F.A.Q.
1. HOW CAN I BOOK YOUR TOUR?
Just turn to our booking form and answer some questions about the desired cruise shore excursion. Your personal data is also needed for us to issue your tour tickets.
2. WHAT IS THE BOOKING DEADLINE?
2 weeks (10 business days) prior to arrival. This period is needed to arrange the required paperwork for your visa-free entry into Russia.
3. CAN OTHER PASSENGERS I MEET ON BOARD SHARE MY TOUR?
Unfortunately, you cannot add new guests you meet aboard the ship as we need personal information of all the group members beforehand (at least 2 weeks prior to arrival at port.
If you like to assemble a group, please use Cruise Critic’s Roll Call section prior to departure.
4. WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you paid a deposit you can cancel your booking at any time as follows:
Full refund if your ship does not arrive in the port or if you cancel not later than 14 days before arrival,
No refund if you cancel less than 14 days before arrival,
No refund for museum, ballet, Sapsan train and other tickets purchased.
5. WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
No prepayment is needed. You can pay by cash or card here in St. Petersburg on the day of excursion. Credit card payments are made according to the official Central Bank of Russia exchange rate on the date of transaction.
6. ARE THERE ANY EXTRA CHARGES?
The tour prices advertised here are all-inclusive and cover visa formalities, port dues, port access charges, taxes, travel services, etc., so we do not charge any additional fees on top of the offered tour rates.
7. DO I NEED ANY RUSSIAN CURRENCY WITH ME?
Of course, it would be better if you had some Russian rubles for pocket expenses.
You can easily get rubles from ATMs all over the city.
8. WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED GRATUITY AMOUNT?
We would appreciate your tips in the amount of 10% for the guide and 5% for the driver paid separately in cash (USD, EUR, RUB). No gratuities are included in the tour cost.
9. HOW CAN I ATTEND A BALLET PERFORMANCE AT THE MARIINSKY THEATRE DURING MY TOUR?
For major attractions such as the Mariinsky ballet, especially for “full house” performances and during high season, it is recommended that you make your order in advance (at least 4 weeks prior to the performance date).
First, we advise you on the available tickets and prices, then you make your choice and we reserve the seats.
10. CHILDREN AND SENIOR CITIZENS DISCOUNT
For children and students we offer a discount which varies depending on the tour (as mentioned on “TOUR” pages).
No discount for senior citizens is available.
11. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
For cruise ship passengers:
You receive a TOUR TICKET which is your entry ticket to Russia you present to the immigration official at the point of entry in lieu of visa.
For other guests:
You receive a TRAVEL VOUCHER which is your official confirmation of the travel services you will receive.
12. PROCEDURE UPON ARRIVAL
After the ship has been cleared which takes from 30 to 60 minutes, you can pass the immigration service and go ashore.
To the Russian immigration service you present the following:
- Valid TOUR TICKET;
- Original PASSPORT;
- Photocopy of your passport photo page.
Close to the immigration control point your tour guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name.
If you fail to find your guide, please call your personal tour manager or send a message from your phone and you won’t get lost.
13. “DENIED ENTRY” CRUISE SHIP PROPAGANDA
While on board, you should be prepared that cruise ship tour companies aggressively selling their services can easily get you confused saying that your Tour Tickets are not considered as legitimate passes to Russia, and that private tour guests will get stuck on the ship.
No matter what they invent to make you buy their excursions, please note this is false information.
We issue Russian visas for cruise ship tourists in full accordance with the Russian Law. Your personal data we submit to the Russian Immigration Service is entered to the Immigration Database, the Immigration Service will be expecting you, and you will disembark smoothly.
14. UNSCHEDULED DOCKING CHANGES
Please do not worry if the ship is moved to another pier different from that nominated on schedule. We regularly check St. Petersburg passenger port online monitoring system and can promptly redirect our tour team to the new location to pick you up.
15. TOUR ITINERARY CHANGES
In case of unforeseen changes to the itinerary (e.g. due to emergency situations or no admission to a museum because of an official VIP visit), you can choose a comparable replacement that we offer.
16. PHOTO AND VIDEO IN MUSEUMS
Interior picture taking and video shooting are charged in most Russian museums separately, from $3 to $12 depending on the museum you visit and the type of your equipment.
If you wish to shoot video inside, please notify us in advance for us to make the necessary arrangements.
17. VEHICLES AND SAFETY MEASURES
All the vehicles are of the latest Mercedes (or other high quality made) models with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and water.
We cooperate with the best drivers in St. Petersburg – highly professional, experienced and qualified. In many situations their knowledge and experience will help you to avoid traffic jams as much as possible in every particular situation
18. CHILD SEATS
Child seats can be provided upon your request in advance.
19. WHEELCHAIRS
There is a rental wheelchair service in major museums like the Hermitage. The rented wheelchairs can be used during the excursion and returned at the exit.
If a wheelchair is needed for the whole tour it is better to use the cruise ship rental service.
It is recommended that you have an assistant to push your wheelchair because the guide won’t be able to help you.
20. MEAL OPTIONS
You can choose one of the meal options you prefer.
You can bring your own packed lunch from the ship.
Our guide can arrange quick and tasty lunch at one of local eateries for reasonable price.
We can reserve a table for lunch or dinner at one of the leading local restaurants with cuisine you prefer.
For groups of 8 people or more lunches must be reserved in advance.
