to RO or Denrus?

[realproperty]

As part of the excursions offered by RC were private guided tours in St Petes both half and full day on mini buses. We were a group of 8 and we had a minibus good for 10 people for 2 days. My recollection is that it cost each couple about 400 including tip since they charged 750 or 800 per day. For us, that was a good deal since 2 full day bus tours would have cost us that or close to it. RC also offered private tours for 3 and 4 people but I don't remember the cost. As I indicated, it had real advantages for us since we really could customize our touring. You should also know Catherine's and Peter's palaces and the Hermitage are not particular conducive to 50 people standing around a guide for an explanation and you want to tour the 2 palaces before the buses get there. A small group huddled around a guide is at least a learning experience. Check with your cruise line to see if they offer private guided tours in SP. As I say, we did not then have to get visas and it was easy. We know that some people arranged small groups on the ship into private tours and no one we met was disappointed.

[JodiBB]

[quote name='realproperty']As part of the excursions offered by RC were private guided tours in St Petes both half and full day on mini buses. We were a group of 8 and we had a minibus good for 10 people for 2 days. My recollection is that it cost each couple about 400 including tip since they charged 750 or 800 per day. For us, that was a good deal since 2 full day bus tours would have cost us that or close to it. RC also offered private tours for 3 and 4 people but I don't remember the cost. As I indicated, it had real advantages for us since we really could customize our touring. You should also know Catherine's and Peter's palaces and the Hermitage are not particular conducive to 50 people standing around a guide for an explanation and you want to tour the 2 palaces before the buses get there. A small group huddled around a guide is at least a learning experience. Check with your cruise line to see if they offer private guided tours in SP. As I say, we did not then have to get visas and it was easy. We know that some people arranged small groups on the ship into private tours and no one we met was disappointed.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the info! We're taking RCI's Jewel in August 2005 and were sold on Red October or Denrus, but I'll look into this as well...thanks!!

[DON M.]

[quote name='JodiBB']Thanks for the info! We're taking RCI's Jewel in August 2005 and were sold on Red October or Denrus, but I'll look into this as well...thanks!![/QUOTE]
We will be on the Jewel in July, and like you this is the first Ive ever heard of RCL putting together private tours from the ship. With over 2,000 people on board, what if 50 groups of 6, for instance decided they wanted a private tour arranged by RCL-what chaos. Iam not saying it isn't true, but in 6 months on this and the RCl board its the first Iam reading anything like this.

[JodiBB]

[quote name='DON M.']We will be on the Jewel in July, and like you this is the first Ive ever heard of RCL putting together private tours from the ship. With over 2,000 people on board, what if 50 groups of 6, for instance decided they wanted a private tour arranged by RCL-what chaos. Iam not saying it isn't true, but in 6 months on this and the RCl board its the first Iam reading anything like this.[/QUOTE]

Don...

I also just checked the RCI board and you can't see what their tours will be for St. Petersburg for next year. So I guess we'll have to wait and see what they come up with for 2005.

[DON M.]

[quote name='JodiBB']Don...

I also just checked the RCI board and you can't see what their tours will be for St. Petersburg for next year. So I guess we'll have to wait and see what they come up with for 2005.[/QUOTE]
Jodi, maybe Rcl does offer sometype of private group tour you can book thru them. I have already reserved Denrus for July at about $550.00 for 6 people for 2 full days. Thus far, they have been great to work with.I to will check the RCl site and maybe they will have something shortly, but I feel real good about Denrus.

[JodiBB]

[quote name='DON M.']Jodi, maybe Rcl does offer sometype of private group tour you can book thru them. I have already reserved Denrus for July at about $550.00 for 6 people for 2 full days. Thus far, they have been great to work with.I to will check the RCl site and maybe they will have something shortly, but I feel real good about Denrus.[/QUOTE]

Good to know! We haven't booked anything yet...after the holidays we'll sit down and really hash out our options....

[stanj]

The ship sponsored tours are provided by some of the same agencies which provide the private tours. They bid on the service or a particular ship or line. But the tour itself will naturally be quite different as you can imagine an agency arranging large group tours for 2,000 or more people on one day takes the word "flexibility" out of the realm of possibility. 40-50 visitors on a large bus not doubt have a different experience of the city than their own shipmates who see the city in a small mini-van with 4-8 people being escorted by a guide. For one, the choice of lunch might be pretty much set in stone if an agency needs to provide service for more than 1,000 people compared to the concensus of a few people in a mini-van deciding on their own which of the thousands of cafes and restaurants they might like to try.
One of the highlights of a tour must be getting into interesting conversations with a local who speaks English so just hanging around for 2 days with a personable and English fluent guide in a small group has got to be fun. The Russian culture and people are facinating particularly from the perspective of such limited knowledge and contact Americans and Russians had for so many years. Having someone who can tell you the real story of their lives and community is 1000% better than winging it with a guidebook. I get up early....compared to Russias it seems...and wander along Nevsky prospekt, the famous main street and meet lots of tourist going it alone. They are easy to spot with their distinctively non-Russian style dressing, but more by the bewildered look on their faces and guidebook in hand. At 8:30 a.m. it is rare to see anyone except tourists on the streets;>) In a few minutes I can usually tell them more about what they are looking for or what they don't even know they should be looking for about the city and its points of interest than reading a few guidebooks. I can imagine a good guide would be even better than me at imparting a bit of the Real Russia to them.
Personally, I think any exposure to St Petersburg is good no matter how it is accomplished but a small group or private guide is the best for first timers, you will get a lot more out of your visit.
Have a great visit
Stan

[lamwnfa]

We are going to the Baltic on the Jewel of the Seas in June. When we first booked, I looking through the RCI excursions from last year and they did offer private tours with a car 1-4 people or a van 5-8 people. We have booked with Denrus. With our group of 5, it was substanially cheaper to book privately then to book a private tour through RCI (even at last year's prices). Ilya at Denrus has been great to work with and we are looking forward to a great time.

Lori

[alpal1993]

Thanks for the great info.My DH and I will be on Celebrity's Century June 2,2005.It is a brand new itinerary for Celeb.I hope I can meet a few people that would like to share the tour with us.We will be in St Petersburg June 8-7am to June 9-6pm.Wish me luck.

[rascalrider]

Stan

I have just started browsing posts on St Petersburg. I thought you might be able to tell me if there is any transportation for wheelchairs/scooters. I use an electric scooter and can only walk short distances with crutches and have great difficuly with stairs. Can you tell me what difficulties I am likely to encounter when trying to see some of St Petersburg? ... accessible taxi/van ... curb cuts ... sidewalks (coblestones, smooth, etc) ... ramps, elevators or steps only into museums, cathedrals, shops, etc ... What is there to see within walking distance of the port? (in case I don't find appropriate transportation).

I am in the process of booking on the Star Princess for Sept 12, 2005. My traveling companion has just backed out, so I expect that I will be on my own!

Thank you for any insight you can give me or maybe steer me in the right direction.

Ruth

[stanj]

Hi Ruth
A few of the tour companies such as Den Rus and possibly Red October can handle the special transportation needs of visitors with limited mobility. A small van tour would be best, maybe with a special itinerary. The major museums have ramps but many buildings to not. Elavators are common in buildings taller than 3 stories. The streets that have been renovated on the northern end of Nevsky Prospekt, around the Hermitage, Admiralty, Arts Sq, Palace Sq, the Russian Museum and the wide grand busy sidewalks of Nevsky Prospekt would be easily navigated by chair or scooter. Further out, the sidewalks have steep curb cuts that might take a little getting used to but I see people in chairs handling them well. Some of the new shopping palaces have original 18th and 19th century exteriors but modern beautifully designed and crafted interiors that are fully accessible. The Metro(far underground subway) is hard to deal with however because the only access is via escalators decending 200-300 feet down.
The ship docks in an area of the Neva River north west of the old city center, the historic section. It is within a hardy walk of the center but I am sure you need to use a tour operator's van to get around to the places you really want to see.
Most of the streets are asphalt and relatively smooth but have trolley tracks in the middle of many. They used to be a problem for small wheeled scooters or wheelchairs but the surfaces and tracks have been redone in the last few years making crossing most streets easier. Some small streets are cobble stone but very few. Nevaky prospekt has wide red granite sidewalks which are smooth and pretty.
I think that you can have a wonderful time in our beautiful city but it is going to require the help of a tour operator who has the capibility and experience of working with visitors with limited mobility. Possibly there are others on your ship who are in the same position and one of the tour companies could create s special tour that allows the greatest degree of freedom from roadblocks. Since I only know one tour service from personal experience, I know Den Rus does just what I suggest but I imagine others like Red October do also.
Have a great visit Ruth, you will have a great time
Stan