My river cruise in Russia
Apr 30th, 2007, 03:21 AM
#242
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So far I haven't heard anyone say that there were any souviners found only in the big cities. Please comment if someone knows differently.
Giovanna: What is the date / ship of your cruise? My wife & I are on the Viking Pakhomov departing Moscow 7/18, also in the 2-for-1 90 sq. ft. room but saved $$$$$ as you did too. Also, I have purchased a DVD called Cruising the Rivers of Russia, it should arrive this week. It's something I want to see but won't want to keep; once we've viewed it I'd be happy to mail it to you, if you want it we can swap addresses off-line and I'll send it to you; maybe you can also pass it on and it will become a regular thing that gets passed along as this thread continues to grow.
Does anyone know what fun activities they offer on these Viking cruises? I have heard there's a piano player and a band, and the crew entertains sometimes, but somewhere in this thread I also read about bingo, trivia, and similar activities. Can any recent traveler on Viking comment on this?
What a great service this thread is to all of us, and I appreciate all of you who share your experience with the rest of us.
Giovanna: What is the date / ship of your cruise? My wife & I are on the Viking Pakhomov departing Moscow 7/18, also in the 2-for-1 90 sq. ft. room but saved $$$$$ as you did too. Also, I have purchased a DVD called Cruising the Rivers of Russia, it should arrive this week. It's something I want to see but won't want to keep; once we've viewed it I'd be happy to mail it to you, if you want it we can swap addresses off-line and I'll send it to you; maybe you can also pass it on and it will become a regular thing that gets passed along as this thread continues to grow.
Does anyone know what fun activities they offer on these Viking cruises? I have heard there's a piano player and a band, and the crew entertains sometimes, but somewhere in this thread I also read about bingo, trivia, and similar activities. Can any recent traveler on Viking comment on this?
What a great service this thread is to all of us, and I appreciate all of you who share your experience with the rest of us.
Apr 30th, 2007, 07:41 AM
#243
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Anywhere there are tourists, there will be souvenir vendors. Just watch what you buy. The vendors do not sell the real items. For example, the "lacquer" boxes sold by the vendors are often just cardboard imitations with the design painted on. That is fine if all you want is a souvenir for a grandchild, but not if you want a "real" lacquer box. If you are on any organized trip, your guides/tour director will give you some education on just what to look for to distinguish the "real" from the "fake". Some people just want cheap souvenirs for friends and don't care; others want an expensive item for themselves. Just know what you are buying.
When you go to Sparrow Hills in Moscow (all the tours of Moscow go there for the view), there are about 50 vendors there all selling similar items. That stuff is--for the most part--all the fake stuff. It's fine if you just want cheap nesting dolls for grandchildren, etc. Just try them to make sure they pull apart before plunking down your rubles--and do bargain with the vendors.
Again, because I did not take a cruise, I cannot speak to what is available other than in Moscow and St. Petersburg. As between those two cities, the place to buy quality items is in the Arbat in Moscow. St. Petersburg has nothing that I saw that compares to it.
The art is generally sold wherever tourists go. You can find that all over.
When you go to Sparrow Hills in Moscow (all the tours of Moscow go there for the view), there are about 50 vendors there all selling similar items. That stuff is--for the most part--all the fake stuff. It's fine if you just want cheap nesting dolls for grandchildren, etc. Just try them to make sure they pull apart before plunking down your rubles--and do bargain with the vendors.
Again, because I did not take a cruise, I cannot speak to what is available other than in Moscow and St. Petersburg. As between those two cities, the place to buy quality items is in the Arbat in Moscow. St. Petersburg has nothing that I saw that compares to it.
The art is generally sold wherever tourists go. You can find that all over.
Apr 30th, 2007, 10:45 AM
#244
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Marvin: We were also on the Viking Pakhomov. Some of the activities on the ship (while cruising or evenings) included a pianist in the Panorama Bar and band in the Sky Bar (out on the sky deck when the weather was nice). The pianist was excellent, playing mostly classical music, and requests. The band loved to play American and British pop, but would play requests (we loved the Russian classics and folk songs). Also there were slide shows, Russian lessons, a variety of fascinating lectures/discussions by the lovely Maria (with a PhD in History and Humanities); a seminar on purchasing souvenirs and gifts along our travels, short "Port Talk" meetings describing our next destination, it's history, important landmarks, an all folklore performance one night by the band, a classical concert one night by the pianist, a vodka tasting (supplemental charge for all the vodka), a caviar tasting (supplemental charge for the caviar), a Russian Tea Party one afternoon (with beautiful Samovar and amazing pastries and cakes and music), a "musical tour around the world" with audience participation and prizes, a visit to the Captain's Bridge (awesome) and a tour of the kitchens (amazing). Some of the dinners were "themed" - Russian barbeque, Seamen and Pirates, along with the welcome dinner and Captain's Dinner.
We especially enjoyed the Sky Bar and the band (like having a very nice "supper club" on board). It was fun to meet up there with other couples for cocktails and dancing after the scheduled evening activities.
One night, the crew put on a show that was fantastic, with some hilarious skits. (Especially the one by our, normally proper and formal, hotel manager, "nursing a serious hangover".)
Note that a short walk from the ports in Moscow and St. Petersburg were places to purchase (rubles only, no American dollars or credit cards) your own vodka (in a variety of types and flavors, too).
One of the nicest features of our cruise was that a videographer accompanied us everywhere. A few nights before the end of the cruise, we were invited to view what he had shot and edited so far and order a DVD if we liked. He did an incredible job! We ordered a DVD. Of course, we did not play it until we got home, when we discovered that the editing was incredible and he had added a sound track for the "scenery" parts!
When shopping all over, we saw very little "fake stuff". And, you can immediately recognize "fake".
When Viking took us to Sparrows Hill, we were directed to the ice cream stands for enjoying along with the spectacular views. We didn't do any shopping there.
"Real", "authentic" traditional lacquer boxes are made by artisans of four major schools of study - Palekh, Fedoskino, Kholui, and Mstoria (each known for specific types of scenes/techniques - history, fairy tales, mother of pearl...
In St. Petersburg, I found an oval lacquer box (3" long) commemorating the 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg. We were in St. Petersburg just after the official celebration, and there were very few of these boxes left (we had to really hunt). It came with a certificate of authenticity (in Russian), signed by the artist and an official of the Artistic Council of the Association "Blistatelny mir" of Kholui. (Our guide, Olga, translated for me.) I paid about $117 for it and saw similar boxes at a shop in Cambridge, MA after we got home for $479 (and they were not 300th Anniversary).
But, there are also top quality lacquer boxes not "traditional". In Moscow, we were taken to Novodevichy Convent, a stunning complex of buildings (many with onion domes) on a bend of the Moscow River. The weather and skies were beautiful the day we visited. Nearby, a gent was selling small lacquer boxes (3x2x1-1/4) depicting the convent in each of the four seasons - positively gorgeous (about $8). He had a high powered magnifying glass on hand for inspecting them, and explained that the description and signature (in 18K gold) were painted by brush with a single hair!
I saw beautiful boxes everywhere with new and modern designs - flowers, birds, animals, and picked up an adorable "whimsical" box with a beautiful cat in the foreground ($29), sitting in the courtyard of a palace. The detail is incredible (fur on the cat), especially the intricate gold/silver border design around the perimeter of the box.
The gift shops in St. Petersburg had more extensive collections at better prices than we saw in Moscow. One of our favorites (we went there with our guide) was the Emperor Gallery (Dekabristov Square) with paintings, Faberge, jewellery, amber, crystal (amazing assortment), porcelain, etc. Also nice (and not to be confused with "souvenir stores"
were Katharina (on the English Embankment), Babushka (Leitenanta Shmidta Embankment) and Museum Art Store (Mytninskaya Embankment). But, there was plenty of really nice merchandise at the souvenir emporiums at great prices.
There was also wonderful original art everywhere we went. If you're worried about getting something larger/framed home, most will sell it to you without the frame. Except in the better shops, they do not have wrapping/packing materials for you, but these are available (cheap) at the airport in St. Petersburg (cartons, tubes, bubble wrap, tape, etc.)
I'm not sure what you mean by "souvenirs found only in the big cities". Many cities/towns offer merchandise specific to that area.
We were advised to buy Chaika watches, if we wished, in Uglich, since they are manufactured in a factory nearby. There was an enormous selection (and prices were double, triple, in St. Petersburg). Our Viking shopping guide, Nelly, told us that Chaika watches purchased elsewhere are often made of stolen parts. The ones I bought still keep time and the finish (probably electoplated) is perfect.
Have a wonderful time on your cruise! You'll find the entire Viking staff incredible.
Here's a huge tip: when the weather is less than perfect (a bit of rain, windy) or you just want a peaceful place to relax while cruising: on the middle deck, go out the door on either side closest to the Neva restaurant (bring coffee, tea, your book or binoculars) and head for the front of the ship. There are chairs and tables there. It's a bit of a hike (and very windy getting there), but once there, you are protected from the weather and wind, and very few others know about it or venture there. (We discovered it by walking all over, as we were among the first to arrive and took ourselves on a thorough tour of the entire ship.) A great place to enjoy "cruising"!
We especially enjoyed the Sky Bar and the band (like having a very nice "supper club" on board). It was fun to meet up there with other couples for cocktails and dancing after the scheduled evening activities.
One night, the crew put on a show that was fantastic, with some hilarious skits. (Especially the one by our, normally proper and formal, hotel manager, "nursing a serious hangover".)
Note that a short walk from the ports in Moscow and St. Petersburg were places to purchase (rubles only, no American dollars or credit cards) your own vodka (in a variety of types and flavors, too).
One of the nicest features of our cruise was that a videographer accompanied us everywhere. A few nights before the end of the cruise, we were invited to view what he had shot and edited so far and order a DVD if we liked. He did an incredible job! We ordered a DVD. Of course, we did not play it until we got home, when we discovered that the editing was incredible and he had added a sound track for the "scenery" parts!
When shopping all over, we saw very little "fake stuff". And, you can immediately recognize "fake".
When Viking took us to Sparrows Hill, we were directed to the ice cream stands for enjoying along with the spectacular views. We didn't do any shopping there.
"Real", "authentic" traditional lacquer boxes are made by artisans of four major schools of study - Palekh, Fedoskino, Kholui, and Mstoria (each known for specific types of scenes/techniques - history, fairy tales, mother of pearl...
In St. Petersburg, I found an oval lacquer box (3" long) commemorating the 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg. We were in St. Petersburg just after the official celebration, and there were very few of these boxes left (we had to really hunt). It came with a certificate of authenticity (in Russian), signed by the artist and an official of the Artistic Council of the Association "Blistatelny mir" of Kholui. (Our guide, Olga, translated for me.) I paid about $117 for it and saw similar boxes at a shop in Cambridge, MA after we got home for $479 (and they were not 300th Anniversary).
But, there are also top quality lacquer boxes not "traditional". In Moscow, we were taken to Novodevichy Convent, a stunning complex of buildings (many with onion domes) on a bend of the Moscow River. The weather and skies were beautiful the day we visited. Nearby, a gent was selling small lacquer boxes (3x2x1-1/4) depicting the convent in each of the four seasons - positively gorgeous (about $8). He had a high powered magnifying glass on hand for inspecting them, and explained that the description and signature (in 18K gold) were painted by brush with a single hair!
I saw beautiful boxes everywhere with new and modern designs - flowers, birds, animals, and picked up an adorable "whimsical" box with a beautiful cat in the foreground ($29), sitting in the courtyard of a palace. The detail is incredible (fur on the cat), especially the intricate gold/silver border design around the perimeter of the box.
The gift shops in St. Petersburg had more extensive collections at better prices than we saw in Moscow. One of our favorites (we went there with our guide) was the Emperor Gallery (Dekabristov Square) with paintings, Faberge, jewellery, amber, crystal (amazing assortment), porcelain, etc. Also nice (and not to be confused with "souvenir stores"
were Katharina (on the English Embankment), Babushka (Leitenanta Shmidta Embankment) and Museum Art Store (Mytninskaya Embankment). But, there was plenty of really nice merchandise at the souvenir emporiums at great prices. There was also wonderful original art everywhere we went. If you're worried about getting something larger/framed home, most will sell it to you without the frame. Except in the better shops, they do not have wrapping/packing materials for you, but these are available (cheap) at the airport in St. Petersburg (cartons, tubes, bubble wrap, tape, etc.)
I'm not sure what you mean by "souvenirs found only in the big cities". Many cities/towns offer merchandise specific to that area.
We were advised to buy Chaika watches, if we wished, in Uglich, since they are manufactured in a factory nearby. There was an enormous selection (and prices were double, triple, in St. Petersburg). Our Viking shopping guide, Nelly, told us that Chaika watches purchased elsewhere are often made of stolen parts. The ones I bought still keep time and the finish (probably electoplated) is perfect.
Have a wonderful time on your cruise! You'll find the entire Viking staff incredible.
Here's a huge tip: when the weather is less than perfect (a bit of rain, windy) or you just want a peaceful place to relax while cruising: on the middle deck, go out the door on either side closest to the Neva restaurant (bring coffee, tea, your book or binoculars) and head for the front of the ship. There are chairs and tables there. It's a bit of a hike (and very windy getting there), but once there, you are protected from the weather and wind, and very few others know about it or venture there. (We discovered it by walking all over, as we were among the first to arrive and took ourselves on a thorough tour of the entire ship.) A great place to enjoy "cruising"!
Apr 30th, 2007, 02:49 PM
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For Giovanna: I should have mentioned that even though many changed for dinner every day does not mean they brought a lot of clothing! We saw the same ties and jackets alternated night after night.
Except for one day, there was always plenty of time to shower and change after returning to the ship and before dinner. We don't usually do big breakfasts while traveling, but the bus left by 8:30 most days, and the breakfast buffet was incredible! We went in June. After the first or second day, we would shower and change for dinner, then throw on those clothes the next morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the bus.
Except for one day, there was always plenty of time to shower and change after returning to the ship and before dinner. We don't usually do big breakfasts while traveling, but the bus left by 8:30 most days, and the breakfast buffet was incredible! We went in June. After the first or second day, we would shower and change for dinner, then throw on those clothes the next morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the bus.
Apr 30th, 2007, 03:23 PM
#247
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Generally the dress on the cruise is casual, some people dresses for dinner, some even wore jacket and ties during the day tours. Dress in what you feal most comfortable wearing. On the cruise ships if you use the laundry service, you will be very surprised at it's high cost, you could have just thrown your laundry away and bought new stuff for less.
You will find the standard tourist items at most of the cruise stops. On some ships buying on board can be a good place to shop, it depends on who is running the shop. Some ships only carry quality items others only poor quality massed produced items. I found that Uglich usually has good quality bracelet watches, Kostroma has good linen, also I found that at the Museum of Wooden Architecture near the Monastery of St Ipaty has some nice wood carvings. Most tours don't go to the Architecture Museum. Check out some of the local artist, you might find a painting that you liked. The prices for items are usually much less outside of Moscow or St Petersburg, however the selecion may be not as good. In Moscow I found that the market near Islamailovo Hotel is an interesting place to visit, with good selection of items, but you have to wath the prices - they know that you are a tourist. In St Petersburg you will find souvenir stands around all tourist attractions. You can find some good quality shops along Nevssky, for china go to Lomonosova China Factory, it is near the river port.
You will find the standard tourist items at most of the cruise stops. On some ships buying on board can be a good place to shop, it depends on who is running the shop. Some ships only carry quality items others only poor quality massed produced items. I found that Uglich usually has good quality bracelet watches, Kostroma has good linen, also I found that at the Museum of Wooden Architecture near the Monastery of St Ipaty has some nice wood carvings. Most tours don't go to the Architecture Museum. Check out some of the local artist, you might find a painting that you liked. The prices for items are usually much less outside of Moscow or St Petersburg, however the selecion may be not as good. In Moscow I found that the market near Islamailovo Hotel is an interesting place to visit, with good selection of items, but you have to wath the prices - they know that you are a tourist. In St Petersburg you will find souvenir stands around all tourist attractions. You can find some good quality shops along Nevssky, for china go to Lomonosova China Factory, it is near the river port.
Apr 30th, 2007, 03:57 PM
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The Viking Guides will point out the Lomonosova Factory, which is in walking distance from the port. For a look at some their beautiful pieces http://www.ipm.ru/
They have an outlet shop within the factory with very good prices.
They have an outlet shop within the factory with very good prices.
May 1st, 2007, 08:19 AM
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djkbooks: Thank you once again for your additional comments.
Marvin: We will be cruising together; same date, same boat. Thank you for your kind offer of the DVD, but sadly our player is still in the box! Hope to get it installed soon.
I found a website which may be of help to those of us visiting Russia for the first time and wondering about souvenirs. I was particularly interested in the Chaika watches and they look like something I will want to buy in the pix on this website.
www.russiansouvenirs.com
The prices seem very reasonable. Perhaps djkbooks can check the site and tell us if the prices seem comparable to those she found in Russia.
Marvin: We will be cruising together; same date, same boat. Thank you for your kind offer of the DVD, but sadly our player is still in the box! Hope to get it installed soon.
I found a website which may be of help to those of us visiting Russia for the first time and wondering about souvenirs. I was particularly interested in the Chaika watches and they look like something I will want to buy in the pix on this website.
www.russiansouvenirs.com
The prices seem very reasonable. Perhaps djkbooks can check the site and tell us if the prices seem comparable to those she found in Russia.
May 1st, 2007, 08:44 AM
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Giovanna: We need to figure out a way to recognize each other on the cruise. My last name is Snow, so try to find my wife & I. BTW, I looked at the website you listed and the only price comparison I can make is with their hats, which are priced about 50% higher (before shipping) than I paid on ebay for the same item.
To Anyone: After I finish viewing my "River Cruising in Russia" DVD I will be happy to mail it to the first person that emails me their address at [email protected]. The only string attached is when you are done with it please offer it on this thread and send it to the next person who asks.
To Anyone: After I finish viewing my "River Cruising in Russia" DVD I will be happy to mail it to the first person that emails me their address at [email protected]. The only string attached is when you are done with it please offer it on this thread and send it to the next person who asks.
May 1st, 2007, 10:30 AM
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For Giovanna and Marvin:
Another wonderful DVD to view before going would be "Russia, Land of the Czars". This history is fascinating and informative, and seeing this ahead of your trip greatly enhances your visit. We happened to catch it on A&E a few months before our cruise.
And, "Russian Ark", an amazing film. We actually saw this one in a movie theater, and it was like being transported back to the 18th century to watch the goings on. The music is phenomenal.
Both are available at Netflix.
We were so glad to have seen both of these before touring the cathedrals and palace within the Kremlin, the Peter & Paul Fortress and Hermitage (which was a royal residence before it was turned into a museum) in St. Petersburg. Had I realized there would be a DVD player in the "library" on the ship, I would have brought them along to view while on the cruise and share with others who hadn't heard of these movies or seen them yet.
About souvenir prices: Our cruise was in 2003. I do not really recall specific prices, and they would peel off the price stickers before wrapping and bagging (they do this in France, too). I did save all my receipts for filling out the customs form, but, of course, could not tell what was for what.
Anyway, prices in Russia were much, much lower than at russiansouvenirs.com
The Chaika watches I bought were $10-12. Keep in mind that these are old-fashioned wind-ups - and you are reminded not to overwind them.
Believe me, there will be no shortage of shopping throughout the cruise.
The old Arabat street in Moscow was more interesting for strolling and admiring the buildings and gorgeous street lamps than shopping, though I did pick up a water color of St. Basil's there.
You'll find all sorts (and sizes), of original art everywhere. I prefer pastels and watercolors. Keep in mind that most will be of the local scenery, so if you pass on a picture of the Kremlin, etc., while in Moscow, you will not likely find one elsewhere. If something is unique and affordable and makes your heart leap, buy it. Same goes for the books of photographs and the postcards.
Also, a small, 6x8 for example, picture will be 9-10x11-12 or so by the time the picture is beautifully matted and framed.
The gift shop on the Pakhomov was very small. They had only a few of a variety of things (very pricey), but gives you an idea of what to look for while out and about.
They also had very limited pharmaceuticals/toiletries. Be sure to pack a sufficient supply of anything you use regularly or think you might need. A lady on our cruise came down with a miserable cold, had nothing along, and there was nothing in the gift shop. The one type of shopping we found rarely was a drugstore, and if those items were available in any of the convenience stores, we did not recognize the products. Fortunately, for the lady with the cold, I had a supply of decongestant and cough medicine.
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Surprisingly, the people who had the most trouble were the ones with the brand new, huge and heavy, athletic shoes. One lady was constantly removing her shoes every chance she got. (They were also very hot, she said.) Good things to have along are moleskin and heel huggers. After about a week, my leather shoes stretched out and started to "flop", so inserting a pair of heel huggers saved the day. When the weather was pleasant, I wore my Munro (sorry, style has been discontinued) sandals (like walking on pillows).
A visit to the Lomonosova factory (the Viking staff will find out the opening hours and give you a map for walking back there) is a must! Prices are excellent, especially compared to purchasing the same items in the stores in the city. Keep in mind you have to get your purchases home safely. I no longer buy a "set" of anything. Typically, I pick up a new favorite coffee mug. My cabinet is full of (one each) mugs I've picked up in our travels, each reminding me of where I was when I bought it. I don't care for knick-knacks all over the house. So, my husband built a shelf over the triple windows/door to our deck, where all are on display in one place.
The Lomonosova catalog on the website is only a small sample of their beautiful creations. I bought only a gorgeous Easter egg. (Easter is one of the most significant holidays in Russia, hence all those glorious Faberge Eggs.)
Another wonderful DVD to view before going would be "Russia, Land of the Czars". This history is fascinating and informative, and seeing this ahead of your trip greatly enhances your visit. We happened to catch it on A&E a few months before our cruise.
And, "Russian Ark", an amazing film. We actually saw this one in a movie theater, and it was like being transported back to the 18th century to watch the goings on. The music is phenomenal.
Both are available at Netflix.
We were so glad to have seen both of these before touring the cathedrals and palace within the Kremlin, the Peter & Paul Fortress and Hermitage (which was a royal residence before it was turned into a museum) in St. Petersburg. Had I realized there would be a DVD player in the "library" on the ship, I would have brought them along to view while on the cruise and share with others who hadn't heard of these movies or seen them yet.
About souvenir prices: Our cruise was in 2003. I do not really recall specific prices, and they would peel off the price stickers before wrapping and bagging (they do this in France, too). I did save all my receipts for filling out the customs form, but, of course, could not tell what was for what.
Anyway, prices in Russia were much, much lower than at russiansouvenirs.com
The Chaika watches I bought were $10-12. Keep in mind that these are old-fashioned wind-ups - and you are reminded not to overwind them.
Believe me, there will be no shortage of shopping throughout the cruise.
The old Arabat street in Moscow was more interesting for strolling and admiring the buildings and gorgeous street lamps than shopping, though I did pick up a water color of St. Basil's there.
You'll find all sorts (and sizes), of original art everywhere. I prefer pastels and watercolors. Keep in mind that most will be of the local scenery, so if you pass on a picture of the Kremlin, etc., while in Moscow, you will not likely find one elsewhere. If something is unique and affordable and makes your heart leap, buy it. Same goes for the books of photographs and the postcards.
Also, a small, 6x8 for example, picture will be 9-10x11-12 or so by the time the picture is beautifully matted and framed.
The gift shop on the Pakhomov was very small. They had only a few of a variety of things (very pricey), but gives you an idea of what to look for while out and about.
They also had very limited pharmaceuticals/toiletries. Be sure to pack a sufficient supply of anything you use regularly or think you might need. A lady on our cruise came down with a miserable cold, had nothing along, and there was nothing in the gift shop. The one type of shopping we found rarely was a drugstore, and if those items were available in any of the convenience stores, we did not recognize the products. Fortunately, for the lady with the cold, I had a supply of decongestant and cough medicine.
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Surprisingly, the people who had the most trouble were the ones with the brand new, huge and heavy, athletic shoes. One lady was constantly removing her shoes every chance she got. (They were also very hot, she said.) Good things to have along are moleskin and heel huggers. After about a week, my leather shoes stretched out and started to "flop", so inserting a pair of heel huggers saved the day. When the weather was pleasant, I wore my Munro (sorry, style has been discontinued) sandals (like walking on pillows).
A visit to the Lomonosova factory (the Viking staff will find out the opening hours and give you a map for walking back there) is a must! Prices are excellent, especially compared to purchasing the same items in the stores in the city. Keep in mind you have to get your purchases home safely. I no longer buy a "set" of anything. Typically, I pick up a new favorite coffee mug. My cabinet is full of (one each) mugs I've picked up in our travels, each reminding me of where I was when I bought it. I don't care for knick-knacks all over the house. So, my husband built a shelf over the triple windows/door to our deck, where all are on display in one place.
The Lomonosova catalog on the website is only a small sample of their beautiful creations. I bought only a gorgeous Easter egg. (Easter is one of the most significant holidays in Russia, hence all those glorious Faberge Eggs.)
May 1st, 2007, 03:41 PM
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I suspected the prices would be lower in Russia and I'm glad to have that confirmed.
I'll be in touch Marvin. No point in our running around the decks yelling Fodor's at the top of our lungs in order to get acquainted. LOL
Thanks sounds a little understated for all the help you've provided djkbooks. Perhaps you could join us and be our tour guide?
I'll be in touch Marvin. No point in our running around the decks yelling Fodor's at the top of our lungs in order to get acquainted. LOL
Thanks sounds a little understated for all the help you've provided djkbooks. Perhaps you could join us and be our tour guide?
May 7th, 2007, 09:29 AM
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Hello to evryone on this thread. I am now getting ready for my May 27th Viking Pakmohov trip. Is there anyone going and taking the Helsinki pre-tour? And do you have any advice for this part of the tour? Also, I have a large purse (12" by 15" that can hold bottled water, camera, umbrella etc. Can I carry this in the Hermitage or do I have to check this?
Thanks
that can hold bottled water, camera, umbrella etc. Can I carry this in the Hermitage or do I have to check this?Thanks
May 8th, 2007, 09:43 AM
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RedHat:
Found this on the Hermitage website:
"Rules for Visitors
It is not allowed to take large objects into the museum: bags, briefcases, backpacks, umbrellas. Visitors are requested to deposit the aforementioned items in the museum's checkroom.
Visitors are asked not to bring food or beverages into the museum.
The entrances to the museum are equipped with metal detectors."
Looks like we're both out of luck. I too carry huge purses when traveling.
In case you don't have it, the website is:
www.hermitagemuseum.org
Found this on the Hermitage website:
"Rules for Visitors
It is not allowed to take large objects into the museum: bags, briefcases, backpacks, umbrellas. Visitors are requested to deposit the aforementioned items in the museum's checkroom.
Visitors are asked not to bring food or beverages into the museum.
The entrances to the museum are equipped with metal detectors."
Looks like we're both out of luck. I too carry huge purses when traveling.
In case you don't have it, the website is:
www.hermitagemuseum.org
May 8th, 2007, 10:55 AM
#258
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Giovanna:
The Viking guides will instruct you on the bus ahead of every venue. They will tell you to leave everything on the bus (which will be locked) except your camera (including any sweaters/jackets), especially at the Hermitage. It would take a very long time for everyone to check their belongings and reclaim them. So, Viking generally avoids the check rooms so as not to reduce the visiting time.
The only place we used the checkrooms was at Peterhof - and only because it was pouring down rain when the bus dropped us off and the driver had to drop us off and leave. (Thankfully, the rain stopped and the sun came out not long after.) For sure, a lot of time was consumed checking and reclaiming raincoats and umbrellas. This worked out okay because there was a graduation ceremony, so the fountains were turned on later than scheduled. Otherwise, we might have missed that waiting in line at the check room, or spent time in the check room line instead of shopping.
Note also that most places require a separate ticket (nominal charge) if you want to take photographs. And, that can slow you down as well. There are so many beautiful (and inexpensive) books of photographs and post cards everywhere that you do not really need to take your camera indoors. And, most places, you can hardly get good shots for all the people.
The Viking guides will instruct you on the bus ahead of every venue. They will tell you to leave everything on the bus (which will be locked) except your camera (including any sweaters/jackets), especially at the Hermitage. It would take a very long time for everyone to check their belongings and reclaim them. So, Viking generally avoids the check rooms so as not to reduce the visiting time.
The only place we used the checkrooms was at Peterhof - and only because it was pouring down rain when the bus dropped us off and the driver had to drop us off and leave. (Thankfully, the rain stopped and the sun came out not long after.) For sure, a lot of time was consumed checking and reclaiming raincoats and umbrellas. This worked out okay because there was a graduation ceremony, so the fountains were turned on later than scheduled. Otherwise, we might have missed that waiting in line at the check room, or spent time in the check room line instead of shopping.
Note also that most places require a separate ticket (nominal charge) if you want to take photographs. And, that can slow you down as well. There are so many beautiful (and inexpensive) books of photographs and post cards everywhere that you do not really need to take your camera indoors. And, most places, you can hardly get good shots for all the people.
May 8th, 2007, 01:32 PM
#259
Join Date: Apr 2007
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I received my copy of Russia by River, and djkbooks was right (again!) -- this book is virtually a step-by-step narrative of the Moscow / St. Pete cruise, including stops and things to see while cruising. Great pre-read and trip companion.
