In booking a cruise out of St. Petersburg the Russian cruise line has asked for not only the customary credit card information but also a copy, front and back, of the credit card. Says his bank requires it. Any similar experience?

Yes with hotels when I've asked them for a letter of invitation and travel agents when I've ordered rail tickets. The hotel only wanted it in case I got the invite but then cancelled the hotel, in which case they would charge a fee.

I am really curious what they'd do with a copy of a credit card? I sure can't buy anything with a copy of my visa card...

Be careful with credit card info in Russia. they are second only to Nigeria for CC fraud.

You may laugh at or not, but we here ARE ASKED by banks to have two-sided copies of customers' credit cards to proceed with pre-payments and SOF (signature on file) procedure in case of late cancellation or No Show. Exceptions are very few.

During my 10+ year hospitality experience here in St. Petersburg I've heard about frauds for 2 (two) times which I suppose doesn't form up any huge stats.

My advice is being attentive to all payments (including cash) - check your bills prior to putting a signature on and doesn't leave your credit card unattended.