broadway travel cruise from southampton

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12 Night Discover The Canaries Cruise

Your ship independence of the seas.

MAX OUT ON THRILLS

Splashaway Bay℠

FlowRider ®

Rock Climbing Wall

The Perfect Storm℠

Bold flavors abound.

Fish & Ships℠

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade

Sugar Beach℠

Surprises on stage.

Ice Skating Shows

Day 1: southampton, england.

Prehistoric Adventure

A Port of Importance

Play Knights in Armor

Local Cuisine

Day 2: Cruising

Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠

Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z℠

Day 3: Bilbao, Spain

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon..

Bilbao's Nature

Bask in Basque Culture

Artistic Heights

Day 4: Cruising

Giovanni's Table

Chef's Table

Day 5: lisbon, portugal.

Get Romantic

Go View-Hopping

Architectural Adventure

Day 6: Cruising

Invitation to Dance

Day 7: Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Upbeat Urban Center

Saharan Oasis

Coastal Utopia

Day 8: Tenerife, Canary Islands

Chill Out in Santa Cruz

Hit the Beach

Day 9: Madeira, Portugal

Get Irrigated

Shipwreck Dives

View From the Air

Day 10: Cruising

Day 11: la coruna, spain.

To the Tower

Hold Down the Fort

Day 12: Cruising

Day 13: southampton, england.

• Opening Hours:

Mon-Fri 8.30am - 6pm

Saturday 9am - 5pm

Sunday 10am - 4pm

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Mediterranean Grand Voyage

On Board Spend amounts vary per grade:

• Interior £150pp
• Ocean View & Superior Ocean View £225pp
• £300pp Balcony & Suites.

For full Terms and Conditions please click here  

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights.

Intricate architecture will unfold as you cruise through the Mediterranean, from the Alcazar and Plaza de España in Seville to Barcelona’s impressive Sagrada Familia and the colourful mosaics of Park Güell. Meanwhile, Istanbul’s grandeur is revealed through the Hagia Sophia Mosque and Topkapi Palace. The Dalmatian Coast, with its mountains, bays and islands, presents chances to see the scenic sights of Lake Bled, the Bay of Kotor, the Krka Waterfalls and the picturesque Makarska Riviera. Greece enchants with iconic views of Santorini’s blue-domed, whitewashed buildings and Zakynthos’s stunning coastline, featuring beautiful white cliffs, turquoise waters and countryside adorned with olive trees. Meanwhile, the charming, pastel-hued towns of Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, seemingly teetering on the cliff edge, are a delight to explore. Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean way of life, from Ibiza’s Bohemian spirit to la dolce vita in Italy and the vibrant Spanish culture known as La Vida Española. Indulge in rich culinary traditions, savouring Spanish tapas and paella, Turkish meze, fresh pasta, pesto, pizza, and lemons in Italy, and Greek delights like moussaka and souvlaki. You can also experience local music and dance, uncover beautiful gardens in Amalfi, and witness the mesmerising Ibizan sunset. Throughout your journey, uncover the rich tapestry of ancient Roman and Greek history, enriching your exploration of the Mediterranean further.

• On Board Experiences

+441473746175

Islands, Bays, Mountains and Coastal villages

Your cruise aboard Balmoral will take you to a multitude of remarkable bays, islands and villages perched on coastal cliffs in the Mediterranean. From La Spezia, explore Cinque Terre with its tiny cobblestone alleys, quaint piazzas and views of pastel-colored buildings that cling to the terraced slopes. Balmoral will also sail along the scenic Amalfi Coast, characterised by its dramatic cliffs and vibrant villages clinging to the rugged cliffs above the ultramarine waters. You can take in the wild beauty of Mount Biokovo in Croatia as you cruise past the spectacular limestone cliffs covered in luxurious flora. The seaside jewel of Split is tucked away alongside the glistening Adriatic Sea and features winding alleyways, picturesque squares, and vibrant marketplaces. Sail along the Bay of Kotor's fjord-like waters, surrounded by rocky shorelines, small villages and towering peaks, before exploring the spectacular vistas, untamed scenery and towering mountains of iconic Greek Islands.

The Mediterranean way of life

Life in the Mediterranean is based on a variety of cultures. In Italy, experience 'La Dolce Vita' - translating as 'the sweet life', embodies a lifestyle and cultural ethos that places a strong focus on leisure, enjoyment, and living in the now. With this in mind, take the opportunity to enjoy pizza in Naples and freshly made Limoncello in Sorrento on your Balmoral cruise. Salerno serves as your gateway to the quaint hilltop village of Ravello, which is renowned for its enchanted villas and exquisite gardens. In Croatia, discover how the combination of flavours from the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe is an essential part of the nation's cultural identity. Take time to sample locally produced olive oil, explore the colourful fish market and konobas and appreciate the city's rich cultural past through traditional folk dance and music. In Greece, savour authentic Greek cuisine in a local taverna, including moussaka and souvlaki, and sample Kalamata olives; or enjoy Assyrtiko, a crisp white wine with a distinct and refreshing flavour. You'll also have opportunities to experience Turkish and Iberian cultures and cuisines when on this epic cruise.

Discover inspirational artists and uncover Ancient history

On this Balmoral cruise, you'll be able to learn why Ibiza's varied landscape, immaculate beaches, exciting nightlife, and rich cultural heritage attract artists. The cosmopolitan community, bohemian history, spiritual atmosphere, and mesmerising sunsets of Ibiza all serve as inspirational creations that capture the island's distinct fusion of nature and culture. Discover the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, a futuristic complex created by Santiago Calatrava that blends futuristic architecture with a scientific and cultural institution. There will also be many opportunities to learn more about the lives of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. Ancient Greece and its mythology, are a complex tapestry of tales and legends that explored themes of love, treachery, bravery, and the conflict between gods and mortals. The Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Ancient Agora are just a few of the archaeological monuments that can be visited from Piraeus. Agios Nikolaos is the starting point for accessing the Palace of Knossos, an ancient Minona palace close to Heraklion.

Cruise Itinerary

Life On Board

Introducing balmoral.

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising.  Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.

Your Guest Speakers

We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.

Go Stargazing

Acting as tour guides of the heavens, the Go Stargazing astronomers will share their knowledge with group sessions learning interesting and amazing facts about our Universe. The friendly and approachable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to help you spot planets and stars.

Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 11:00 30/04/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 11:00 30/04/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

From £15,499 pp

From £14,799 pp

From £8,299 pp

From £6,999 pp

From £12,499 pp

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Last few cabins remaining!

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on decks 9 & 10, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on deck 10, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on deck 10, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Balcony Cabin (BA)

Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area

Ocean View (F)

Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views

Ocean View (E)

The E Grade Ocean View cabin on Balmoral features a picture window

Ocean View (D)

Balmoral’s D Grade Ocean View cabins have a picture window

Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)

CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.

Superior Ocean View (C)

Balmoral's C Grade Superior Ocean View cabins feature a picture window.

Superior Ocean View (B)

These cabins feature a picture window offering ocean views

Superior Ocean View (A)

These cabins feature a picture window offering ocean views.

Interior Cabin (I)

I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.

Interior Cabin (H)

Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise

Superior Interior Cabin (G)

G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise

Single Interior Cabin (N)

N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6

Single Interior Cabin (M)

M Grade Single Interior cabins are perfect for a relaxing cruise

Single Ocean View (K)

K Grade Ocean View cabins on Balmoral offer scenic views from the picture window

Single Ocean View (L)

Balmoral's L Grade Single Ocean View cabins offer ocean views from the porthole

Single Balcony Cabin (J)

On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window

Single Balcony Suite (JB)

Balmoral's Single Balcony Suites have a private balcony and airy inside area

From £29,448.10

From £28,118.10

From £13,693.35

From £13,123.25

From £12,499

Cruise Offers

Free on board spend and door-to-door transfer up to 200 miles   freedom fare, what's included, so much already included.

As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

Dining & Lounges

• À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Daily buffet dining options
• Late night Supper Club
• Afternoon tea
• Self-service tea & coffee
• In-cabin dining & snacks
• Evening shows
• Live music & dancing
• Dance classes
• Lectures & talks
• Cookery demonstrations
• Traditional deck games
• Daily games & quizzes

Relaxation & Fitness

• Swimming Pools
• Fitness Centre
• Fitness Classes

Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

Need Some Help?

Take a look at our faqs, what do i pack for a cruise.

The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.

Are there any visa requirements I need to be aware of?

Visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruise holidays and will advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.

What's the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?

On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.

I'm travelling alone, how will I get to meet people?

Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat. 

How do I get off the ship if we're at anchor?

Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway.

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8-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise from Southampton

What's included in the price of a disney cruise.

Broadway-Quality Shows

Pools, Waterslides & Recreation

Spacious Staterooms

Upscale, Casual & 24-Hour In-Room Dining

Adult-Exclusive Activities

Clubs for Kids, Tweens & Teens

Cruise Itinerary

• Explore the port’s rich maritime heritage at SeaCity Museum
• Get a glimpse into home life through the years at Tudor House and Garden
• Enjoy self-guided walks, including the Titanic Trail and the city’s medieval walls
• Enjoy water sports or relax in the sun on pristine beaches
• Learn about the sea and fisheries in a maritime theme park
• Explore Belgium’s capital, Brussels—a robust cultural center
• Watch a Broadway-quality musical and splash it up in a freshwater pool
• Savor upscale restaurants, buffets, poolside snacks and room-service
• Find one-of-a-kind fun in unique clubs designed for kids, teens, tweens and adults
• Visit Norway’s national monument and a legendary royal burial ground
• Experience live re-enactments of Viking history and culture
• Shop and relax at cozy cafés along Norway’s longest pedestrian street
• Travel to Geirangerfjord and behold its mountain peaks and waterfalls
• Explore Briksdal Glacier by foot or on a “Trollcar”
• Discover the Urnes Stave Church, the oldest of Norway’s stave churches
• Visit the striking Stavanger Domkirke—Norway's oldest cathedral
• Delight in picturesque city scenery in Gamle Stavange (Old Stavanger)
• Hike to Preikestolen—Pulpit Rock—for sweeping views of Scandinavia
• Stop in to see Kristiansand Cathedral, located in the city center
• Shop for handcrafts at Markens Gate and Skippergata
• Ride the Setesdalsbanen Railway to see the area neighboring Kristiansand

Traffic warning for Southampton drivers as city welcomes nine cruise ships plus as Saints home game

• Southampton Football Club
• Southampton
• Cruise ships
• Saturday 27 April 2024 at 11:20am

People travelling around Southampton this weekend are being warned to prepare for traffic delays as the Saints football game coincides with a number of cruise ships arriving.

The centre of Southampton is expected to be busy with a number of events happening in the city, including increased passenger numbers on Red Funnel Crossings.

Red Funnel are expecting particularly busy services on Saturday, making the waterfront area busier than usual.

On Saturday, Southampton Football Club are also playing at home at 3pm so routes around St Mary’s stadium will be busier than usual before and after the game.

The city council say the temporary anti-clockwise, one-way system on the Ring Road remains in place - from Charlotte Place to the Civic Centre.

Across Friday and Saturday four cruise ships were due to visit the port - Iona, Sky Princess and Arcadia.

On Sunday, four cruise ships will be docking in Southampton - Queen Mary 2, Arvia, Queen Victoria and MSC Poesia.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…

CELEBRITY CRUISES BIG BALCONY BONUS SALE! Limited Time Extra Savings & Onboard Credit! Find out more…

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Home > Destinations > South Pacific Cruise Deals

South Pacific Cruises

Sail through crystal-clear waters and submerge yourself in unspoiled beauty, breathtaking scenery and rich cultural experiences on our South Pacific cruises. Dubbed ‘heaven on earth,’ this collection of idyllic islands offers an unparalleled escape.

Each island unveils a new day of paradise, boasting lush forests, diverse cultural influences, enchanting sunsets, and vibrant underwater realms. Embarking on a South Pacific cruise allows you to navigate these postcard-perfect waters, from the enchanting islands of Fiji to the remote atolls of French Polynesia and the rugged beauty of New Zealand .

Voyage into a world of unparalleled beauty, cultural richness, and tranquil paradise. It’s an adventure that connects you with nature’s wonders, immerses you in vibrant cultures and creates enduring memories of tropical splendour.

Some of the most popular cruise destinations in South Pacific are:

Bora Bora, a jewel in the South Pacific, captivates with its turquoise lagoon and iconic overwater bungalows, creating a haven for romantic getaways and tranquil escapes.

Tahiti, the heart of French Polynesia, beckons with its stunning volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. This idyllic paradise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Tonga, a captivating Polynesian kingdom nestled in the South Pacific, enchants with its turquoise waters, coral reefs, and warm hospitality. Explore its unique culture, ancient archaeological sites, and stunning landscapes.

When is the best time to visit the South Pacific?

The best time to take a cruise holiday to the South Pacific depends on the region you want to explore and the specific experiences you’re seeking.

Generally, the South Pacific’s peak tourist season is during its dry season, which varies depending on the specific location but typically spans from May to October. During these months, you can expect pleasant weather, clear skies, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities like snorkelling, diving, and beach vacations.

Popular destinations like Fiji, French Polynesia (including Tahiti and Bora Bora), and the Cook Islands are especially beautiful during this period.

It’s also essential to consider factors like local holidays, festivals and peak tourist seasons. It’s always a good idea to consult with one of our cruise agents who will give you the best advice!

Which cruise lines sail to the South Pacific

Azamara , Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Cunard ,  Fred Olsen Cruise Lines , Holland America , MSC Cruises ,  Norwegian Cruise Line , Oceania Cruises , P&O Cruises , Princess Cruises , Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Royal Caribbean , Scenic Ocean Cruises ,  Seabourn , Silversea Cruises ,  Viking Ocean Cruises & Windstar Cruises .

Book Your South Pacific Cruise

Our cruise specialists at Southampton Cruise Centre are here to help! Call us from 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week on 02380 658 386 . Or search our collection of Cruises to the South Pacific below and send us an enquiry online! 

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Recommended Posts

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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