Brad, you sure have had some time to come to your conclusions, which I respect. Strange, I always thought it was communism that brought about resignation, inefficiency and indifference, of which you speak. Very interesting take, as I think you are saying this is new?

Russia for sure suffering transition problems from the posts I've read on this thread. It seems like new capitalism on steroids, not so much raising up the middle class that is the benchmark of our system here (well, I guess that's up for debate, but we DO have a big middle class). Anyway, so glad for the perspective from all of you from this one snapshot of an experience of a group I know, and trust their words. I did love my Baltics cruise with Regent with my 3 days in St. Petersburg (and would do again in a minute as a repeat, if price were right). Black Sea, not so much.



Sort of makes me glad that for my cruise after what I'm sure will be a trusty bunch of ports for CANADA, I have chosen the Med to take my girls and spouses for the next one. No unknowns, all beautiful, and visited so many times by the cruise ships, will be a fluke if something goes WRONG.

Thank you all, for your great perspectives on this itinerary, why lct is so helpful to all of us.