cruise nordnorge

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• Hurtigruten

MS Nordnorge

Cruise line Hurtigruten

MS Nordnorge current position

MS Nordnorge current location is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 71.04135 N / 27.84241 E) cruising en route to Bergen. The AIS position was reported 3 minutes ago.

Specifications of MS Nordnorge

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MS Nordnorge Review

Review of ms nordnorge.

The 1997-built MS Nordnorge cruise ship is one of the six “contemporary” Hurtigruten ships, together with Kong Harald , Nordlys , Nordkapp , Polarlys , Richard With . Together with its fleet mates, Nordnorge serves Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Voyages (NCV) program for cruiseferry travel by cargo-passenger ships.

The vessel (IMO number 9107784) is currently Norway- flagged (MMSI 259371000) and registered in Tromso .

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner Hurtigruten is a Norwegian passenger shipping company specializing in cruise and ferry services. The "Norwegian Coastal Express Route" ( Bergen - Kirkenes ) is a cargo-passenger ferry service along Norway's western and northern coast. Hurtigruten's cruise ferries sail nearly the entire length of Norway and complete this roundtrip itinerary in 11 days. The route also includes Lofoten Islands and Vesteralen Islands .

The 700-passenger ship Nordnorge is the second in Hurtigruten's fleet to have this name. "Nord-Norge" translates as "Northern Norway" (the country's northern part, with territories located mostly inside the Arctic Circle). Between 2002 and 2007 this Hurtigruten vessel sailed in Antarctica. The ship became a national celebrity after she was the main venue for NRK "Hurtigruten - Minute by Minute". Around 3,2 million viewers were reported to have watched the show.

Decks and Cabins

MS Nordnorge staterooms (214 total, in 9 grades) include 12x Suites, 178x Outside, 21 Inside. Cabin sizes vary from 55 to 325 ft2 (5-30 m2). Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 3. Most staterooms are outside and sized 85-140-ft2 (8-14 m2). There are no balcony cabins.

Standard cabin amenities include lower and upper bunk beds, bedside reading lamps, foldable table with chair, LCDTV, radio, phone, mini-fridge, electronic safe box, wardrobe with dressers and cabinets, en-suite bathroom (WC-shower, bath products, hairdryer), individual air-conditioning, blankets (for sitting outside).

The boat has 7 decks , of which 6 are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

MS Nordnorge features some qualities which separate her from the traditional cruise ships. The everyday conveniences are offered in a large ship setting. The main restaurant offers a relaxed informal atmosphere in the evenings, and all menus use locally-sourced fresh ingredients. Hurtigruten dining boasts authentic Norwegian specialties and international cuisine.

Follows the complete list of ms Nordnorge restaurants and food bars.

• Torget Restaurant (Deck 4) is the Nordnorge ship’s 240-seat Dining Room with floor-ceiling windows and a large buffet station in the middle. Here are offered buffet-style Breakfast (7-10 am) and Lunch (11:30 am - 2:30 pm). Dinner is waiter-served, with 4 seatings, a 3-course menu (plus a la carte menu with light snacks). In the Torget Restaurant are also sold Hurtigruten wine packages.
• Multe Bakery (Deck 7 midship) is a patisserie/ice cream bar with a knitting corner and jigsaw puzzles. It offers freshly baked cakes and pastries along with a range of local ice creams. Guests can try the stockfish, brown cheese, and cloudberry ice cream.
• Brygga Bistro (Deck 4) offers cafe-style food and is perfect for a light lunch. It serves beverages, sandwiches, and burgers throughout the day.
• Kysten Arctic Fine Dining (Deck 4) offers a more private, intimate setting. This exquisite restaurant serves some of the world's best seafood, exotic meat and other produce directly sourced from the Arctic.

Unlike most Hurtigruten ships, Nordnorge has no 24-hour open Cafe Restaurant (Cafeteria with a la carte menu for hot/cold meals, snacks, beverages). The only 24-hour open venue is the Reception, offering guest assistance and information, along with a reduced variety of beverages, packed snacks, and sandwiches.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Nordnorge is not a cruise ship as the usual ones. Classed as one of the six “contemporary ships” of Hurtigruten, this vessel is a combination between a cruise ship, a ferry and UPS delivery service. The vessel features brass and panoramic windows everywhere, polished wood stairways and fascinating Norwegian artwork. The stops are frequent and brief – what would you say about 33 call ports in six days? You can simply disembark in one town, then hop on the bus tour and meet your ship at the next port.

The onboard entertainment is low-key as most of the time is spent in discussions with fellow passengers. Occasionally, there may be live music performances in the evenings at the Bar Lounge. The ship has a small Fitness (gym room), two spa pools (outdoor jacuzzies), Infirmary. However, the small hospital is not served by a resident doctor/nurse. In cases of emergencies, the crew asks among passengers if there is medical personnel, and the ferry is always navigating close to land to deliver sick passengers to a hospital if needed.

Follows the complete list of ms Nordnorge lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• The Car Deck (capacity of 45 cars)
• Two Lecture Halls / Conference Rooms (Deck 4) host multimedia presentations, lectures by scientists/wildlife experts, Norway-themed films. A show program is not offered.
• Explorer Lounge and Bar (Deck 7 forward) is a Panorama Lounge (with scenic bow views from floor-ceiling-windows) that also serves as Library (shelved books, board games and cards playing).
• The Shop (sells Norwegian souvenirs, Hurtigruten logo merchandise, jewelry, toiletries, clothing)
• Promenade Deck (full-circle open-air deck space)
• Observation Lounge and Bar
• TRIM Fitness (equipped with exercise bikes, treadmills, free weights); 2 Saunas (separate for men/women)

The Sun Deck is the place for Hurtigruten's special ceremony "Arctic Circle baptism", including a Neptune-costumed crewmember, icy seawater, and a shot for warming up.

The cruise ship doesn't have Kids Playroom (indoor playground), Nursery (babysitting facility), Video Games Arcade, Internet Cafe.

Itineraries

MS Nordnorge itinerary program is based on Norwegian Coastal Voyages. Ship's routes include the beautiful Norwegian fjords. Nordnorge is mostly used as a ferry for both passengers and cars. However, some guests stay on board for roundtrip 12-day itineraries out of Bergen and Kirkenes .

MS Nordnorge cruises Norway's coast in summer, and in winter, she heads to Antarctica for expedition-style adventures with lectures and naturalists. During her Antarctica trips, passengers' number is limited to 350. In the program are included shore excursions and exploration of places led by local guides.

MS Nordnorge - user reviews and comments

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MS Nordnorge Wiki

The ship was christened by godmother Sissel Ronback on March 20, 1997. The vessel is named after the northern part of Norway (Arctic Circle territories). This is the second Hurtigruten ship to bear this name. Classed as one of the line's contemporary ships, Nordnorge is a combination of a ferry (RO-RO), UPS delivery (on water) service, and a cruise ship.

The vessel's godmother Sissel Ronback is a Norwegian politician (Labour Party), at that time serving as Norway's Minister of Transport and Communications. After the extensive drydock refurbishment in 2005, the ship now has two outdoor hottubs (on its top deck) and a unique onboard art collection by Norwegian authors (Johanne Marie Hansen-Krone, Dagfinn Bakke, Ellen Lenvik). Vessel's last drydock was in December 2019 (Bredo Drydocks, Bremerhaven Germany ).

Nordnorge's interior decor reflects Art Deco and Art Nouveau influence. The ship is just like a floating art gallery, including artworks by the famous Norwegian artists J.M. Hansen-Krone, D. Bakke, E. Lenvik). Passenger cabins as sizes vary from 65 to 323 sq.feet. Three of the staterooms are designed for disabled guests.

For winter 2002-2003, the Nordnorge ship was deployed in Antarctica . In 2009, the ship didn't operate on Norwegian coastal voyages but was chartered as a hotel ship in the Mediterranean (homeported in  Venice Italy ).

Fun fact is, that on June 16, 2011, NRK2 (Norwegian Public Service broadcaster) started non-stop live footage transmitting from ms Nordnorge during her 134-hour voyage from Bergen  to  Kirkenes . The "live show" reached 3.2 million Norwegians.

Currently, MS Nordnorge cruises on the same route, visiting 35 ports. Many use the vessel as transportation (ferry). Cruise passengers stay on board for full round trips booking it as a cruise ship. Norwegian coastal cruise passengers can opt for 5-11 nights stays, with the full 12-day sailing from Bergen to Kirkenes, then going back southbound. In most ports of call are offered Hurtigruten-sponsored excursions and tours. A ceremony "Crossing the Arctic Circle” welcomes newcomers. On Hurtigruten Norwegian coastal voyages, the line offers flight-cruise package deals. Bookings are protected with ATOL Certificate. ATOL stands for "Air Travel Organisers' Licensing" (Civil Aviation Authority, UK).

Drydock refurbishments review

By 2023-Q4, Hurtigtuten's all 7x "Norwegian Coastal Express" ferryboats (Nordnorge, Richard With, Nordlys, Kong Harald, Polarlys, Trollfjord, Nordkapp) were scheduled to complete drydocks for powerplant conversions (from diesel-only to diesel-electric / battery-hybrid), during which new low-emission diesel engines and large battery packs were installed.

• For this project (budgeted ~EUR 100 million), on May 11, 2021, Hurtigruten Group signed a contract with Kongsberg Maritime to deliver the hybrid equipment packages for the boats.
• Each ship was fitted with 2x SAVe Energy storage systems (1120 kWh lithium-ion batteries) controlled via SAVe CUBE (drive switchboards that control the thrusters) and 2x Bergen B33:45V diesel engines (diesel generator sets with SCR-Selective Catalytic Reduction to optimize CO emissions control).
• Kongsberg's equipment also included re-blading of the propellers, installing new thruster motors (retractable stern 360-degree azimuthing thruster), AC (switchboards/current switches), new safety and communication systems, new gears, bulbous bow (the hull was optimized to reduce drag), new boilers (improving heat recovery from the engines), new wastewater treatment plant.
• The drydocks were conducted by Myklebust Verft AS (shipyard in Gursken, Norway's Gurskoya Island).

All Hurtigruten ships now have shoreside-power capabilities (plugs for electricity supply at port berths).

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MS Nordnorge

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About MS Nordnorge

Embark on a journey of luxury and discovery aboard MS Nordnorge, where modern elegance meets Arctic-inspired design. Following its 2016 refurbishment, the ship now boasts a sleek interior that perfectly complements the breathtaking landscapes of Norway. With a passenger capacity of 590 and a gross tonnage of 11,384, MS Nordnorge offers ample space and comfort for travelers seeking an unforgettable voyage. Onboard amenities include three distinct restaurants, the charming Multe bakery and ice cream bar, and a relaxing sauna and fitness room. Guests can also unwind in one of two outdoor hot tubs or enjoy a traditional drink at the cozy bar located at the front of the ship. Additionally, the vessel features a spacious compass area housing essential amenities such as reception, tour guides, a conference room, and a shop.

Your voyage will be brimming with immersive experiences guided by the Coastal Experience Team, who possess unparalleled knowledge of the Norwegian coast. From captivating lectures to curated hikes, the team is dedicated to enriching your voyage both on board and on land, offering insights into Norway's nature, wildlife, and culture. Indulge in seasonal tastings of local delicacies and embrace Norway's outdoor spirit with handpicked excursions and activities, from exploring historic landmarks to thrilling adventures. With each excursion carefully graded by effort level, whether you seek scenic exploration or adrenaline-fueled thrills, the Coastal Experience Team ensures an unforgettable journey through Norway's breathtaking landscapes.

Parents, if your child is aged 6-13, they can partake in the complimentary Young Explorers activity program on board the ships (except MS Vesterålen) during July and August. Join us for a family adventure along the Norwegian coast, where engaging activities foster curiosity and a spirit of exploration in young minds. From interactive workshops to competitive games, each program is designed to stimulate and entertain, while also promoting teamwork and camaraderie among young participants. As children delve into topics like Viking history, nature exploration, and cultural immersion, they not only learn valuable lessons but also form lasting friendships and gain a deeper appreciation for the world around them

Indulge in a culinary experience aboard the ship with an array of dining options to tantalize your taste buds. Torget, the main restaurant, offers a diverse selection of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, meticulously curated by head chef Øistein Nilsen. Sample hot dishes, fresh bread, cereals, and an assortment of delectable items to start your day. At Kysten, the à la carte restaurant, savor exquisite dishes crafted from the finest ingredients sourced from the Norwegian coast. From seaweed-based delicacies to succulent reindeer and juicy scallops, each dish is a culinary masterpiece. For a quick bite, Brygga serves up flavorful salads, sandwiches, and pizzas, including the signature shrimp sandwich—a true Norwegian classic. Complete your dining experience with a visit to Multe, the onboard bakery, where you can indulge in freshly baked pastries, open sandwiches, smoothies, and luscious ice cream. Afterward, unwind at the Explorer Bar, offering panoramic views of the fjords and a selection of hot and cold beverages to enjoy as you relax in comfort.

MS Nordnorge promises an unforgettable adventure where every moment is filled with discovery and delight.

Expedition Suite- Suite

These elegant refurbished suites are situated on the upper deck with one or two rooms and seating area. The suites have a separate bedroom, double bed, a sofa that converts into a double bed in the sitting area, Wi-Fi, TV, hair dryer, bathrobes, blanket, and coffee and tea facilities.

Expedition Suite- Mini suite

These comfortable, refurbished suites for up to two people have double beds, and most have sofa groups as well. The suites also have a great view. The suites additionally include two chairs in a sitting area, Wi-Fi, TV, hair dryer, bathrobes, blanket, and coffee and tea facilities.

Arctic Superior- Mini suite (obstructed)

Lean back in these large, relaxing cabins with double beds. Most cabins have sofa groups. You will also find a TV at your disposal. These cabins are situated on upper decks with limited or no view.

Arctic Superior- Outside cabin

These comfortable, refurbished outside cabins for up to two people on the upper or middle decks have a double bed, TV, one chair and small desk, and coffee and tea facilities.

These comfortable, refurbished outside cabins for up to two people on the top/upper decks have a double bed, TV, one chair and small desk, and coffee and tea facilities.

Polar Outside- Outside cabin

These comfortable, refurbished cabins for up to two people on the middle decks have two single beds, one chair and desk, and a hairdryer.

These comfortable refurbished cabins for up to three people on the middle decks have single beds, bunk beds, TV, and a hairdryer.

These standard outside cabins for up to two people on the middle decks have two single beds, one chair and desk and a hairdryer.

These standard outside cabins for two people on the middle decks have two single beds, one chair and desk and a hairdryer.

Separate beds, one bed can be turned into a sofa. Adapted for guests with disabilities.

Outside cabin (porthole, some obstructed)

These comfortable outside cabins for up to two people on the lower decks have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. The cabins have portholes, some with limited or no view.

With portholes, separate beds, one bed can be turned into a sofa, some with upper and lower bed. Some have limited or no view.

Polar Outside- Outside cabin(obstructed)

These are comfortable outside cabins, situated on upper or middle decks. These cabins have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa. These are cabins with limited or no view.

These comfortable, refurbished outside cabins for up to three people on the upper decks have single beds, one of which converts into a sofa, bunk beds, TV, and a hairdryer. The cabins have limited or no view.

Polar Inside- Inside cabin

These comfortable, refurbished standard inside cabins for up to three people on the upper deck have separate single beds, one of which converts into a sofa, bunk beds, and TV.

These comfortable, standard inside cabins for up to two people on the lower deck have single beds, one of which converts into a sofa, and one chair and desk.

View Deck Plan

Torget Main Dining

Torget Main Dining.

Kysten Arctic Fine Dining

Kysten Arctic Fine Dining.

Multe Bakery & Ice Cream

Multe Bakery & Ice Cream .

Brygga Bistro

Brygga Bistro.

Lecture halls

Lecture halls.

Fitness room

Fitness room.

Outdoor Explorer deck

Outdoor Explorer deck.

Explorer Lounge & Panorama bar

Explorer Lounge & Panorama bar.

Outdoor deck

Outdoor deck.

Kompass Adventure reception

Kompass Adventure reception.

Tender Lobby

Tender Lobby.

Information Shop Post office

Information Shop Post office.

Outdoor walking deck

Outdoor walking deck.

Seating area

Seating area.

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Hurtigruten Nordnorge Deck Plans & Reviews

Hurtigruten Nordnorge

Activities & entertainment

• Enrichment Activitites
• Fitness Room
• Hot Tub (2)
• Onboard Lectures
• Explorer Lounge
• Nightly Music
• Kysten - Arctic Fine Dining *
• Brygga - Bistro *
• Multe - Ice Cream & Snacks *
• Torget - Norwegian
• Panorama Bar - Panoramic Bar *
• Excellent 3
• Very Good 2
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Have peace of mind with our extended Northern Lights Promise for a FREE voyage if the aurora doesn’t appear (T&Cs apply). 

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Enjoy exclusive excursions that allow you to tailor-make your Norway experience to your interests. 

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Indulge in breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks in at least two onboard restaurants, each serving top-quality Nordic cuisine and a wide range of delicious Norwegian juices, beers, spirits, and international wines. 

Six-person Coastal Experience Team

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Moscow: question for those who have gone from St Petersburg

By Wayfairers , August 22, 2019 in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

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I have read many of the threads that discuss whether or not Moscow is worth the expense and long day, especially when there are only 2 days in port.  I realize there are two strong opinions from people with one side saying it is worth it and the other side says stay in St Petersburg. We have decided to go Moscow on day 1 of our visit. 

So, those who have done the long trip to Moscow....did you go with the cruise ship or a private guide?   If a private guide, who and would you recommend them?  Did you take the train both ways or fly one direction?  

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On 8/22/2019 at 9:28 AM, Wayfairers said: I have read many of the threads that discuss whether or not Moscow is worth the expense and long day, especially when there are only 2 days in port.  I realize there are two strong opinions from people with one side saying it is worth it and the other side says stay in St Petersburg. We have decided to go Moscow on day 1 of our visit.    So, those who have done the long trip to Moscow....did you go with the cruise ship or a private guide?   If a private guide, who and would you recommend them?  Did you take the train both ways or fly one direction?  

Been to Moscow several times. We have used the Sapsan both ways and have also flown both ways - never a combo of the train/plane. We enjoyed the Sapsan more than the flight. We have NOT travelled to Moscow when arriving by cruise ship so have no comment on your particular situation regarding a one day tour with only 2 days in St. Pete.  Good luck - hope the visit meets your expectations.

Thanks for the info.  Good to know you enjoyed the train more than the plane - I would expect we would too as flying is typically more hassle than taking the train.  

We decided to book the trip to Moscow with the cruise ship after learning that if we miss the train or plane we don’t get a refund in addition to missing Moscow.  And, I’ve had friends who’s ship missed the St Petersburg stop due to weather.

Moscow is a great city but I would rather spend all two days in St Petersburg. Some years ago we had almost a week there and still it doesn’t seem enough. We also had one day in Moscow and the journey arranged by the local travel agency was well organized and comfortable. In a view of time restrictions of the journey (we spent almost 8 hours on the train and just 6-7 hours in the city) one day in Moscow still felt a little rushed. Anyway, enjoy planning your trip and hope you have a great time in Russia!

Just make sure the day you are going to Moscow, it is not one of their holidays or even a day before a holiday.

Moscow is an amazing city but it is frustrating when Red Square is closed for parades, etc.... It is hard to determine when they close it but it is definitely closed for their holidays. When it is closed - you can only walk around the exterior of the square and look in.

Thanks!   I will check.  We are in Moscow May 16.  I know May 9 is a holiday. 

AngelDisney

I have 2 days in St. Petersburg and am thinking about this possibility. I think it’s hard to do this with 2 days. The first day will take longer time to go ashore because of the immigration process. The second day is not possible due to the early all abroad time. It seems that it’s only worth doing it if there are 3 days in St. Petersburg especially when a full day of touring in Moscow is preferred. 

1 hour ago, AngelDisney said: I have 2 days in St. Petersburg and am thinking about this possibility. I think it’s hard to do this with 2 days. The first day will take longer time to go ashore because of the immigration process. The second day is not possible due to the early all abroad time. It seems that it’s only worth doing it if there are 3 days in St. Petersburg especially when a full day of touring in Moscow is preferred. 

For 2 days - spend the time in St. Petersburg. There is so much to see there. Save this for a 2nd trip.

When we were in St. Petersburg we were also very interested in visiting Moscow. We were already in Russia why not visit as much places as we could, right? We used Anastasia Travel for our St. Petersburg tour and also asked them to include Moscow. They were very helpful and were very much willing to arrange a day trip to Moscow for us but they suggested we just stay in St. Petersburg since we only had 2 days. They were kind enough to explain that we would just waste time and money if me push through with the Moscow trip. We would spend more time on the train instead of using the time to explore and enjoy the sights. They were actually correct and we ended up enjoying a wonderful 2-day tour in St. Petersburg. I guess we'll have to go back to see Moscow and make sure to stay longer! 

angie7911922

When we went to St Petersburg we had the same dilemma. We decided not to go to Moscow and didn’t regret it one bit. There is so much to see! If you spend the 2 days in St Petersburg you can go and see Peterhof Palace on one of the days. We were on a Princess cruise and like flowslow, we booked our private tours with Katharina from Anastasia Travel.   This way we used our time to the fullest to see as much as possible at our pace with a personal guide. (We are not fond of the big group tours from the cruise lines).

9 hours ago, angie7911922 said: When we went to St Petersburg we had the same dilemma. We decided not to go to Moscow and didn’t regret it one bit. There is so much to see! If you spend the 2 days in St Petersburg you can go and see Peterhof Palace on one of the days. We were on a Princess cruise and like flowslow, we booked our private tours with Katharina from Anastasia Travel.   This way we used our time to the fullest to see as much as possible at our pace with a personal guide. (We are not fond of the big group tours from the cruise lines).

We have two days and decided only staying in SPB for both days. We are thinking of forming a private tour with other cruisers on another forum as the CC roll call for that cruise is so quiet. We are looking into Anastasia Travel as well. Very excited to go!

On 9/1/2019 at 8:09 PM, AngelDisney said: We have two days and decided only staying in SPB for both days. We are thinking of forming a private tour with other cruisers on another forum as the CC roll call for that cruise is so quiet. We are looking into Anastasia Travel as well. Very excited to go!

Great idea to form a small group!! Have a fantastic time and I am sure you wont regret that decision!! 

luvtravel88

I'm not sure about customs when coming in on a cruise ship. We were told that if we wanted to leave the ship, we would have to be on a tour, either a ships tour or private tour. I know we had to show our tour tickets at customs to be allowed to go further. We chose Alla tours and they were fantastic. We were docked in St. Petersburg for 3 days and we did go to Moscow on the Capsan train on the 2nd day. It was a VERY long day. We had to meet our group at 6:00am and were on the train at 7:00am. We arrived back at to our cabin at 1:30am the next day. It was a wonderful day and we're so glad we went but if we were in St. Petersburg for only 2 days, I probably wouldn't spend a day in Moscow. It is a 4 hour train ride each way, and if you need to be back to the ship to depart, it may not leave you much time in Moscow. The 8 hours we spent there, wasn't nearly enough. Traffic is horrible and we ended up getting off our bus and taking the subway to Red Square. Those 8 hours allowed us a tour of Red Square, which was phenomenal as well as a quick walk through GUM department store and a ride on the subway with several stops to see the mosaics, sculptures and chandeliers that are in the corridors of the subway stops.

But.....there is so much to see in St. Petersburg , the 2 days we spent there, were a whirl.

Whatever you decide to do, be sure you're in line to get off the ship before the ship arrives in port. We were in line an hour early and there were still about 20 people ahead of us. We found that the cruise ship allowed their tour groups to get off the ship first, so when we got to customs, the lines were outrageous. It took us about an hour in line and we were late starting our tour. I had organized the tour with Alla and had advertised it on our cruise forum here at Cruise Critic. There were 12 of us and we met up on the ship each morning and went through customs together so we all met the tour bus at the same time. That was very helpful!

The lines the first day were the worst and days 2 and 3 went much more quickly. Also, everyone was getting off the ship at the same time on Day 1, but tours met and left at different times on Days 2 and 3.

16 minutes ago, luvtravel88 said: . Whatever you decide to do, be sure you're in line to get off the ship before the ship arrives in port. We were in line an hour early and there were still about 20 people ahead of us. We found that the cruise ship allowed their tour groups to get off the ship first, so when we got to customs, the lines were outrageous. It took us about an hour in line and we were late starting our tour. ! The lines the first day were the worst and days 2 and 3 went much more quickly. Also, everyone was getting off the ship at the same time on Day 1, but tours met and left at different times on Days 2 and 3.

This is one of the reasons that we decided to use the cruise ship to go to Moscow our first day in St Petersburg. 

25 minutes ago, Wayfairers said: This is one of the reasons that we decided to use the cruise ship to go to Moscow our first day in St Petersburg. 

I believe that the ship tours to Moscow go via air, right?

Yes, as others have noted, there is MUCH to see in Saint Petersburg and in spending a week there one will barely scratch the surface - the same is true for Moscow.

It sounds like you want to get a "taste" of both cities - don't allow anyone to "throw water" on your plans as you best know what you want to do. You can always return for an extended visit.  😉

4 hours ago, dogs4fun said: I believe that the ship tours to Moscow go via air, right? Yes, as others have noted, there is MUCH to see in Saint Petersburg and in spending a week there one will barely scratch the surface - the same is true for Moscow. It sounds like you want to get a "taste" of both cities - don't allow anyone to "throw water" on your plans as you best know what you want to do. You can always return for an extended visit.  😉

No, our ship tour is going by train there and back unless I misread something.  You are right...we just want a taste of both cities.  In fact, that is what we get from all cruise port stops - just a taste.  We are never there long enough to the see the area completely.

2 hours ago, Wayfairers said: No, our ship tour is going by train there and back unless I misread something.  

Interesting - I thought that the ship tours flew to Moscow when in port for only 2 days. Hope you will post upon return and let us know how it went.

16 hours ago, dogs4fun said: Interesting - I thought that the ship tours flew to Moscow when in port for only 2 days. Hope you will post upon return and let us know how it went.

Double checked and it says we go to Moscow on the high speed train.   Come back the same way.   From all I’ve read it takes a little longer (ship to Moscow sites) to fly than to take the train.  

I've been thinking about that - and I might be wrong, but it seems to me an SPB-Moscow combo over a 3-day cruise is one of the few remaining cases where obtaining a full-fledged Russian visa actually makes sense (especially for families/groups and especially if one is willing to do some DIY trip planning). 

Just to make sure, though - for those staying on the ship, is there some kind of curfew, or are you able to come and go as you please?

4 minutes ago, napoxoguk said: I've been thinking about that - and I might be wrong, but it seems to me an SPB-Moscow combo over a 3-day cruise is one of the few remaining cases where obtaining a full-fledged Russian visa actually makes sense (especially for families/groups and especially if one is willing to do some DIY trip planning).    Just to make sure, though - for those staying on the ship, is there some kind of curfew, or are you able to come and go as you please?  

If you have a Russian visa there is no curfew - you may come and go as you wish. In fact, if you so choose, you can spend the entire time in the city (staying at a hotel in either Moscow or St. Petersburg) rather than returning to your ship each evening - but ONLY if you have a visa.

6 minutes ago, dogs4fun said: If you have a Russian visa there is no curfew - you may come and go as you wish. In fact, if you so choose, you can spend the entire time in the city (staying at a hotel in either Moscow or St. Petersburg) rather than returning to your ship each evening - but ONLY if you have a visa.

That is what my research shows too.  A quick google search showed the tourist visas for US citizens are $160.  I’m willing to pay for a tour rather than get the visa.  We’ve gotten most of the visas that are a pain to get and I’m tired of doing that. 

2 minutes ago, Wayfairers said: I’m willing to pay for a tour rather than get the visa

I understand. Ru visa process can be expensive and time consuming, especially if you live far away from one of the visa centers.

I'm just trying to come up with a reasonably conservative number - what can one realistically expect to pay for a mad 1-day Moscow dash if they go DIY.

For a regular SPB-only itinerary, visa doesn't seem to make sense - not only price-wise, but also from the standpoint of convenience - all the local operators have their itineraries down to a science.

With Moscow, though, it's not so clear-cut.

I found that most of the tour operators will give you a tour but no guarantee that you make it to Moscow because you will miss the train if debarkation is too slow.  I found one tour that offers a 2 day tour with a flight to Moscow day 1 and train back and St Petersburg day 2.   Seriously considered them.   I briefly thought about getting a visa and spending the night in Moscow but never priced everything out. If you look into that I would love to see what you find. Probably not for us though because I want to see some of both cities.  

2 hours ago, napoxoguk said: I understand. Ru visa process can be expensive and time consuming, especially if you live far away from one of the visa centers. I'm just trying to come up with a reasonably conservative number - what can one realistically expect to pay for a mad 1-day Moscow dash if they go DIY.

I have visited Russia multiple times. I received my latest 3 year visa in May and here are the associated costs:

Single/Double/Multiple entry visa, consular fee = $198

Visa Center Processing fee = $50

Total = $248   (this is your total if you apply in person at one of the 4 consulates located in the USA - since I don't live near a Russian consulate, I must use the more costly mail option)

SO ... here is what I actually paid:

Multiple entry visa, consular fee = $198

Visa Center Processing fee by mail = $120

Return shipping/handling fee = $35

Total = $353

Totally worth the fee as I spend multiple weeks in Russia yearly and prefer DIY - personally, I would not consider a visa if it was a one time visit via cruise.

So, for DIY, added to the visa expense, one must add the cost of the sapsan train (or flight), Moscow transportation (metro is great), food & associated entrance fees to the Kremlin (and whatever else one has the time/desire to visit).

FYI: There is a HOHO in both Moscow & St. Petersburg.

Okay, I think the diy budget might be something like ₽20,000 (about $300) per person. This includes:

Train tickets: ₽9000 (5+4); Kremlin+armory: 1700 (1000+700)

Boat ride:600

Meals: 3000 (1500 per casual meal)

Contingencies (Uber ride if needed, etc): 2500. 

It's based on a number of assumptions, so real-life mileage will vary - please let me know if you identify some glaring omissions or errors.

Assumptions:

Done on day 2 of three.

Good weather (lots of outside/walking time)

Earliest Sapsan to Moscow, overnight double decker from Moscow (no hotel stays)

Train tickets purchased at least 30 days in advance, economy for Sapsan and economy plus for the double decker (includes a bottle of water and a piece of gingerbread).

All group members are adults

Done on a day when the Kremlin, Red Sq, and other Moscow attractions are actually open.

Boat ride via watertrams-radisson.ru (the cheapest option with English audio guide)

Sample itinerary:

leave SPB on Sapsan 743a (5:30am), sleep on the train.

Arrive Moscow 9am

DIY Metro tour until 11am

Kremlin excursion (cathedral Sq, DIY) 11:30

Armory excursion (audioguide) 12:30 

Quick lunch (at GUM stolovaya or fast food chains at Manezhnaya sq) : 2 to 3pm.

Walk to Zaryadye boat pier via Alexander's garden, Red Sq, Zaryadye. Boats leave every 30 minutes. Route: Zaryadye- Gorky Park - luzhniki- Ukraina - turnaround - sparrow hills - Gorky Park. Time on board: 2 hrs. 

Gorky Park/muzeon (5:30 to 7:30). 

Head back (metro) towards red sq for evening walk/dinner (tverskaya-kamergersky-b.dmitrovka-metropol-nikolskaya area)

Need to be back at the train station by 10:30 to catch the 006aa train departing at 10:50. 

Back to SPB at 6:47 am.

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