I was wondering what past cruisers thought of RSSC's St Petersburg shore excursions. Were they planned well? Too many people in a group. Did you have to wait in line for long periods of time for St. Petersburg highlights? Should we spring for Red October excursions? Thanks!

We didn't take RSSC's St. Petersburg excursions. Spring for Red October. Less people, far more mobility and control over what you and your group want to see. It's worth it.

We did take RSSC's Moscow day excursion, which I mentioned in a previous response to your question. It was wonderful! If at all possible, I strongly urge you to take this excursion. You'll never forget it!

Thanks Denise. I could probably fly to Moscow directly and then head into Copenhagen. None of my friends want to go to Moscow for some reason. All those years of reading spy novels really intrigues me to go, but no takers so far.

we took RSSC's excursions both to Moscow and in St Petersburg. We went in small groups, mini vans not big busses. we were able to enter the Hermitage a little before it opened to the public which was very nice because as the morning wore on it got REALLY crowded in there. We also took the trip to Peterhof Palace, the evening at a palace whose name escapes at the moment but it is where Rasputin was murdered. We loved every minute. If you take the cruise line's tours you don't need a Visa. Tell your friends that Moscow was a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that was soo worth the visit; The Armory and the Kremlin, Red Square, these are once in a lifetime. I can't encourage you enough not to miss the opportunity and I am sure Denise agrees. There is no one I have seen that went and regreted it.

As Denise already knows, I don't think I could get on a Russian plane to get to Moscow but my son might. If I could muster enough courage, what tours would you suggest we give up in St Petersburg in order to take the Moscow trip? Lee

Don't give up the Hermitage.

We used Red October. Those who used RSSC paid more to share the tour with more folks, but really enjoyed the quality of the tours.

Russia is something we have wanted to do for some time so just today we signed up with Ngaire to do Moscow and St. Petersburg with Red October.

Denise: Thanks for your past reports!

Cheers! Ray

Ray,

So glad to hear that you and Penny are taking this cruise and going to Moscow. Please see if Tanya will be guiding once you arrive in Moscow. She was OUTSTANDING!

Lee,

Please try not to give up the Hermitage. It was fantastic.

However, if you can muster up the courage, take the plunge and fly to Moscow. I can't say enough about our awesome one day experience. Once you experience this fascinating and historic city, you'll be so glad you went!

Ms. Understood - I AGREE!!!!!!

Somewhere there is seamail reporting of our experiences (back in August 2005), if you'd like to refer to my reports, mpbear and Lee.

Red October and RSSC tours are about the same price just usually less people in the groups and more flexibility with Red October as Denise said. That is IF you have people to share the Red October tours with. If there are just one or two of you then it would be more expensive to do Red October. I also encourage people to go to Moscow everyone is always glad they went it is a real fantastic experience. A LONG day but a great trip.