My wife and I want to take a cruise that maximizes our time and opportunity to see the Hermitage in St. Pete. Also, we STRONGLY prefer small boats, so a river cruise is ok. But our 1st choice would be the Baltics inc. St. Petes. Any experiences or recommendations for or against would be very much appreciated

I went to Peter the Great's summer palace "Petroverds" (sp?) while in Leningrad (this was awhile ago). It was truly beautiful - the outside water fountains/gardens were incredibly. I hope I can return some time. <BR> <BR>The Hermitage was great also. Sorry I can't help you with boats . ..

Dear Bob, We have been to russia twice, the second time taking a Volga river cruise. It was fantastic. I think 4 days including 3 days in St. Pete. All the land tours were included in the small cities and villages aalong the Volga and in St. Pete. We went the end of May, 1995 and the ground was muddy in some cities but otherwise it was great. Russia is so interesting and the people we encountered in the towns were very nice, even got invited into one house. The ship was the "RUUS" (SP?) and all meals were included. Think it has capacity for about 150, food was plain, served by a lovely girl, occasionally had guest evening entertainment aboard, also had a small band in the lounge for dancing. if you like small ships and really seeing the country, I highly recommend this route . happy to answer any further questions you may have. J &J . PS The Hermitage was absolutely wonderful, requires at least one full day, if possible. Also go to a performance at the small theater there, the tickets were sold on our ship, well worth the extra price just to see the beautiful theater. Let me know if you go.

Hi Again, The length of the trip should have read 14 days. My 1 button wasn't working. Sorry, J&J

We were on the Radisson Diamond on a cruise of the Baltic, which was great. We were berthed overnight in St. Petersburg, and they had arranged and early morning tour of the Hermitage, before it opened to the public. Our tour was not the only one there, but it wasn't very crowded, and we got to see quite a lot. The guide was fantastic. Apparently, they have to have a lot of training to get these jobs as tour guides, and they certainly are knowledgeable. On one of the days, 6 of us got together and arranged for a private mini-van and driver with the tour desk on the ship. The cost was $90.00 per person, and we were gone all day. We went to the Peterhof palace and to many of the important sites in the city. The ship provided a "box lunch" for us, too -- an ice shest full of soft drinks, sandwiches, cold chicken, apples & bananas, cookies, and candy bars -- at no extra charge, What a deal. I recommend the Radisson Diamond. Only 350 passengers.

My wife & I took a Renaissance VII cruise in Aug 2000. The ship only holds 114 people, lovely rooms, plus great food and service. Only had 2 days in St Pete, but we took every tour we could. Hermitage was awsome! Only had a half day and could have spent a month trying to see it all. Also visited Peter and Paul fortress; Catherine's Palace; Yasupov's Palace (great opera) & Petrodvorets. Super trip

This past summer we went on the Maasdam (Holland America) and absolutely loved it! We spent 2 full days in St. Pete and saw so much! Other than the suggestions above, I'd highly recommend going to a evening folkloric show which includes authentic Russian dancing, singing, acrobatics. It was fabulous and one of the hightlights of our trip. Save up your energy because you'll need it...there's so much to see in St. Pete that we made every moment count.