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Here Are all the Cruise Lines That Have Canceled Russia Sailings

Poseidon Expeditions is the latest addition, canceling seven itineraries

Astrid was the Senior Special Projects Editor at TripSavvy.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, cruise line after cruise line has altered itineraries with stops in Russian ports or canceled voyages entirely.

Poseidon Expeditions is the latest addition to this list after a March 17 statement announcing that seven polar voyages are canceled for the summer. An additional four Arctic sailings have new itineraries. "The terrible situation in Ukraine makes planned operations in Russian waters untenable, and we cannot support promoting these trips in any way for the 2022 season," said Angelica Vorea, founder and CEO of parent company Poseidon Arctic Voyages, Ltd.

Carnival Cruise Line, Windstar, and Atlas Ocean Voyages were some of the first big names to announce that they scrapped all stops in St. Petersburg. Carnival announced via Twitter they will be swapping Russia out of all current cruise itineraries in the coming week "once alternative ports can be confirmed." In the same post, the cruise line's holding company, Carnival Corporation, stood by Ukraine in light of the attacks, declaring, "We stand for peace."

Royal Caribbean Group released a statement canceling stops in St. Petersburg for summer 2022 sailings for all its brands, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silver Sea. "We have planned alternative ports and will communicate itinerary changes in the next few days to our guests and travel partners. Guests can feel comfortable knowing they are able to reschedule their cruise with our Cruise with Confidence program," the statement read.

MSC Cruises, which had four ships scheduled to call in St. Petersburg beginning this May, announced it had suspended all Russian stops and was in negotiations for possible alternative options, including Stockholm, Helsinki, and Tallinn.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also announced that they would remove Russian and Ukrainian ports from 2022 itineraries across their brands, including Norwegian, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas.

"It's disappointing because St. Petersburg is one of the crown jewels of the Scandinavian itineraries," said Frank Del Rio, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, during the company's earnings call last Thursday.

Regent Seven Seas had particularly significant plans for Russia this year, with several stacked itineraries, including the Solovetsky Islands, Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, St. Petersburg, and Odessa, Ukraine. Norwegian Cruise Line canceled a majority of its Baltic sailings on the Norwegian Getaway. Some cruise lines are forgoing modification and canceling their itineraries outright. The luxury river cruise line, Scenic, scrapped all of its 2022 Russia cruises. Viking River Cruises canceled all Russian river cruises and its planned Kyiv, Black Sea & Bucharest routes this year due to the events. Russian stops on Viking's ocean itineraries will be modified, and impacted guests and travel advisors will be notified.

The cancellations add to the ripple effect Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused throughout the travel industry. Earlier in March, travel expert and television personality Rick Steves announced he would be canceling all Russian tours that his company, Rick Steves' Europe, had planned this year.

"Our mission ... is to help Americans better know and understand our neighbors through travel," Steves wrote in a blog post from late February. "But when we bring travelers to another country, we also bring their dollars—dollars that would support Putin's aggression. Therefore, as of today, we have canceled all 2022 tours that include a stop in Russia."

Cruise Industry News. " Poseidon Expeditions Cancels 2022 Russia, North Pole Programs. " March 17, 2022.

Travel Weekly. "Update: Cruise Lines Cancel Ukraine and Russia Calls." February 28, 2022.

Cruise Critic. "Cruise Lines Alter Russia Itineraries, Cancel Ports Due to Ukraine Conflict." March 15, 2022.

Reuters. "Norwegian Cruise Cancels Sailings to Russia, Ukraine Ports." February 24, 2022.

Travel Pulse. "Cruise Lines Cancel Scheduled Stops in Russia, Ukraine." February 25, 2022.

Viking River Cruises. " Updates on Current Sailings. " March 1, 2022.

Related Articles

More related articles.

Cruise lines scrap Russian, Ukrainian ports from 2022 itineraries following invasion

Cruise lines are scrapping Russian and Ukrainian ports from their itineraries after Russian troops launched an attack on Ukraine. 

Three cruise lines owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings – Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises – announced Thursday that they would adjust their itineraries and remove calls to Russian ports in 2022. 

"The safety and security of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our top priority," reads an emailed statement from Norwegian Cruise Line. "We are currently working to confirm replacement ports and will advise all impacted guests and travel advisors as soon as possible."

CEO Frank Del Rio   noted Thursday morning that the company had no vessels scheduled to enter the region until late May.

Viking and Atlas Ocean Voyages are also adjusting their itineraries. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Which sailing itineraries are changing after Russian invasion of Ukraine? 

Norwegian Cruise Line is removing planned stops in St. Petersburg from its 2022 sailings "due to the escalated situation between Russia and Ukraine." 

Sister brand Regent Seven Seas Cruises plans to remove the Solovetsky Islands, Arkhangelsk, Murmansk and St. Petersburg, Russia, from its 2022 sailings, along with Odesa, Ukraine.

Oceania Cruises, another Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brand, said it too would remove Russian and Ukrainian ports from its 2022 sailings, according to an emailed statement.

All three companies said they are working to confirm replacement ports and will advise impacted guests and travel advisers "as soon as possible."  

Atlas Ocean Voyages, a luxe expedition cruise line based in Florida, is adjusting two of its late-summer Baltic itineraries. Calls to St. Petersburg will be replaced by destinations in Finland and Estonia.

UKRAINE INVASION'S IMPACT ON TRAVEL: US travelers urged to leave Ukraine by ground 'immediately' if they're already there

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BOOKINGS?: Crystal Cruises is reportedly shutting down US operations

"With unrest in Eastern Europe, we have adjusted our voyages," President Alberto Aliberti said in a statement. "Guests will enjoy these unique and rarely visited destinations and immersive shore excursions to take in the rich cultures and breathtaking vistas of the Baltic."

Viking, which operates both ocean and river cruises, has canceled all 2022 departures from its Kyiv, Black Sea and Bucharest itinerary . 

"We are currently evaluating itineraries that call in Russia in 2022, which will require modifications," according to a Viking statement. "When necessary changes are made, Viking Customer Relations will notify all impacted guests and their travel advisors."

Carnival Corp. spokesperson Roger Frizzell said the company is monitoring the situation. The company operates a number of cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line. 

Expedition cruise line Hurtigruten Expeditions has just one sailing to Arctic Russia scheduled for 2022. Spokesperson Rune Thomas Ege said Friday the company is "closely monitoring the situation in Eastern Europe and Russia."

United Kingdom-based cruise line Saga has altered its itinerary for a cruise to the Black Sea, which had planned to make a stop in Odesa, Ukraine. 

"We are now looking at the impact of the latest developments on our Baltic cruises later this year which were due to call in at St. Peterburg," a Friday statement from the company reads. "We will continue to monitor the situation and if necessary make further alterations to our itineraries whilst still ensuring the best experience for our guests."

Small-ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has canceled all sailings and cruise tours in the Black Sea region and will replace calls in St. Petersburg for non-Russian ports in its Baltic itineraries. 

What's the impact on cruise bookings?

Norwegian CFO Mark Kempa said readjusting itineraries wouldn't have a "huge impact" on the company. Roughly 5% of its total capacity calls on St. Petersburg during the summer season, or about 50 sailings total. 

"There's plenty of other ports in the Scandinavian region that we have the ability to call on," he said during a Thursday earnings call.  

Kempa added that it's "way too early" to say whether the conflict will have an impact on booking trends but hadn't noticed any "red flags" as of Thursday morning.

"You'll probably see a little bit of slowdown here and there around the margin. That's normal. But it's definitely too early to indicate if there's going to be any longer-term effects," he said. "This is affecting a very small portion of Europe. And there's a lot of other areas that we can operate in."   

A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association said the organization is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine and noted that most itineraries with stops in impacted areas are not scheduled to begin until late spring or summer. 

"We share with the world the concerns over the conflict in the region," spokesperson Laziza Lambert told USA TODAY via email. "As always, the safety and security of guests, crew and the communities we visit are of utmost importance and continue to be the criteria on which our cruise line members base their itinerary decisions."

CLIA encourages travelers who have booked sailings in the area to check with their travel advisor or cruise line for more information on their cruise's status. 

Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz . 

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Baltic - Norwegian Fjords - Russia Cruise Ports

Saint Petersburg (Russia)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Baltic - Norwegian Fjords - Russia

Local Time 2024-08-28 15:44

Saint Petersburg is Russia's largest cruise port and second largest city (after the capital Moscow ). The city is located on Neva River, while the seaport is at Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea). St Petersburg is one of Russian Federation's all 3 federal cities - together with Moscow and Sevastopol .

The city has federal status. It was named Saint Petersburg in 1703. The name was changed to Petrograd in 1914, and to Leningrad in 1924, and back to Saint Petersburg in 1991. Tsar Peter the Great established it on May 27, 1703. Between 1713-1728 and 1732-1918, it was Russia's imperial capital. The central government bodies moved to Moscow in 1918. St Petersburg is Russia's 2nd-largest city (after Moscow) with population over 5,3 million, as well as country's largest and most important Baltic Sea port.

St Petersburg is Russia's most westernized city, its cultural capital and also world's northernmost city with population over 1 million. The Historic Centre (downtown) and Related Groups of Monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to The Hermitage, one of the biggest art museums in the world. A wealth of international corporations, foreign consulates, businesses and banks have offices here.

IMPORTANT: Since 2020, foreign cruise tourists visiting Russia via Port St Petersburg are required to have E-Visas (single-entry visas). They are issued via the website government.ru, valid for 30 days and allow entries for max 8-day stays. E-Visa applications must be applied within 20 days of disembarkation (intended arrival) but no later than 4 days prior arrival. E-Visas allow tourists to go through the city's immigration checks multiple times during their stay.

After the port city is named the 2009-built icebreaker Sankt-Peterburg .

Port St Petersburg

In peak-season June 2017 alone, the cruise port handled a total of 56 ships and 122,770 passengers. Two new ships (TUI's Mein Schiff 6 and Regent's Seven Seas Explorer ) made inaugural calls. On May 2, 2017, was the maiden call of the newbuild ship Viking Sky ( Viking Ocean Cruises ). In 2017, the port handled 243 ship calls with over 540,000 passengers (19% increase over 2016). The port had 20 long-term berthing contracts with cruise companies and the ferry operator MOBY LINES .

In 2017, the cruise port had a total of 105 ship days and handled 441451 tourists. Just in the week July 10-16, the port received 17 liners with a total of 36,233 passengers. On July 11 and 12 here docked 7 liners with 23,458 passengers. July 2017's total ship days and handled passengers were, respectively, 34 and 130,283.

For season 2019, the cruise port had scheduled/booked 262 ship calls (including 10 maiden visits) with estimated 625,000+ passengers. However, the season (April 28 through October 21) ended with handled 265 ship calls (270 in 2018) and 647,640 passengers. Compared to season 2018, port's cruise passenger shipping traffic increased by 4% due to vessels' increasing capacity. Based on the berth bookings, the traffic in 2020 will increase to 648,000 passengers via 258 ship calls (including 11 new cruise ships ). Also in 2020, Tallink Group (Baltic Seas's largest cruiseferry operator) plans to use Passenger Port St Petersburg for the first time.

Port's busiest cruiseship day so far was in 2018 (June 30), when were handled 18,000+ tourists from 6 vessels (Norwegian Breakaway, Regal Princess, Britannia, Mein Schiff 1, Zuiderdam, Oceania Marina). In August 2019 was inaugurated the new sports and fitness center (in the seaport area) which mainly serves ships' crew while their ships are in port. Also in 2019 was started the Berth 7's extension (by 42 m) to 484 m (1588 ft). When completed in 2021, Berth 7's capacity will be two large passenger liners simultaneously, each with max LOA length 330 m (1083 ft).

Regularly scheduled St Peter Line ferries connect St Petersburg with Helsinki (Finland) , Tallinn (Estonia) and Stockholm (Sweden) . The ship operating the route (St Petersburg-Helsinki-Stockholm-Tallinn) is Princess Anastasia (crossing time 62,5 hours). To Helsinki are offered 2 weekly crossings (13 hours travel), to Tallinn 1 weekly crossing (14 hours) and to Stockholm1 weekly crossing (39,5 hours).

For FY2018 (fiscal), the port authority company (Sea Port of Saint Petersburg JSC) reported a record year with handled 7,7 million cargo tons (12% increase over FY2017). The traffic growth was attributed to terminal developments of facilities dedicated for transshipment cargoes (cast iron, metal scrap, ores, fertilizers, TEU-containers). Port's exports increased 15% (to 7,45 million tons), while imports decreased 38% (to 252,000 tons). Exports are ~97% (imports ~3%) of seaport's throughput.

Next statistics relate to cargo transshipments.

• Total general cargo increased 5% (to 6,67 million tons, of which 3,74 million ferrous metal).
• Mineral fertilizers increased 75% (to 477,000 tons).
• Non-ferrous metal decreased 10% (to 1,24 million tons). Wood pellets transshipment increased 1% (to 297,000 tons).
• Metal scrap decreased 38% (to 825,000 tons).
• Dry bulk cargo increased 260% (to 597,000 tons, of which 328,000 tons of ore).
• Bulk mineral fertilizers increased 270% (to 106,000 tons).
• TEU throughput (containers shipped on boxships ) increased 30$ (to 33,300 TEUs) of which over 27,000 export and over 6,000 import.

On June 5, 2019, Maersk (world's largest container shipping company) started the construction of its new cold storage warehouse (3-chamber facility) specializing in storing perishable goods (fresh and frozen produce). For the project was contracted the Russian company PNK Group, which as of 2019 owns and operates 28 industrial parks in Russia. The new warehouse is within PNK Park Sofiyskaya KAD and sized 23700 m2 (255,100 ft2). It has 35 loading/unloading docks (daily capacity 200 container trucks), max storage capacity 50,000+ tons (30,000+ pallet locations) and is operated by 200+ employees. ~40% of the warehouse is planned to serve exclusively Fyffes plc (Japanese-owned fruit company headquartered in Dublin Ireland ).

In February 2020 was established the state-owned (100%) company "Passenger Port of Saint Petersburg Marine Facade" as a sole operator for all passenger terminals. Marine Facade now operates all 6 passenger terminals and all 9 berths at Port St Petersburg, plus 1 rive cruise terminal and 6 berths serving riverboats (at Morskoy Vokzal).

In December 2020, for Container Terminal St Petersburg were ordered two STS (ship-to-shore) container cranes from Konecranes Oyj (Finland). As of 2022-Q1 (new cranes' deliveries), the cargo terminal has (all Konecranes-built) 6x STS cranes plus 24x RTG (rubber tyre gantry) cranes. Both new STS cranes were specially designed for operation at -40 Celsius, with power chains (instead of cable festoons) and with Collision Avoidance System.

Saint Petersburg cruise terminal

The following photo shows St Petersburg cruise port's ship terminals.

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Cruise Lines Alter Russia Stops, Seek New Destinations

Doug Parker

• February 25, 2022

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine increases, multiple cruise lines have announced that they have either completely canceled calls in those countries for the remainder of 2022, or are preemptively making alternative plans should they need to cancel port visits there.

Here are lines that have announced their plans concerning itineraries in Russia and Ukraine.

This article was updated on March 4 at 9:40 am.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has canceled all remaining port calls to Russia and Ukraine for its three cruise brands — Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Oceania and Norwegian Cruise Line’s first 2022 calls to Saint Petersburg, Russia were both scheduled for May.

In a note to travel advisors, Norwegian Cruise Line said that its team is “working to confirm replacement ports and will advise all impacted guests and travel advisors as soon as possible.”

In total, about 50 sailings between Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises were scheduled to call in Saint Petersburg this summer.

Carnival Corporation

Carnival Corporation has announced that its cruise line brands will be dropping calls to Saint Petersburg for the foreseeable future.

The cruise operator posted on Twitter Saturday afternoon, “In light of the recent attacks by Russia in Ukraine, Carnival Corporation brands will be modifying our itineraries in the coming week once alternative ports can be confirmed. We stand for peace.”

On Thursday, March 3, Princess Cruises announced that it is coming up with replacement ports for 24 cruises that were previously scheduled to call in Saint Petersburg. Replacement destinations will vary by itinerary, but include ports such as Stockholm, Sweden (overnight call); Visby, Sweden; and Gdansk (Gdynia), Poland.

On Friday, March 4, Holland America confirmed that it is modifying six itineraries originally scheduled to visit Russia.

The five cruises that would have visited Saint Petersburg will instead visit Riga, Latvia; Klaipeda, Lithuania; or Visby, Sweden; and also add an overnight in Stockholm, Sweden. The sailing that was scheduled to visit Vladivostok, Russia will instead visit Busan (Pusan), South Korea.

Royal Caribbean Group

Royal Caribbean Group will not be calling in Saint Petersburg, Russia this summer. The brand, which includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, said in a statement that it has “planned alternative ports and will communicate itinerary changes to our guests and travel partners.”

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises has announced that it has suspended all port calls to Saint Petersburg, Russia from the end of May to October. The change affects four ships that are scheduled to sail in the Baltic region this summer: MSC Preziosa, Grandiosa, Poesia, and Virtuosa.

The line is currently making arrangements for alternative ports, with potential replacements including Stockholm, Helsinki, and Tallinn.

Travel agents and guests who are affected by the changes will be notified as soon as new itineraries are in place.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages has adjusted two late-summer 2022 Baltic itineraries due to the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

On the Hamburg to Kiel itinerary, departing August 26, as well as the Kiel roundtrip itinerary departing September 7,  World Navigator  will drop Saint Petersburg, Russia as a port stop. Instead, the ship will call at Kotka and Mariehamn, Finland.

The August 26 cruise includes a transit of the Kiel Canal, while the September 7 departure will also add Saaremaa, Estonia where the ship will dock in the city center.

MORE: Norwegian Cruise Line Changes Vaccination Policy

Viking River Cruises

Viking has canceled all 2022 Kyiv, Black Sea, and Bucharest river cruise itineraries.

The line is currently evaluating all itineraries that call in Russia this year and is making plans to modify them.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises has canceled all voyages and cruise tours in the Black Sea region, and will be changing its Baltic itineraries to replace calls in Saint Petersburg, Russia with another non-Russian port.

The line’s Black Sea Sights & Turkish Delights itinerary was scheduled for two dates this year, and both will be modified for 2022 with a new roundtrip Istanbul itinerary to Greece and Turkey.

For the latest travel advisories from Windstar, including those concerning Russia, visit windstarcruises.com/travel-health-advisory .

Sea Cloud Cruises

Sea Cloud Cruises has canceled all scheduled calls to Saint Petersburg, Russia this year.

The line’s new three-master, full-rigged ship Sea Cloud Spirit  was scheduled to visit the city four times this summer during its first Baltic Sea season.

Sea Cloud Cruises is currently in the process of developing a new itinerary for affected voyages this June and July. Guests who are booked on those sailings have already been notified of the decision.

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Cruise lines halt all Russia stops in response to Ukraine invasion

Norwegian, viking, msc and royal caribbean have all suspended calls at russian ports, article bookmarked.

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Numerous cruise lines have pulled all stops in Russia from their itineraries following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Viking has stopping selling Russian sailings for the rest of 2022.

“We are deeply opposed to the unfolding conflict in Ukraine and are heartbroken for all the people who are impacted,” the company said in a statement.

“On 24 February we cancelled all 2022 departures of our Ukraine river itinerary. On 1 March we made the decision to cease all operations in Russia in 2022.

“Therefore, we have cancelled all 2022 departures of our Russia river itineraries – and will replace scheduled stops in Russia for all 2022 ocean itineraries.”

MSC Cruises has also suspended calls by four of its ships to St Petersburg , citing “security concerns”.

MSC Preziosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Poesia and MSC Virtuosa will all halt scheduled stops at the Russian city this summer.

“Since the onset of the current events the line has been in touch with alternative ports – such as Stockholm, Helsinki and Tallinn – to confirm calls for the four vessels and it will communicate the exact details for each individual sailing as soon as possible to travel agents and any customers affected by the new arrangements,” the line said.

Royal Caribbean and sister line Celebrity Cruises also both removed St Petersburg from summer itineraries.

A statement from Royal Caribbean International said: “The safety of our guests and crew is always our top priority. We are continuously monitoring events taking place around the world, including the situation in Ukraine.

“With the recent events, we have made the decision to cancel our visits to St Petersburg, Russia, on all summer 2022 itineraries.

“We have planned alternative ports and will communicate itinerary changes in the next few days to our guests and travel partners.”

Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the parent company that owns Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises, has done likewise, striking St Petersburg from its sailings.

In a normal summer, about 50 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings sailings would drop anchor in the popular Russian city.

“Due to the escalated situation between Russia and Ukraine we have made the decision to modify the course of your upcoming voyage and will be removing St Petersburg, Russia from the itinerary,” the cruise line wrote in a letter to guests.

“We are currently working to confirm a revised itinerary and will provide updates once we have more information.”

CEO Frank Del Rio said the move was “disappointing” because St Petersburg “is one of the crown jewels of the Scandinavia itineraries.”

“But certainly, there are alternatives,” he added.

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More cruise lines cancel Russia calls in wake of Ukraine invasion

Royal Caribbean , Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises have joined the growing number of cruise lines canceling Russia calls in the wake of the country's invasion of Ukraine.

All three cited concerns about the safety of passengers and crew.

"The safety of our guests and crew is always our top priority," Royal Caribbean said in a statement sent Wednesday to TPG. "With the recent events, we have made the decision to cancel our visits to St. Petersburg, Russia on all summer 2022 itineraries."

Celebrity and Silversea issued similar statements to TPG.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

All three of the brands are owned by Royal Caribbean Group , the world's second largest cruise company and the last of the four major cruise companies to cancel Russia calls.

The announcements from the brands came a day after the world's fourth largest cruise company, MSC Cruises, announced it was canceling Russia calls.

The world's largest and third-largest cruise companies, Carnival Corp. and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, announced cancellations of Russia calls on Saturday and Thursday, respectively.

Carnival Corp., notably, announced that it was dropping Russia calls in a tweet that tied the move not to security concerns but a desire for peace.

"In light of the recent attacks by Russia in Ukraine, Carnival Corporation brands will be modifying our itineraries in the coming week once alternative ports can be confirmed," the company said in the Saturday tweet. "We stand for peace."

While the vaguely worded tweet didn't specifically mention Russia calls, TPG has confirmed Carnival Corp. was referring to Russia calls in the communication.

Carnival Corp. operates five of the world's 10 biggest cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line , Princess Cruises , Holland America , Costa Cruises and Aida Cruises. It also is the parent company of Seabourn ; Britain's P&O Cruises and Cunard Line ; and Australia's P&O Cruises Australia.

Together the nine Carnival Corp. brands account for more than 40% of the worldwide cruise business.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings canceled its calls in Russia through the end of the year. It's the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line , as well as Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises . Together, the three lines had about 50 Baltic Seas sailing with stops in St. Petersburg, Russia, on their schedules prior to the announcement.

A number of smaller cruise operators including Atlas Ocean Voyages and Windstar Cruises also have canceled Russia calls in recent days. Both Atlas and Windstar have canceled all St. Petersburg calls for the year, and Windstar also canceled all of its Black Sea sailings for the year .

In addition, river and ocean cruise operator Viking late Thursday canceled its entire summer season of "Kiev, Black Sea & Bucharest" sailings that include travel across the Black Sea and up Ukraine's Dnieper River. British line Saga Cruises removed a call at Odessa, Ukraine, scheduled to take place in May.

Viking also said it was evaluating itineraries that call in Russia in 2022, which it said would "require modifications." The line operates Baltic sailings that call at St. Petersburg as well as river cruises on Russia's Volga and Svir rivers between St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Most of the lines that have canceled calls in Russia and Ukraine have cited safety concerns.

"The health, safety and security of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our top priority," the three Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands said in letters sent to travel agents Thursday announcing their cancellations. "Due to the escalated situation between Russia and Ukraine we have made the decision to alter itineraries."

A statement from a Viking spokesperson to TPG said something similar.

"The safety and security of our guests and crew is always our top priority," he said.

A significant change to Baltic cruises

The cancellation of St. Petersburg calls has significant implications for the coming summer season of Baltic cruises.

Known as Russia's cultural capital and famous for its historic palaces and museums, St. Petersburg is considered the main attraction of Baltic sailings. Cruise ships that sail in the region often dock in the city for two or three days to allow for extended touring.

In announcing its cancellation of St. Petersburg calls, Atlas Ocean Voyages said it would replace stops in the city with calls at ports in Finland and Estonia.

In their letters to travel agents, the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands said they still were working on replacement ports for St. Petersburg on upcoming Baltic sailings. Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Group brands also have said they still were looking for replacement ports for St. Petersburg.

In a conference call with Wall Street analysts early on Thursday, before the cancellations were announced, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CFO Mark Kempa said there were "plenty of other ports in that Scandinavian region" for the company's ships to call on should its brands drop St. Petersburg from schedules.

But on the same call, both Kempa and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president and CEO Frank Del Rio acknowledged the significance of St. Petersburg to the Baltic itineraries, with both calling the possible loss of St. Petersburg as a destination for this summer's Baltic sailings "disappointing."

"It is disappointing because St. Petersburg is one of the crown jewels of the Scandinavian itineraries," Del Rio said on the call, which came after Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings released quarterly earnings.

In response to a question from a Wall Street analyst about the possibility that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings would move ships from the Baltic to the Mediterranean for the summer, Del Rio emphasized that that would not happen no matter what happens with St. Petersburg calls.

"The Baltic ships will stay in the Baltic, (and) the Med ships will stay in the Med," he said.

The start of the Baltic cruise season still is more than two months away. Most Baltic cruises take place in the summer between May and September.

The sailings are among the most lucrative for cruise lines, as they traditionally sell for premium prices as compared to cruises in many other regions.

Impact on bookings

As of late last week, cruise line executives were saying the outbreak of war in Europe had not had a notable impact on cruise bookings, although they added that it was too soon to know the long-term implications of the Ukraine conflict.

"We definitely did not see anything [up until] the close of business yesterday, and this morning we haven't received any red flags," Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' Kempa said on Thursday's conference call with Wall Street analysts. "But like anything [like this], you'll probably see a little bit of [a bookings] slowdown here and there around the margin. That's normal, but it's definitely too early to indicate if there is going to be any longer-term effects."

Brad Tolkin, Co-CEO and Co-Chairman for World Travel Holdings, the nation's largest seller of cruises through travel agencies, told TPG something similar on Wednesday when contacted about booking trends before news of Russia's latest military moves in Ukraine came to light.

Indeed, Tolkin told TPG that cruise bookings have been up lately. The company owns several dozen cruise-selling brands including CruisesOnly, Cruises.com and CruiseOne.

"Right now, we are not seeing a material impact on bookings because of Ukraine," Tolkin said. "The booking trajectory continues to rise as we are up week-over-week. There could be some destination sensitivity, but this is not impacting, as of yet, demand."

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Cruise to St. Petersburg, Russia

St. petersburg shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in st. petersburg.

Czars and Saviors

Front of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia

Located near the waterfront and housed in the former Romanov Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum sits due north along Nevsky Prospekt from the Church of the Savior on Blood, St. Petersburg's other most iconic attraction.

Discover the Unusual

View of Saint Isaac's square in St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg's city center is overflowing with history — why not choose museums that offer something a little different? Visit the quirky Faberge Museum, dedicated to the work of Russian jeweler Carl Faberge. Or enjoy an interactive experience at the Museum of Emotions.

Imperial Excursion

Take a drive to some imperial palaces outside the city center. Under an hour away by car lies exquisite Peterhof, whose fountains alone are worth the price of admission. Cruise to St. Petersburg and go by train to the Baroque-style Catherine Palace — can you guess which Russian ruler often stayed here?

Local Cuisine

Russians flock to St. Petersburg because of its cosmopolitan vibe, but use your stop here to discover local cuisine. Head to the restaurant-rich Nevsky Prospect to sample borscht beet root soup (the cold version in summer), dumplings of meat ( plmeni ) and sour cherries ( vareniki ) or hearty beef stroganoff — yes, that's a Russian dish!

St. Petersburg's shopping options are as grand as its architecture. The luxurious Gostiny Dvor mall is an essential stop with your St. Petersburg cruise. If you're looking for a more down-to-earth experience, try your luck (and your Russian language skills) at Udelnaya Flea Market and bargain for one-of-a-kind antique samovars or imperial porcelain.

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St Petersburg, Russia

Port schedule.

St Petersburg, Russia cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

St. Petersburg Cruise Port Guide Info

Situated on the banks of the Neva River St. Petersburg is known as the Venice of the North by the grandiose canals, bridges, and opulent monuments of 17-century Czars Russia.

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Cruise Lines Skip Russia and Head to These Beautiful Ports Instead

In light of russia’s invasion of ukraine, cruise lines are steering away from russian ports to alternate destinations in estonia, finland, germany, and sweden..

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Some cruise passengers will be visting Kuressaare on Saaremaa Island in Estonia this year.

Photo by Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock

A typical cruise in the Baltic Sea will usually visit several Scandinavian cities, and maybe also stop in Tallinn, Estonia, or Gdansk, Poland. While the Old World-charm and cutting-edge design that define destinations like Copenhagen , Stockholm , and Helsinki are a big draw, the marquee attraction is often St. Petersburg, Russia—which is why cruise itineraries include up to three days in that city, with time to visit the extensive art collection at the Hermitage and the lavish palaces of the czars.

But that’s not happening this year.

“We stand for peace,” said Carnival Corporation , parent company of the cruise lines Carnival, Princess, Holland America Line, and Seabourn, among others, when it announced on February 26 that it was dropping all port calls in Russia in the wake of the country’s invasion of Ukraine .

The war has led numerous cruise companies to erase both Russia and the Ukraine from this year’s cruise calendar and get creative with replacement ports. As a result, Baltic Sea itineraries this year will put some interesting and less-visited places on the cruise map.

Teijo Niemelä, editor and publisher of the cruise industry magazine Cruise Business , says the changes are an opportunity for travelers to experience some lesser-known destinations in Scandinavia.

“You aren’t going to see anything like St. Petersburg, but you will visit ports that you may not have thought you’d visit in your life,” Niemelä says. “It’s something new.”

New port options range from Kotka (Finland) to Kuressaare (Estonia)

Some cruise lines are exploring the Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland.

Photo by Shutterstock

As they reconfigure itineraries, cruise lines are adding small ports where cruise passengers will find authentic experiences in places not overrun by tourist crowds, Niemelä notes.

Atlas Ocean Voyages , for instance, has rerouted its 196-passenger World Navigator to visit Mariehamn, Finland, on sailings in August and September from Hamburg and Kiel, Germany. Also new on the cruise line’s itineraries is Kotka, Finland (about two hours from Helsinki), and the Estonian island of Saaremaa, where World Navigator will dock next to the medieval castle in the city of Kuressaare.

“Atlas Ocean Voyages’ top priority is the safety and comfort of our guests and crew,” said the cruise line’s president Alberto Aliberti. “With unrest in Eastern Europe, we have adjusted our voyages and replaced our Russia calls with equally exciting and charming destinations in Finland and Estonia.”

Kotka has a seafaring history that passengers can learn about at the Merikeskus Vellamo museum. There’s also a decent aquarium and opportunity to go kayaking, rafting, and salmon fishing, according to Royal Caribbean , which was already scheduling visits to the city on some sailings from Stockholm prior to the invasion.

Mariehamn, population about 11,0000, in the Åland Islands archipelago, halfway between Finland and Sweden, is home to the world’s largest fleet of ocean sailing ships and also has a noteworthy maritime museum. The town was named in the 19th century for Russian Empress Marie Alexandrovna, wife of Alexander II, back when it was part of Russia. It’s a popular vacation destination for Swedes, Niemelä says.

Saaremaa, the Estonian island, has the aforementioned castle, with roots in the 14th century, along with beaches and spas.

Some cruise lines such as Holland America Line are subbing out St. Petersburg with additional overnights in Stockholm —providing more time to explore the history of the pop group ABBA at the ABBA museum ; to visit Fotografiska , the city’s contemporary photography museum; and dive into the Swedish coffee tradition of fika .

Small-ship line Windstar Cruises canceled sailings and tours in the Black Sea region and moved one of its ships to Greece and Turkey instead.

Windstar’s Baltic itineraries were redesigned to visit the German resort town of Sassnitz and the city of Wismar, with its Hanseatic architecture (the historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site) and spend additional time in Tallinn and Helsinki. A June 13 Baltic Delights sailing will overnight in Helsinki and call in Mariehamn, skipping a previously scheduled stop in St. Petersburg.

Seabourn has added Helsingborg, Sweden, to its lineup.

Luxury line Seabourn , which had planned cruises between Stockholm and Copenhagen with three days in St. Petersburg, completely reimagined its Baltics routes. As a result, two departures from Copenhagen in July will head to Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city, and then explore coastal Norway. Another sailing will stop by Arendal, a popular watersports destination on the southern coast of Norway, as well as Oslo, and Helsingborg, Sweden, the narrowest point between Sweden and Denmark.

Added to the Seabourn map this year are Wismar and Rønne, Denmark, a beach destination popular with Danes.

A couple of Seabourn itineraries in August and September will skip the Baltics altogether and sail from Copenhagen to Dover, with an overnight in Amsterdam and stops in Zeebrugge (just outside of Bruges), Belgium, and Cherbourg (as a jumping off point for visiting Normandy) in France.

If a growing number of cruise passengers decide against sailing the Baltic Sea region this year, it’s possible that we will see more lines move away from the Baltics altogether and reposition their vessels to other regions entirely.

Beyond the Baltic reroutings, a Holland America Line ship that had been scheduled to visit Vladivostok in the Russian Far East will instead stop by Busan, South Korea, some 573 miles away across the Sea of Japan.

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Note: The safety and security of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our top priority. Due to the escalated situation between Russia and Ukraine we have made the decision to alter itineraries and remove calls to St. Petersburg, Russia from our sailings indefinitely.

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St. Petersburg

What you NEED TO KNOW

For the most recent version of this page, visit:

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https://www.cruiseandsea.com/port/st-petersburg-russia/

St. Petersburg Russia

The port of St. Petersburg is located at the bottom of the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea. St. Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia.

Upon arrival, you will be “welcomed” by customs officers in military suits and looking very strict. But once in the city you will discover a wonderful place. You will see the imprints of communism in architecture and monuments as well as magnificent royal palaces filled with history.

Most cruise stops spend two days in St. Petersburg. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy this city.

Museums and attractions are not air-conditioned and for most of them, you have to buy a permit from the guide to take pictures or video.

St. Petersburg was the capital of Imperial Russia from 1712 to 1914 and remains the cultural capital of Russia. St. Petersburg changed its name several times and was renamed Petrograd from 1914 to 1924, Leningrad from 1924 to 1991, before regaining its original name following a referendum in 1991. Big names are linked to St. Petersburg, including Pushkin, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy and Tchaikovsky. Be sure to take a cruise on the canals of the city nicknamed “Venice of the North”.

WARNING: You must have a visa to visit St. Petersburg alone. However, this is not necessary if you take the boat trips, as you will be covered by the group visa.

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Useful Information

A 10% tip will be appreciated in restaurants.

RUB Russian ruble

Time difference

from New York: +8h

from San Francisco: +10h

from London: +3h

Where is located the Port of St. Petersburg Cruise Terminal

Travelling around the st. petersburg cruise port, activities in st. petersburg, st isaac’s cathedral.

You can climb into the dome of this church for an extra fee. Closed Wednesdays.

Savior on the Spilled Blood

This Russian Orthodox church is built in the traditional Russian architectural style and its interior is completely covered with mosaics (7,000 square meters). Closed Wednesdays.

Peter and Paul Cathedral

Under the high spire of the cathedral you will find the tombs of the Russian tsars.

Historical sites

Catherine palace.

This palace was the summer residence of Russian royalty. Don’t forget to visit the famous Amber Room.

Peterhof Palace

Famous for gravity-powered fountains. The palace is sometimes open, for groups of tourists of cruises, earlier and during days closed to the public . The fountains are in operation around 11am.

The State Hermitage Museum

The former Winter Palace built by Elisabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great, now houses one of the largest art collections in the world. Groups of tourists on cruise ship excursions can visit the main galleries that are open to them before regular opening hours and on Mondays (because usually closed). If you visit the museum on your own, buy tickets online to avoid waiting in long lines.

The State Russian Museum

Russian Museum of Fine Arts. Don’t miss the Mikhailovsky Gardens which are adjacent to the museum.

Fabergé Museum

The Fabergé Museum is a tribute to Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé and showcases Russia’s treasured series of Fabergé eggs alongside a collection of Russian art, jewelry, and artifacts.

Excursions in St. Petersburg

Private operators, who are certified to transport visitors without an individual visa, offer excursions. Tours must be purchased in advance (making sure the blanket visa is included) from sites like Viator or companies such as SPB tours , Alla and TJ Travel . You must show your booking confirmation in order to get off the boat.

There are a multitude of excursions combining the attractions mentioned above.

• 2-day tours are generally available and allow you to see the majority of sites and attractions of interest.
• A canal cruise gives a different perspective on the city.
• If you stay two days, you can use your evening to see a Russian ballet or a folk show.

Useful References

• St. Petersburg on Wikipedia
• Russia on Wikipedia
• Travel Advice and Advisories (Government of Canada)

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Tips for Visiting St. Petersburg Russia on a Cruise

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: April 29, 2020  - Last updated: January 19, 2023

I f you’re planning a Baltic or Northern Europe cruise that includes a stop in St. Petersburg, Russia, there are a few things you’ll need to know before your visit.

Saint Petersburg , formerly Leningrad, is situated on the Neva River and overlooks the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea. It’s Russia’s second-largest city and is considered the country’s cultural capital.

Note: This post was originally published well before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine , back when it was safe for cruise ship guests and other tourists to visit St. Petersburg. Tourism to Russia is (obviously) on hold right now. My heart goes out to the Ukrainian people, and I wish for their safety and security during this unprovoked Russian invasion.

With so many museums, grand baroque palaces , and elaborate Orthodox cathedrals, it’s no wonder many cruise itineraries include an overnight stay at this port.

Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. For more info, please read my  Disclosure Policy .

You won’t need a visa if you’ve booked with an approved tour company

Citizens of most countries usually need a visa to visit Russia. Exceptions are former Soviet republics, several Central and South American countries, and a few others. US, Canadian, UK, Australian, and NZ nationals all generally need a visa when traveling to Russia .

However, the Russian government allows cruise ship passengers to visit St. Petersburg without a visa for up to 72 hours.

Without a pre-arranged visa, you can only go ashore if you’ve booked a tour with a licensed tour operator. You’ll also be required to live on board the ship, meaning that you sleep there and not at a hotel or at someone’s home.

If you’re visiting family or friends (or if you want to explore the area on your own) you’ll need to secure a Russian visa prior to your cruise.

You can’t leave the ship unless you’re with your tour group

Part of Russia’s visa-free entry program for cruise visitors to St. Petersburg requires that passengers stay with their tour group at all times.

If you want to make the most of your visit to St. Petersburg, two-day tours of the city’s highlights are available through your cruise line. To save a significant amount of money, consider booking through an independent tour operator.

Some cruisers also opt to take a day trip to Moscow via the bullet train . Normally a 7.5-hour journey by car, the high-speed train cuts travel time almost in half. It’s a long day, but you can visit Russia’s capital city without the hassle and expense of a visa.

Most of the tours offered to cruise ship passengers are daytime trips, but adding on some evening entertainment is a great way to maximize your time in the city. A traditional Russian dance performance is a popular add-on excursion for cruise visitors.

Don’t miss the ship in St. Petersburg

Returning late to your cruise ship when it’s bound for the next port is always a recipe for disaster. If the ship leaves without you, you’re on your own to secure a flight home or to the next port. If you manage to get separated from your tour group in St. Petersburg and miss the ship, it can take up to 20 days to secure a visa to allow you to leave the country.

So stick with your tour guide and make sure you get back on your cruise ship!

Getting a Russian visa

If you really don’t want to be tied to a tour group when you’re off the ship, you could apply for a Russian visa . However, it’s a complicated and expensive process, and I don’t recommend bothering with it unless you adamantly don’t want to stay with a guide.

Be sure to start the application process early, because it can take several weeks to obtain your visa. Russian immigration won’t issue visas at the passport control desk.

Going through immigration at the cruise terminal

Give yourself plenty of time to get through immigration in St. Petersburg , especially if you’re meeting a tour group. Depending on the time of day, it can take up to 45 minutes to get through passport control. Each adult passenger needs to go through by themselves, even if you’re traveling with your family.

Immigration officials in St. Petersburg are notoriously stern, so don’t be offended if they don’t make eye contact, smile, or acknowledge your greeting. That’s just how they are.

Have your passport, visa (if you have one), cruise card, and tour tickets ready before you approach the window. If you’re entering as part of the visa-free program, the agent will give you a small piece of paper to tuck in your passport. Don’t lose this paper! You’ll need to present it when you return.

Pack for potentially chilly and/or wet Russian weather

St. Petersburg’s cruise season runs from the end of April to the end of October, with its peak in the months of June and July. Even if your visit is during the height of summer, don’t forget to dress in layers and pack a raincoat or umbrella in your day bag.

The weather in St. Petersburg is notoriously unpredictable. It also might be a bit colder than you’d expect, even in the height of summer. Although the average high temp in July is a little over 70°F (21°C), it can be significantly warmer or cooler.

In the days leading up to our cruise ship docking in St. Petersburg, the weather there had been hot (86°F/30°C) and sunny. During my visit, the warmest part of each day only reached the high 50s (about 14°C). The sun was nowhere to be seen and a chill wind made me wish I’d brought a down jacket!

St. Petersburg is also Eastern Europe’s fourth-rainiest city , with an average of 24.9 inches (633 mm) of precipitation each year. Thankfully, many of the most popular attractions in St. Petersburg for visitors are indoors, and you could easily spend hours exploring the palaces and museums on rainy days.

Tourist attractions around St. Petersburg are spread out

Unlike in many European cities , most of the major tourist attractions in the St. Petersburg area are spread out over a wide area. Since many of the stops on a guided tour are former royal residences with extensive grounds, expect to do a lot of traveling to get from one place to another.

The cruise port itself isn’t very close to most of the usual attractions, with the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood being the closest at about 25 minutes away by car. Be prepared for long rides in between stops by bringing a paperback or ebook, and keep your devices charged with a portable charger if you want to play a game or read to pass the time.

Get ready for crowds and long lines everywhere

During our time in St. Petersburg, several members of our tour group remarked (read as: complained repeatedly) to our incredibly patient tour guide about just how crowded most of the sites we visited were.

“Oh, this is nothing,” he smiled. “I’d say we’re only about seventy percent full compared to how it usually is. We got lucky!”

Our tour had skip-the-line tickets (wherever they were available) included in the package. We did have to queue up a few times to get inside some of the palaces, but it was nothing compared to the giant lines we saw for people who didn’t already have tickets.

Even though our waits were much shorter than the lines for tickets, the crowds we encountered inside many of the palaces were a bit overwhelming. This was especially true at the Hermitage , Catherine Palace , and the Peterhof .

Wall-to-wall with people, we shuffled through room after room. We were sometimes packed so tightly that it was impossible to walk normally, so we had to take tiny shuffling steps.

With huge crowds also comes the potential for pickpockets, and we saw several signs encouraging visitors to be aware. Don’t put your wallet or phone in your back pocket, and consider wearing a money belt to keep your cash, cards, passport, and phone safe.

Don’t expect that all the locals speak English (but some do)

If you’ve traveled much in Europe, you’ve probably noticed that encountering shop and restaurant staff that speak at least some English is becoming more common. I’ve found this to be especially true in cities and in areas frequented by English-speaking tourists.

In much of Northern Europe , especially in the Nordic countries, English is taught in school starting in the early grades. In Russia, studying a foreign language is required, but it doesn’t have to be English. Although English is more popular now, during the Soviet era, German was the number-one foreign language studied by Russian pupils.

During my two-day tour of St. Petersburg, I didn’t encounter many people who spoke much English, including employees at the major tourist attractions and waitstaff at the restaurants we visited. One notable exception was the cashiers and sales staff at a huge, overpriced souvenir shop that I couldn’t imagine a local ever visiting. They all spoke English very well.

If you (like me) have never studied Russian, it’s a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in the language before your trip. Also, be sure to download Russian for offline use in your Google Translate app if you don’t have an international phone plan.

Do you have an aptitude for languages? Spend a little time learning the phonetic pronunciation of the Cyrillic alphabet before you go.

Although Russian looks almost as indecipherable as hieroglyphics to me, I practiced sounding out the words on road signs, shop fronts, and buildings as we traveled around the city. I was shocked at how many words I was able to sound out and understand! Plus it was a fun way to pass the time during our coach travel between stops.

Spending money in St. Petersburg

The currency in Russia is the Russian ruble . Dollars and Euros aren’t accepted, even in very touristy areas. You can exchange money at the cruise terminal, but you’ll generally get a better rate by using an ATM. Remember that many shops won’t accept the 5000₽ note (about $66 US).

Or, skip dealing with currency altogether and use your credit card for purchases. American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Eurocard are commonly accepted, but Discover rarely is. Check to see if any of your cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees to save a bit of money.

Shopping for souvenirs in St. Petersburg

Odds are you’ll want to pick up a souvenir or two to remember your visit to St. Petersburg, especially if it’s your first time in Russia . If you’re booking a guided tour, your guide will usually make a stop or two at some souvenir shops.

The most popular memento that tourists pick up is the hand-painted matryoshka , Russia’s famous nesting dolls. Some of the shops we visited had an enormous selection of matryoshki of varying sizes (and price points). Not only did we find many examples of the classic style adorned with images of women in traditional dress, but hundreds of other styles from cartoon characters to pop culture icons to world leaders.

Other popular souvenirs are Fabergé-style eggs and enameled trinkets, lacquered boxes, amber jewelry, and fur hats. Russian caviar is also for sale at many shops, both fresh (in refrigerated cases) and pasteurized.

If you’d like to take home some of Russia’s renowned caviar, check to see how much you can bring into your home country (for the US and Canada it’s 250g). If you have a long flight home, fresh caviar will tend to lose its delicate flavor the longer it’s not refrigerated, so plan to enjoy it on the ship or opt for a pasteurized version.

Shopping at the cruise terminal

After you get through immigration, there’s a fairly large shopping area in the St. Petersburg cruise terminal where you can buy souvenirs, get coffee or a snack at the café, and exchange money. Consider setting aside time before or after your tour to do some shopping. You won’t need to stay with your tour group to explore this part of the cruise terminal even though it’s located after passport control.

More resources for your Baltic cruise

• Visiting The Hermitage in St. Petersburg Russia
• Best Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day on a Baltic Cruise
• Visiting the Vasa Museum in Stockholm
• What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry On Bag
• How to Have the Best Embarkation Day on a Cruise

Have you visited St. Petersburg, Russia on a cruise? Did you take a guided tour, or did you secure your own visa? Let me know in the comments below!

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Saturday 13th of June 2020

That's so interesting! I am from Russia originally and of course, have been to St. Petersburg many times, but I have never thought of all of those little details! I am sure most of those would be really useful to someone visiting Russia for the first time! (Also, I love cruising and am super excited that you went to Russia on a cruise!) Hope you enjoyed your trip!

Wednesday 17th of June 2020

Marina, I loved St. Petersburg, and I hope I can return one day! Thanks so much for stopping by :D

Friday 12th of June 2020

Visiting popular tourist sights takes so much more planning these days doesn't it. We planned a trip to Spain last year, and we had numerous places that had skip the line tickets, which is well worth the extra cost. Who has time to waste 4 hours in a ticket line! That's your day gone, and when you're on a cruise, and only have limited time on shore, every minute counts.

Jay, it totally does! I miss the days when you could just wing it - walk right up to a ticket counter and head inside. Now we have to pre-plan everything! You're so right that every minute counts on a cruise. Thankfully, most port stops in St. Petersburg have at least one overnight so it doesn't feel quite as rushed.

Thursday 11th of June 2020

Russia is definitely on my list of European countries to visit. I never thought of taking a cruise there, great idea! Also good to know about the crazy wait times. Skip the line tickets are definitely the way to go.

Kat, I so agree with you on the skip the line tickets. We would have missed out on most of what we saw in St. Petersburg if we had to wait in any of those lines!

4 hour wait time?! Absolutely great information to know - planning ahead would be crucial especially if you don't have a lot of time. I also didn't know about needing a visa if you're not with a group! Definitely saving this for later

Pam, isn't that just insane? I had to take a pic of that sign because it was so shocking. Who wants to stand in a four-hour line? I'm SO thankful we were able to zip right in.

I loved visiting Saint Petersburg, but we did it the hard way and found out later that we could have done it through a Baltic ferry or cruise. After going through the visa process we may use the cruise method next time. Such a beautiful city though and SO worth the hassle of getting a visa.

Isn't St. Petersburg wonderful? I hope you're able to take a cruise to St. Petersburg next time! There's so much to see that I'm sure one visit isn't enough :D

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

St. Petersburg – Russia

Travel information Russia

Official currency – Russian Rubles Accepts US dollars – In St. Petersburg; yes Creditcards – are widely accepted

Drives on the – right Timezone – UTC +2

About Russia

Inhabitants – 144 million Official language – Russian Capital city – Moscow

Russian Federation Federal semi-presidential constitutional republic

Cruise Port Guide St. Petersburg – Russia: docked

Most cruise ships have to dock at the Marine Façade passenger port. This is about 10 km / 30 minute drive from this cruise terminal to St. Petersburg city center. You can in check in advance where your ship is going to dock. Go to the following link and see if your ship is on the list. If it not mentioned on the list you will dock the English Embankment and if it is listed as an MF berth your ship will dock at the Marine Facade. Check this through:  http://www.portspb.ru/en/Ships_Schedule

However first some basic information you need to be aware of when visiting St. Petersburg. To be able to leave the terminal and go into St. Petersburg you need to have a valid visa. This always raises a lot of questions on what, where and how. To keep it simple: underneath are the only 3 way to get a valid visa:

– Pre arrange a Russian tourist visa through the Russian embassy back home.

– Book a shore excursion through the ship.

– Book a shore excursion through an independent tour operator.

Bottomline is you need to present your passport and either a valid tourist visa or voucher issued by a Russian travel company or another authorized organization. Some nationalities do not need a visa and therefore this does not apply to them. These nationalities are amongt other: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Israel, Nicaragua, Peru, Turkey, Ukraine and Venezuela. For more information: http://www.saint-petersburg.com/russian-visa/visa-free-travel/

Transportation Most people will opt for a shore excursion in St. Petersburg although this is not for everyone. If you have a valid visa and you are going out by yourself please know that the best way to get into the city centre is either by taxi or by bus and metro.

Taxi There is a taxi information desk in the terminal in St. Petersburg. The taxi prices are also on display. Here is an idea of what these taxis will cost you: Marine Façade passenger port – Primorskaya metro (closest metro station) = 500 roubles Marine Façade passenger port – City Centre = 1200 roubles

Public Transport At each terminal at the Marine Façade passenger port you will find a bus stop. Local bus 158 will come by about twice every hour, you buy your ticket at the driver. Take this bus to the nearest metro station: Primorskaya. The bus ride is about 20 minutes and get off at Primorskaya. You will find the metro station right in front of the bus station. Buy a token at the ticket counter and hop on the metro. To go to the city centre you hop off the 2nd stop at Gostiny Dvor / Nevsky Prospekt. This stop is at the main street of St. Petersburg. Find a map of the metro here: http://www.metro.spb.ru/en/map.html

Hydrofoil You can take the Hydrofoil “Peterhof express”from in front of the Winter palace / Hermitage Museum to Peterhof. They take you down the Neva river and Gulf of Finland to the famous Peterhof. They go about every 30 minutes.

Destination and distance from Marine Façade passenger port City centre 10 km east Hermitage 10 km east Peterhof 40 km south west Catherine palace 37 km south

FAQ – Can I stay in town after my excursion? Only if you have a valid visa issued by the Russian embassy. If you do not have such a visa officially you need to return right after your excursion or else you might be fined. – What is the local currency? Russian Rubbles – Do they take US dollars in St. Petersburg? Most places do. – Can I buy a valid visa in the terminal? No. – Is St. Petersburg safe at night? It is, but be very careful. – Can I change money in the terminal? No. However, at the Marine Facade Passenger Terminal you’ll find ATM’s in the terminal where you can get Rubles. Most people decide to already change in Tallinn or any other port of call on the intinerary.

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There are hundreds of palaces in St. Petersburg. Since you have limited time you have to choose. Catherine’s palace and Peterhof are without doubt the most elaborate of all. Peterhof has a spectacular interior, but it is the gardens and fountains that make this one unique. From port it is 40 km south west. You can take a taxi or take the hydrofoil from the Winter Palace in the city centre.

Peterhof, St. Petersburg

This is one of the most famous landmarks of St. Petersburg. When Peter the Great started to build St. Petersburg in 1703 this is the first structure he build. Thousands died in building it, but the result is still standing tall today. A golden tower watching over the city of St. Petersburg. When you visit the fort make sure to go into the cathedral as this is the burial place of many of Russians tsars.

Peter and Paul fortress

Peter and Paul fortress, St. Petersburg

You can buy all kind of local fruit, vegetables and chocolat here, but the editors favourite would be the honey here. Honey comes from all over Russia and there are many different kinds. Go for a tasting an bring yourself some honey. See map above for its location.

Kuznechy Rynok market hall

Kuznechnyy per., 3, Sankt-Peterburg, Leningradskaya oblast', Russia, 191025

The State Hermitage Museum is simply something you have to see on a visit to St. Petersburg. It is a collection that was started by Catherine the Great in 1764. It started with 300 pieces she received from Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky and nowadays the collection counts over 3 million pieces. That means that in 2,5 century 3 million pieces of art from all over the world have been collected and are now so proudly on display in the museum. Not to worry, not every piece is on display in the Winter Palace, but take into account you need several hours to explore the museum.

The Hermitage

Palace Square, 2, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 190000

One of the largest cathedrals in Russia has a gigantic golden dome that can be spotted from all over the city. St. Isaac’s cathedral was originally the city’s main church that was build in the early 19th century. Make sure to go inside. It has an interesting museum about its construction and development and the interior is striking.

St.Isaac’s Cathedral

St. Isaacs cathedral, St. Petersburg

When tsar Alexander II of Russia was assassinated at this sight his son Alexander III decided he would build something magnificent so his father would remembered. The Church on Spilled Blood was made on the donations by the Imperial family and by private individuals. The project was completed in 1907. The result is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. The exterior is build in classic Russian style and the interior is completely covered with golden mosaics.

Church on spilled blood

Church on spilled blood, St. Petersburg

This is something you simply have to experience. St. Petersburg’s metro opened in 1955 and it is considered to be the most attractive, elegant and deepest (105 meter below ground) in the world. Almost all of the station are a complete piece of art. Some say it is the palace of the people. It is unique to experience its escalators going deep into the ground and to witness the art all around you. Take the metro from Primorskaya to Nevsky Prospekt to get from the port area to the city centre.

Saint Petersburg’s Metro

Primorskaya, St. Petersburg

This is where most cruise ships dock when making St. Petersburg their port of call. This large cruise terminal offers great facilities to start of your day in this incredible cruise destination. There are a few requirements when it comes to your visa though. Make sure to read the full St. Petersburg cruise port guide for all the information.

Marine Façade passenger port

1 Bereg Nevskoy gubi V.O., St. Petersburg, 199405 Russia

There is a tourist information in the city centre. You can find it right next to the Winter Palace.

Tourist Information

Palace square, St. Petersburg

This is the main city square of St. Petersburg and of the former Russian Empire. In the middle you will find the Alexander Column. This monument commemorates the Russian victory in the war against Napoleon.

Palace Square

Palace Square, St. Petersburg

It is one of the oldest churches in St. Petersburg and it was one of the very few cathedrals in the city that was not closed in Soviet times. Inside you will find a memorial plaque that honors the 42 sailors who lost their lives off the coast of Norway.

St. Nicholas cathedral

St. Nicolas cathedral, St. Petersburg

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St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg, Russia, emerged from the vision of one man, Czar Peter the Great, at the beginning of the 18th century and was the country’s capital for 200 years, until the Russian Revolution. Pushkin called it Russia's "window to Europe," and like Venice and Amsterdam, two cities that inspired Peter, the city was built on a network of canals. Explore one of St. Peterburg many canals and bridges on a European cruise to the Baltic Sea.

Among the city's tourist attractions, the Hermitage is its most famous. It is one of the world’s greatest art museums, and the largest museum in the world—with almost three million objects collected in five buildings. Performing arts, too, abound: Many of Russia’s greatest ballets, plays and operas have premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre. Nearby, the summer residences of the czars, including Peterhof, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are dazzling gilded Baroque palaces for sightseeing in St. Petersburg. Cruise to the Baltic Sea and tour beautiful palaces during the day and in the evening experience the beautiful sound of opera or the graceful art of the ballet on a shore excursions in St. Petersburg . 

St. Petersburg is at its most beautiful during the famous White Nights, when summer days stretch late into evening hours. Residents make the most of the period with festivals and concerts and fun things to do, and the city’s many pastel-colored buildings and neoclassical palaces glow in the warm light of the long days. Enjoy St. Petersburg and many different countries on a Baltic Cruise   with Holland America. 

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Visiting st. petersburg on a cruise: the ultimate guide.

Get the lowdown on how to visit St. Petersburg on a cruise, from Russian visas for cruise passengers to choosing shore excursions to city highlights that you cannot miss.

St. Petersburg has also become an increasingly popular stop on  Baltic Sea cruises . But with a plethora of enticing places screaming out to be visited, how do you make the best of one or two days there?

And do you need a visa when visiting Russia on a cruise?

To help you plan and to have the very best experience, here is all you need to know about visiting St. Petersburg on a cruise .

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

Due to the ongoing geopolitical situation, travel to Russia is not currently recommended. For current travel advice, check the advice of the UK FCO here .

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IN THIS ARTICLE

Why Should You Visit St. Petersburg?

St. Petersburg is a city that makes you think in exclamation marks. Built on the network of islands, crisscrossed by 65 rivers and canals, its  beauty  is equalled only by its  rich history . Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, it was the capital of the Russian Empire for more than 200 years. One year after the Russian Revolution in 1917, the capital moved to Moscow. After the death of Lenin in 1924, the city was renamed from Petrograd, the name it had adopted during WWI in an attempt to make it sound less German, to Leningrad. In 1951, 54% of those voting in a referendum chose to revert the city’s name to St. Petersburg. Over these years St. Petersburg has witnessed several uprisings, assassinations, sieges and is closely associated with the lives and fate of the Romanovs, Russia’s Imperial family, and notable residents such as Pushkin and Dostoevsky. Today, it is a  vibrant city  stuffed full of museums, some of Europe’s most glorious palaces  and has an extraordinary performing arts agenda, particularly during the summer White Nights.

Which is the Best Cruise Line to Visit St. Petersburg?

Choosing your cruise  line is a little like choosing your perfect partner. In a sea of choice (!), you have to pick your perfect match, deciding if your personalities match and if he/she will meet your expectations. Each cruise line has its own character – and budget –  and you will need to do a little research to decide which will be the right fit for you. Therefore, to a certain extent, the choice of operator of a Baltic Sea cruise to St. Petersburg will depend on whether, for example, you want a more traditional cruising experience or an emphasis on fun. And, of course, how much you wish to spend. But first and foremost, I urge you to look closely at the  cruise itinerary . I would rule out any cruise that gives you just one day in St. Petersburg. Instead, look for a cruise that docks in St Petersburg overnight, giving you two full days to explore the city. You are going to need it. I sailed with  Celebrity Cruises  on the Silhouette in May 2019

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit St. Petersburg?

The best time of year to visit St. Petersburg is between June and September, which coincides with most cruise departures. Due to nearly 24 hours of sunshine and famous White Nights celebrations, June is widely considered the best month to visit St. Petersburg.

Do Cruise Passengers Need a Visa to Visit St. Petersburg?

As long as you have booked your  shore excursion  with an operator approved by the Russian authorities, and you will be in the city for less than 72 hours, you will not need a visa to visit St. Petersburg on a cruise. However, if you choose to visit St. Petersburg  independently , most visitors will need to apply for a visa before leaving on their cruise.  Where  reciprocal visa agreements  are in place, citizens of some countries do not require a visa. Russian visas can be costly. For UK citizens you are looking at between £100 and £200. But the cost is not the only consideration. The visa application process for Russia is notoriously cumbersome and for this reason, I recommend that you use an agency to streamline this process.  Real Russia is a reputable London-based agency that I have used in the past. In my view, if you are visiting St. Petersburg on a cruise for a few days, it isn’t worth the hassle of applying for a visa. I’m an independent traveller at heart but even I could see the sense in using an organised tour in St. Petersburg.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in St. Petersburg?

Most ships berth at the modern Marine Façade Complex, 5 km northwest of the city centre.

Getting from St. Petersburg Cruise Terminal to the city centre

If you have a Russian visa you can walk or take bus #158 to Primorskaya, the nearest metro station, 2km away. The fare is approximately 30 RUB.

You can also arrange a taxi at the Marine Façade Complex. Prices are listed on a board. It helps also to have your destination written in Russian as many drivers do not speak English.

St. Petersburg Shore Excursions

If you decide to visit St. Petersburg with an authorised tour operator, the next decision you will need to make is whether to take one of the shore excursions offered by your  cruise company  or make your  own arrangements .

Should you book a St. Petersburg shore excursion from the ship?

Let’s consider the advantages of the ship’s shore excursion first. Firstly, they will guarantee to get you  back on board the ship on time .  If the tour is delayed for any reason, they guarantee that the ship will not sail away without you on board. Great for peace of mind, yes? Secondly, if you are booked on one of the ship’s St. Petersburg shore excursions you will be one of the  first off the ship  (day one only). Celebrity Cruises told us that this was a mandatory process, enforced by the Russian Marine Façade. But do these factors really matter?  In my experience, they don’t. I booked the two-day “Must See” tour with  Alla Tours , an established tour operator authorised by the Russian authorities. In their 13 years of operation, they have never left any passengers behind. Also, if they fail to make it back to the ship on time, they assume responsibility for getting you to the next port of call. When you  disembark  the cruise ship at St. Petersburg on day one, local tour operators are aware of the time that those who have made independent arrangements are allowed to leave the ship. Consequently, they set pick-up times accordingly. Independent operators were not allowed in the terminal before the agreed disembarkation time. Having said that, to avoid potential delay, be ready to disembark as soon as you are given the signal that you can do so. At least you will amongst the first of those who have made independent arrangements to get off the ship. It’s interesting to note that feedback on disembarkation from people who had bought the ship’s shore excursion was not positive. They reported a very early assembly time, followed by a long wait in the ship’s crowded main theatre before being allowed to disembark the ship.

How much do St. Petersburg shore excursions cost?

Celebrity’s shore excursions were relatively expensive. For example, two-day St. Petersburg shore excursions from the ship were priced from 419 USD for the cheaper tours by bus (larger groups). A smaller group size, using a minibus, increased this cost. By contrast, my two-day tour with Alla Tours cost 250 USD. Our tour group numbered 13. Other passengers who used alternative companies – for example,  SPB Tours  – reported positive experiences similar to mine. Given the choice again, I would not hesitate to book a shore excursion to St. Petersburg with an independent operator.

Clearing Russian Immigration at St. Petersburg’s Cruise Terminal

Once granted permission to disembark, clearing Russian immigration at St Petersburg was surprisingly quick and painless. Just don’t expect banter from the officials.

You’ll need to hand over your passport and shore excursion ticket. In exchange, the officer will stamp your passport and you’re good to go.

On day one, you will also be given a printed receipt. Keep this safe as you will need to hand it back to immigration when you return to the ship. You will not receive this receipt on day two when this process is significantly quicker.

On your return to the ship, you will need to clear Russian security and immigration, where you will need to show your ship’s sea pass and passport. Queues can be lengthy.

Best Things to See on a Cruise to St. Petersburg

Your ‘must-sees’ in St. Petersburg will, of course, depend on your interests and preferences. For me, these included  The Hermitage, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood  and riding  St. Petersburg’s metro .  Outside of the city, the  Catherine Palace  and  Peterhof Summer Estate  were on my list. In including all of these places on their itinerary, the independent tour operator trumped what was on offer from the ship. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of my St. Petersburg tour, starting with the sights inside the city itself.

St. Peter & St. Paul Fortress

The birthplace of St. Petersburg, St. Peter & St. Paul Fortress was originally constructed from wood in the early 18 th  century as a defence against Sweden. Subsequently rebuilt in stone as a military fortification, it later became political prison.

Today, the grounds of the fortress house the  Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul , which is the burial place of many Russian emperors and empresses, starting with Peter the Great (1672-1725) and ending with the last Tsar, Nicholas II (1894-1917).

The Hermitage

The Hermitage , the beating heart of St. Petersburg, is not exactly a well-kept secret.

On an average summer day, it hosts between 30,000 and 40,000 visitors. Therefore, to beat the crowds, make sure that your tour operator offers  early entry . It will still be busy, but not nearly as rammed as the crowds snaking around the building in the early afternoon would suggest.

The building is as jaw-droppingly extravagant as the Hermitage’s collection of three million exhibits. And that’s saying something.

Second only to the Louvre in Paris in size,  the complex comprises five interconnected buildings, the most famous of which is the former  Romanov Winter Palace .

The Hermitage’s collection was started by  Catherine the Great  and grew over the generations into one of Europe’s most important art collections. All of the major European schools are represented here with a particularly fine Renaissance collection.

St Isaac’s Cathedral

Designed by the French architect Auguste de Montferrand and built between 1818 and 1858, St Isaac’s is St. Petersburg’s biggest cathedral . Highlights are its mosaics and monumental columns carved from lapis lazuli and malachite.

Church of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood

Officially known as the  Church of the Resurrection of the Christ , this is the site of the 1881 assassination of Emperor Alexander II. A canopy made from rhodonite and jasper marks his assassination spot.

With its unmistakable brightly coloured onion domes piercing the sky, this is a St. Petersburg landmark. Sadly, the main dome was encased in scaffolding during my visit.

The interior of the church is equally stunning, with its 700 m² intricate mosaic panels created by a who’s who of artists of the time.

St. Petersburg canal cruise

Thanks to its labyrinthine network of rivers and canals, St. Petersburg is known as the “Venice of the North”. Gently gliding along the city’s waterways gives you a different perspective on its magnificent architecture.

At least, that’s what’s the marketing material will tell you.

In reality, this one-hour boat ride left me underwhelmed. Although the weather didn’t help – it was grey and wet – the trip concentrated on St. Petersburg‘s main waterways rather than the smaller canals. But under bright blue skies, this may have been a different experience.

Taking a ride on St. Petersburg’s metro

This was a St. Petersburg “must-do” for me and it was one of my highlights of this cruise stop.

St. Petersburg’s metro is relatively young – it started operating in 1955  – and is beautiful. It’s not often that a functional means of transport is turned into multiple works of art.

We started our one-stop journey at  Sportivnaya , next to St. Petersburg Stadium. In keeping with its location, it had a sports theme, its murals depicting Olympic athletes and Greek gods. Even the lamps along the station are created to resemble the Olympic flames.

The next stop was  Admiralteyskaya , one of the newest and also deepest stations. Located next to the Admiralty, this station has a nautical theme.

The second day of my St. Petersburg tour focused on the sites outside the city: Catherine Palace and Peterhof Gardens.

Catherine Palace

Located in the town of  Tsarskoye Selo , 30 km south of St. Petersburg, the Catherine Palace is a glorious fake.

This was the summer residence of the  Russian Tsars . Originally presented by  Peter the Great  to his second wife, Catherine I, in the early 18 th  century, it was rebuilt in the more flamboyant rococo style around 40 years later.

When the  Siege of Leningrad  was lifted in 1944, the retreating German forces destroyed the residence, leaving a hollow shell. Only 10 of the palace’s halls escaped destruction. Therefore, although magnificent, what we see today is a reconstruction.

Even the famed  Amber Room  is a facsimile.

Due to the fragility of the amber panels, it was not possible to remove these to a safe location along with other precious artefacts in Leningrad. When the German forces reached St. Petersburg, their soldiers disassembled the Amber Room’s panels, foiling the Russians’ attempt to hide their splendour beneath mundane wallpaper.

Hence, the Amber Room which draws visitors from near and far is the result of an extensive and expensive 24-year reconstruction that was started in 1979.  The fate of the original panels is not known.

• Coats are not allowed to be worn in the Catherine Palace. Wrap up warm.
• A free cloakroom is available
• Photography is not permitted in the Amber room

Peterhof Gardens and fountains

29 km west of St. Petersburg, this  UNESCO World Heritage site  was built by Peter the Great in the 18th Century. Rebuilt after the ravages of World War II, like the Catherine Palace, Peterhof Palace is largely a reconstruction.

The star of the show is the  Grand Cascade , a collection of more than 140 gravity-fed fountains and canals, engineered by the great man himself. The most spectacular of these are the gilded fountains in front of the palace.  It’s easy to understand why Peterhof is known as the “Russian Versailles.”

Useful information for St. Petersburg cruise passengers

• Language  – Russian.
• Currency  – Rouble. Credit cards are widely accepted. I did not bother getting local currency and used my card instead.
• Tipping  –  The etiquette in Russia is to tip 10 – 15% of your bill in cash, giving this directly to the waiter. The suggested tip for guides is 10%; drivers 5%.

Is it Worth Visiting St. Petersburg on a Cruise?

Visiting St. Petersburg on a cruise was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whilst I stand by my decision to see the city on an organised tour, this did come at a price. Visiting Russia without a visa curtails your freedom. If, like me, you like to set your own pace and agenda, being rapidly shuttled from one site to another with barely an opportunity to take a photo was, at times, frustrating. Part of the difficulty was that there was a lot to see in two days, which meant that I had to be pragmatic and accept that visits were going to be brief through necessity. Also, on an organised tour, you can only move as fast as the slowest person. That said, I was lucky. We were a group of 13, all great people and despite two of the group pushing 90, there were no issues with a few members holding others up. I only hope that I have half of these older ladies’ energy and  joie de vie  at their age! But this did make me question what it would be like visiting St. Petersburg in a group of 50 or 60. If I was returning to St. Petersburg on a cruise, I would consider a private guide. Yes, this will come at a price, but it should provide more of an opportunity to set the agenda and pace of the visit. In common with other tour groups, on both days we were shepherded into a government-run souvenir shop. Prices were high, and I got a better deal on souvenirs onboard the ship a few days later. Finally, whilst two days is nowhere near enough time to see Russia’s Imperial Capital, visiting St. Petersburg on a cruise gives you an enticing taster of this glorious city. Accept that you are not going to be able to do it all, expect it to be busy and enjoy your visit.

Plan your Baltic Sea cruise stop in St. Petersburg

Packing a good guidebook to allow you to explore the ports of call on a Baltic Sea cruise independently is a wise move. I can recommend the excellent  Lonely Planet Cruise Ports Scandinavia & Northern Europe  that I used when I was visiting these ports.

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About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

3 thoughts on “ Visiting St. Petersburg on a Cruise: The Ultimate Guide ”

Thank you this was very helpful! Hopefully, my cruise will take off in July and I’ll be there! I’ll look for this tour guide online.

Delighted that you found it useful and hope that your cruise goes ahead. The Baltic Sea cruises are good’uns!

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