Rising in 1703 from the swamps, a great city was being born. With no less than three different
names (Leningrad & Petrograd), St. Petersburg has a rollercoaster history which starts indelibly
with Peter the Great, who imagined an opulent city rivalling all others in Europe, but it wasn’t
until Catherine the Great took the throne 60 years later that the imagining of a grand St.
Petersburg became a reality.
When arriving be sure to be on deck for the sail, which lasts several hours with interesting
sights either side of your ship. Depending on the size of your ship will determine where you
dock. Smaller to mid-size ships are often able to sail right up the river and dock in visual sight
and hearty walk of the Winter Palace and downtown, although this is never guaranteed.
Larger ships dock at the cruise ship terminal facility several km away, or a container port.
Some cruise lines offer stays of 3 days/2 nights, others 2 days/1 night. I’d take the 3 day option,
as there’s plenty to do and it allows for a day trip to Moscow.
Additionally, there’s the question of visas. You need a visa and all cruise ships offer the option
of using the ship’s Blanket Visa, usually at a cost. This visa, however, only allows you to
participate in the ship’s organised shore excursions. It does not allow you to step ashore
independently, even to purchase a simple souvenir across the road! It’s more expensive, but
trust me obtain your own Russian visa before leaving home. You’ll be so happy you did.
Even if you’ve seen St. Petersburg back in its Leningrad days, a return trip is well worth the
effort. It’s so much brighter! Highlights for any traveller are the Winter Palace/Hermitage, one
of the greatest museums enriched by Catherine the Great and housing thousands of works of
art; a walk along Nevksy Prospekt popping into a traditional Russian deli for caviar and vodka;
touring the magnificent palaces of Peter and Catherine; taking in a ballet, or opera
performance in the palace where Rasputin was killed; shopping for stunning works of art is so
many forms, or winding your war around the flea markets where it’s mostly fake items; there’s
so much more!
Roger’s Quick Tips
Best Months: June – August
Don’t Miss: Any of it!
Tour or Not: Tours are easier
Sightseeing: Hermitage, Church on Spilled Blood, the
Palaces
Food: Caviar and Vodka (but be cautious of packaging)
Language: Russian
Shopping: Nevsky Prospekt, flea markets and
everywhere your bus stops
Cash or Card: Cards in reputable places. USD$/Roubles
in markets.