pantelia

I have searched online and found different answers so I'm looking for more personal experience now. We will be a group of 5 Americans, on an MSC Baltic cruise with one day in St. Petersburg in June 2019. We'll be booking an excursion but my question is for after the excursion has ended. Does anyone have experience with wandering on your own, and making your way back to the ship prior to departure? Is this allowed? Or, will we be deposited back at the ship by the tour company? We're trying to decide on a shorter excursion, with self-wander/shopping at the end, or a longer excursion that includes shopping time.

Thanks in advance!

kenya3291

hello, I went on a baltic cruise last year and russia was my favorite port. You will not be able to go wandering on your own. You have to be with a tour or have a visa. Your tour guide will drop you off at your port. However you could always contact a tour company and ask them for a private tour and tell them what youre interested in doing. I am going back to russia in june and we will do a private tour and have customized all the way to shopping for fifa world cup souvenirs. I hope this helps and enjoy your trip!

melissa

kja

I visited St. Petersburg on my on (and without a tour) without difficulty. But then, I didn't need to find my way back to a ship.

janisj

You certainly can wander on your own -- but to do so you need to get a visa.

By 'excursion' do you mean one offered by the cruise line? IMO booking a private or small group tour independently is better (if it is with one of the 'approved' local tour companies you don't need the visa)

Look at these sources:

https://www.denrus.ru
https://www.viator.com/tours/St-Pete...ur/d908-7351P1

pantelia

Thank you all. Yes, I meant excursion, but we'll likely book a private one vs. the ones from the ship. Appreciate the feedback.

momincv

My hubby and I went on a Viking river cruise 2 years ago. We stayed and extra 2 days and SO glad we did. We had no difficulties wandering around on our own.

momincv

Forgot...we had a visa. You CAN'T wander on your own without a Russian Visa