Viking River cruise, Waterways of the Czars. Done it?
Apr 21st, 2010, 04:45 AM
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Viking River cruise, Waterways of the Czars. Done it?
We are leaving 18 May for this cruise on the Pakhomov. Any info on the ship, dress code etc. and the tour appreciated. Done Bike & Barge with VBT but this is a first for us.
Apr 21st, 2010, 07:49 AM
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We were thrilled with Viking and the Pakhomov! Guests on our ship were predominantly British and not casually dressed most of the time, but casual dress is fine for daytime touring. Most do dress for the special dinners (or skip them), but nothing fancy (though many do) required - just not too casual. Bring the most comfortable walking shoes possible.
We ended in St. Petersburg and hired a private guide (ahead of time) for the free afternoon and free day, rather than take optional tours. We were very glad we did this. By that time, we were thrilled to get away from the "group" and touring with the guide allowed us much more time (as opposed to returning to the ship for lunch and dinner).
A few tips. Try to get some local currency when you land at the airport. Enter an odd amount in hopes of an assortment of bills (rather than all large bills). Always try to use your largest bills first, as small vendors often cannot make change. We found it difficult to break large bills even in the metro stations, museums...
Check the weather forecast, but still plan for warmer/cooler. And, pack warmer outerwear for enjoying being out and about, especially on the ship while cruising, where it can be quite chilly, even when the weather is warm. Recommend a waterproof/windproof jacket/coat with a polartec or something very warm that layers nicely underneath.
Bring any pharmaceuticals you may need. A very limited assortment is available in the ship's gift shop, but it's best to have with you anything you might need. Good idea to bring cold remedies (as a cold can spread quickly). There was rarely a drugstore or pharmacy during our travels.
And, containers with suction caps (like GoToobs) are really handy for shower toiletries (trust me on this). My dual voltage appliances/chargers worked just find with the proper plug adapter.
Highly, highly, recommend "Russia by River" guidebook (www.russiabyriver.com).
Best souvenir prices were in the small towns where the ship docked and Saint Petersburg. Prices for same items were much higher in Moscow. (Wonderful, souvenir advice in Russia by River and from ship staff.)
Despite having spend all those days on a ship, a canal cruise in St. Petersburg is not to be missed!
We ended in St. Petersburg and hired a private guide (ahead of time) for the free afternoon and free day, rather than take optional tours. We were very glad we did this. By that time, we were thrilled to get away from the "group" and touring with the guide allowed us much more time (as opposed to returning to the ship for lunch and dinner).
A few tips. Try to get some local currency when you land at the airport. Enter an odd amount in hopes of an assortment of bills (rather than all large bills). Always try to use your largest bills first, as small vendors often cannot make change. We found it difficult to break large bills even in the metro stations, museums...
Check the weather forecast, but still plan for warmer/cooler. And, pack warmer outerwear for enjoying being out and about, especially on the ship while cruising, where it can be quite chilly, even when the weather is warm. Recommend a waterproof/windproof jacket/coat with a polartec or something very warm that layers nicely underneath.
Bring any pharmaceuticals you may need. A very limited assortment is available in the ship's gift shop, but it's best to have with you anything you might need. Good idea to bring cold remedies (as a cold can spread quickly). There was rarely a drugstore or pharmacy during our travels.
And, containers with suction caps (like GoToobs) are really handy for shower toiletries (trust me on this). My dual voltage appliances/chargers worked just find with the proper plug adapter.
Highly, highly, recommend "Russia by River" guidebook (www.russiabyriver.com).
Best souvenir prices were in the small towns where the ship docked and Saint Petersburg. Prices for same items were much higher in Moscow. (Wonderful, souvenir advice in Russia by River and from ship staff.)
Despite having spend all those days on a ship, a canal cruise in St. Petersburg is not to be missed!
Apr 21st, 2010, 03:01 PM
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I would like to ask djkbooks when was your tour?? Who did you book your private St Petes tour with?? Do you remeber the approximate cost? We normally keep in touch with my elderly Mom on trips with our cell phone. Do you know if there was service once you left Moscow and St Petes? You said they were NOT casually dressed on your tour. What do you call casual? My husband normally wears nice jeans for daytime. Should he take a jacket for dinner??
Thanks for the other tips. Especially about something for toiletries. Great idea!!
Thanks for the other tips. Especially about something for toiletries. Great idea!!
