cruise ship horn in truck

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

Here’s What The Horns Sounding on a Cruise Ship Mean

You’re on your cruise ship. The entire week is ahead of you. You’re excited about the exotic ports of call, the food, the shows… and yes, the time off from email and the cell phone. You have a drink in your hand. You’re in paradise.

And then… HOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNKKKKKK. HOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNKKKKKK.

The ship’s horn sounds loudly. It’s enough to scare you half to death.

While the horns on a cruise ship may surprise you, they are an extremely important aspect of sailing. The ship’s horns harken back to a day before radios and loudspeakers.

They serve as communication with other boats in the area, telling them what the cruise ship is planning to do. Without the horn signals, the risk of a collision would be much greater.

So what do they mean?

As you would guess, different horns have different meanings. We’ve broken down the horn signals with what they mean below.

Inland Waters (Near Port)

One short blast = Changing course to starboard (right) Two short blasts = Changing course to port (left) Three short blasts = Operating in reverse Five short blasts = Danger signal Two long blasts = Leaving berth

Open International Waters

One short blast = Passing on ship’s port side Two short blasts = Passing on ship’s starboard side Three short blasts = Operating in reverse Five short blasts = Danger signal

In addition, ships will also sound their horns for other reasons; most notably in low visibility. This will usually involved regular bursts of sound to let other ships in the area know that the cruise ship is there.

And when a cruise ship makes the sound heard below? Well, that’s just them blowing off a little steam and having some fun.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, cruising with a baby: what to know from someone who’s done it, 12 cruise tips that feel wrong (but are 100% right), how much cruise lines spend on food (less than you think), 11 tips cruise lines don’t want you to know (but they aren’t against the rules), 61 questions about cruising answered (everything you wanted to know), 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 10 comments.

After one prolonged blast, the boater alerts nearby vessels that it is leaving the slip or dock.

A general emergency alarm is indicated by these seven short and one long blasts of the ship’s horn. The crew may have to leave the ship due to an onboard fire, a grounding, a collision, or other circumstances. In some cases, the crew can hear the ship’s bells or whistles.

It’s 5:59 am and ships are coming in to port when all of a sudden we hear 5 blast????

Danger I do not understand your intentions

Would you happen to know what one VERY long blast means?

I just heard a cruise ship give seven short blast and one long blast… it is at the dock and is departing. Any ideas what this might mean? I have never heard this before, and I live right near the cruise ship terminal.

That’s the emergency signal that’s given during the safety muster drill.

Cool! Thank you!

Did the 1920’s transatlantic passenger ships, prior to leaving, have a signal ‘to get on board.’

I’m not sure.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Nearly 100 Passengers Fall Ill With Stomach Virus on Princess Cruise

Cruise news: carnival’s new ship, royal’s new beach club, ncl’s big milestone & more, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

How Do Cruise Ship Horns Work?

By Michael Ferguson

A cruise ship horn is a powerful sound-producing device used to alert other vessels of its presence or to announce its departure. Cruise ship horns are often heard in ports and along coastal areas, giving the distinctive sound of a ship’s presence.

Cruise ship horns are typically constructed from brass or steel and require pressurized air to activate. When the air pressure is released, the sound of the horn reverberates throughout the area.

The most common type of cruise ship horn is a multiple-note diaphone horn, which produces multiple tones simultaneously when activated. These horns are made up of two chambers — one that produces a low-frequency tone and another that produces a high-frequency tone. The low-frequency chamber is usually made up of several metal pipes, while the high-frequency chamber contains several metal discs that vibrate to produce different tones when air is forced through them.

Cruise ships also use other types of horns such as air horns, steam whistles, and sirens. Air horns produce a single short blast when activated, while steam whistles create an extended tone by releasing steam from a boiler into an enclosed chamber. Sirens are often used on larger vessels for navigation purposes and can be heard for miles away when activated.

Cruise ships use multiple methods to power their horns, including electric motors, compressed air tanks, and diesel engines. Electric motors use electric current from batteries or generators to activate the horn’s diaphragm and create sound waves which travel through the water and can be heard by other vessels nearby.

Compressed air tanks store pressurized air which is then released into the diaphragm’s chambers to create sound waves when needed. Diesel engines are used on larger vessels as they can provide enough power to activate even the largest cruise ship horns without draining too much energy from other onboard systems.

10 Related Question Answers Found

What do cruise ship horns mean, how does a cruise ship horn work, what sound does a cruise ship horn make, how loud are cruise ship horns, why are cruise ship horns so loud, what do cruise ship horn blasts mean, how many horns does a cruise ship have, how loud is a cruise ship horn, how far can you hear a cruise ship horn, what does it mean when a cruise ship blows its horn, backpacking - budget travel - business travel - cruise ship - vacation - tourism - resort - cruise - road trip - destination wedding - tourist destination - best places, london - madrid - paris - prague - dubai - barcelona - rome.

© 2024 LuxuryTraveldiva

Cruise Ship Horn – The History and Significance

Cruise ship horns have a particularly distinct sound that is very, very loud. However, you shouldn’t mistake a cruise ship’s horn for the same purpose as your car’s horn, for example. 

They are an essential part of water navigation and are crucial for the safety of the ship and other ships at sea. They have a unique significance, and different blasts mean different things. 

Keep reading to learn the history and significance of a cruise ship horn, and discover the meaning of the different blasts you may hear throughout your cruise.

In This Article…

Cruise ship horn history and purpose.

As maritime vessels, cruise ships subscribe to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and other standard regulations.

Standardized international regulations were established to codify important vessel operation procedures. Part of this standardization includes having adequate horns on large vessels, and cruise ships are no exception.

These regulations are essential to ensure good communication between all vessels for the safety of all those onboard. The main point of a cruise ship horn is to avoid a collision at all costs. 

Cruise Ship Horn – Why Do They Blast Their Horns?

There are various reasons why cruise ships blast their horns, ranging from a simple salutation to other passing ships to a warning of potential danger or an emergency.

For the most part, however, most horn blasts are to communicate with other passing ships what direction the ship plans on going. This is done using various horn signals that all vessels understand.

Why Are Ship Horns So Loud?

You’re on your cruise deck relaxing and trying to get a tan when suddenly you hear the loud blaring of the horn. While this may startle you and even be annoying, there’s an important reason that cruise ship horns are so loud. 

Cruise ship horns are so loud because of how big the open sea is. They act as a warning to other boats and vessels at sea. They need to be heard in cases of low visibility and in cases of emergency.

In general, you can hear cruise ship horns from up to two miles away. Cruise ships are pretty slow to stop and turn due to their enormous size, so this much space is needed as a warning to get out of another ship’s way. 

Ship Horn Blasts – What Do They Mean

You may have noticed that cruise ships have several different blasts. But what do they mean? Here’s a quick look into what the horn blasts mean.

• One short horn blast: This communicates to another ship that you intend to pass it on your port side. 
• Two short horn blasts: This communicates to another ship that you intend to pass on your starboard side .
• Three short horn blasts: This means that you are operating in reverse, such as backing away from the dock.
• One prolonged horn blast: This is the first blast you’ll often hear onboard your cruise, as the blast signals that a vessel is leaving the dock.
• Five short horn blasts: This typically signals danger and is the type of blast you are least likely to hear on your ship

Aside from these reasons, your ship might also sound its horn in times of low visibility just to make its presence known.

Although cruise ship horns tend to startle and scare people onboard the ship, there’s rarely anything to worry about. In general, the ship’s captain blasts the horn signal only to communicate.

Read Also: Cruise Ship Tendering – Top Pro Tips

You’re more likely to hear your captain blast the ship’s horn signal for fun than you are to be in an emergency. Either way, you now know what different blasts mean so that you can be prepared for your next cruise.

Related Posts

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cruise Tips For Families & Single Cruisers

Things to Know Before You Cruise

Why Cruise Ships Blow Their Horns: Signals, Safety, And Fun!

As a veteran cruiser, I’ve always been curious about why cruise ships blow their horns. I knew that the horns served a practical purpose, but I was also aware that they were used for more playful activities, like horn battles and musical performances. So, I decided to do some research and learn more about the various signals, safety uses, and fun aspects of cruise ship horns.

As it turns out, there’s a lot more to cruise ship horns than meets the eye. These horns play a crucial role in communication, navigation, and safety at sea. From warning other vessels of their presence to signaling their intentions to dock, cruise ship horns are an essential tool for navigating the waters.

But they’re also used for more lighthearted activities, like entertaining passengers and engaging in friendly competitions with other ships. In this article, we’ll explore the different meanings behind cruise ship horns and delve into the fun side of these musical instruments.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a curious landlubber, read on to discover the fascinating world of cruise ship horns!

• Cruise ship horns serve multiple functions, including communication with other vessels, navigation signals, warnings, and fog alerts.
• Different horn signals have different meanings and can be combined to convey multiple messages, including emergency alerts and information about the ship’s heading.
• Horn battles are a fun way for two cruise ships to communicate with each other, and Disney Cruise Line is known for having the most musical horns and impressive battles.
• Passengers should be aware of the loudness of cruise ship horns and cover small children’s ears when they sound. It’s also important to understand the various horn signals and their meanings for safety reasons.

Why Cruise Ships Blow Their Horns

I’ve learned that cruise ship horns serve many purposes, such as communicating with other vessels and warning passengers of imminent danger. However, one specific example of why horns are used is to reduce the risk of collision by indicating the ship’s direction.

This is especially important in crowded waterways like the Panama Canal, where multiple vessels are navigating at the same time. The horn’s sound can travel for miles and is a crucial tool for navigation communication.

The design of the horn also plays a significant role in its effectiveness. Cruise ship horns are designed to produce a loud and clear sound that can be heard up to two nautical miles away in foggy conditions. This is important for safety reasons, as it allows other vessels to determine the location and direction of the ship.

The number and placement of horns on a cruise ship will vary depending on the ship’s design, but they are an essential tool for safe navigation at sea.

Different Horn Signals

Understanding the meanings of various horn signals is crucial for any maritime traveler. It’s not just about being able to impress fellow passengers with your knowledge, it’s about safety and etiquette. Different signals are used to convey different messages, and it’s important to know what each one means in order to avoid collisions and other potential dangers.

Here’s a table that outlines some common horn signals and their meanings:

Knowing these signals and using them appropriately is essential for safe maritime travel. It’s also important to remember horn etiquette – don’t use your horn unnecessarily, and never use it to intimidate or show off. By following these guidelines, we can all enjoy a safe and respectful journey on the high seas.

Safety and Emergency Uses

In case of an emergency, it’s important to know the different horn signals used in maritime travel to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.

Cruise ships have specific communication protocols to convey different types of emergency situations. The ship’s horn is used to warn passengers of imminent danger, such as a fire or a collision with another vessel. The signal for this emergency is seven short blasts followed by one long blast. This signal means that all passengers should assemble at their designated muster stations for evacuation procedures.

In addition to the emergency signal, cruise ships also use the horn to communicate other important safety information. For example, the signal for a man overboard is three long blasts, which means the crew should immediately begin search and rescue operations.

It’s important for passengers to pay attention to these signals and follow all safety instructions provided by the crew in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise experience.

Horn Battles and Fun Activities

It’s always amusing to witness two massive vessels engaging in a musical competition on the open sea, don’t you think? Horn battles have become increasingly popular among cruise lines as a way to create a fun and friendly atmosphere onboard.

However, there is a certain etiquette that needs to be followed to ensure that the competition remains safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

First and foremost, horn battles should only be done in open waters and away from other vessels. Cruise ships are massive and powerful, so it’s important to ensure that they don’t accidentally collide with each other or cause any harm to nearby ships.

Additionally, the battle should be brief and not disturb other passengers who may be trying to relax or sleep.

Despite these guidelines, horn battles have become a beloved tradition among cruise enthusiasts, with Disney Cruise Line leading the pack with their impressive musical horns and elaborate battles.

What is the history of cruise ship horns and how have they evolved over time?

The evolution of cruise ship horns can be traced back to their role in navigation and warning signals. With advancements in sound engineering and acoustics, cruise ship horns are now designed to be heard from a distance of two nautical miles, while also adding a tunefulness to the travel experience.

How do cruise ships ensure that their horns are audible from two nautical miles away in foggy conditions?

To ensure that cruise ship horns are audible from two nautical miles away in foggy conditions, technological advancements in sound engineering have been implemented. These advancements enable the horns to produce a loud and clear sound that can easily be heard, promoting safety at sea.

Can passengers request to participate in a horn battle between their ship and another ship?

Passengers cannot request to participate in a horn battle as it violates regulations and etiquette. Horn battles have a history of being fun, but safety is a priority. Exploring cruise ship horns is fascinating, but professional and technical.

What is the protocol for using the horn in case of a medical emergency onboard the ship?

In case of a medical emergency onboard the ship, the notification protocol is activated immediately. The horn usage is one of the onboard procedures used to signal for emergency response, ensuring passenger safety.

Are there any regulations or restrictions on the use of cruise ship horns in certain parts of the world or during certain times of day?

Did you know that regulations and time restrictions on cruise ship horns vary by location? In some areas, such as Alaska, there are strict noise pollution regulations, while in others, there are time restrictions to limit the environmental impact.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

• Compare Products
• Distributors
• Manufacturing

Commercial/Military Air Horns

Commercial / military horns.

• Marine Horns and Accessories

These Kahlenberg Air Horns and Electric Horns were developed to withstand the punishing use of commercial and military service. The unmatched reliability of Kahlenberg horns has been proven with extensive in-house durability testing as well as decades of service in thousands of marine installations.

All Kahlenberg Air Horns and Electric Horns meet or exceed IMO Requirements. Various Type Approvals to the regulations are supplied upon request and with every order.

• Less than 20 Meters (65 ft.) 8 item
• 20-75 Meters (65 to 246 ft.) 7 item
• 75-200 Meters (246 to 656 ft.) 10 item
• Greater than 200 Meters (656 ft.) 8 item
• Compressed Air 23 item
• Electric 6 item
• Chrome 8 item
• White 8 item
• Gray 1 item
• Yes 11 item

Blog Categories

We make money helping people book cruises, and from advertisers / affiliate partners. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What Do Cruise Ship Horn Signal Blasts Mean?

One of the first things you'll notice when cruising is that cruise ships have a VERY loud horn that while it could be used like your car's horn - actually has a more sophisticated use. While you might just blast your car's horn at a driver that cuts you off, or tap it to let someone know they can go, cruise ships have an internationally recognized set of horn signals that lets everyone around them know exactly what's going on.

When Were The Cruise Ship Horn Signals Established?

In fact, signal horns aren't isn't just for cruise ships. They were codified in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in 1972 and apply to all maritime vessels. In the United States, a similar act was passed in 1980 called the Inland Navigation Rules Act and is a federal statute approved by Congress. However, they were based on earlier conventions and maritime law as practices by the United States and England starting in the mid-19th century. I'm not going to get into more detail about the legal details of these rules regulating horn signals since there are so many vessels out there. Suffice to say, every modern cruise ship adheres to the same simple regulations around signals, regardless of whether they are cruising to Mexico, Canada, or California along the west coast, or an expedition to Antarctica. 

What Do Cruise Ship Horn Signals Mean?

There are six different signal horn blast patterns that you will hear on a cruise ship, though the sixth one I hope you will never hear!

One Short Blast - This signal means that your cruise ship intends to pass on it's port side. In inland waters near the port or harbor, this also indicates the cruise ship is changing course to starboard.

One Long Blast - This signal lasting 4-6 seconds means that your ship is leaving the dock. It is a notice to all others around it to be aware that the ship is moving.

Two Short Blasts - Similar to One Short Blast meaning that your ship is passing on the port side, two short blasts means your ship will be passing another on it's starbord side. When in inland waters, this signal horn also means that the ship is changing course to port.

Three Short Blasts - This signal blast means that the ship is backing away from the dock.

One Long Blast Followed by Three Short Blasts - This is actually a combination of two signals horn blasts, letting those around you know that your cruise ship is underway and backing away from the dock.

Are You Ready For A Cruise?

Please fill out the form below and Heather from Flow Voyages (or a representative from CruiseWestCoast.com) will contact you as soon as possible.

For immediate help, please contact Heather directly: 630-779-9301 or : [email protected]

Five Short Blasts - DANGER! This is a horn signal that you hope to never hear when on a cruise. Regardless of which vessel you are on, this is never a signal blast pattern that you want to hear. Unfortunately, cruise ships are massive vessels and navigation at sea is often an imprecise practice that puts even the best pilot and captain at the mercy of strong and unpredictable winds and currents.

There's also one more signal that very few people will ever hear outside of a drill ...

Seven Short Horn Blasts followed by One Long Blast -  This horn signal indicates a general emergency and will also be accompanied by alarms and visual indicators depending on the ship you are sailing on. 

Cruise Ship Horns Can Be Just For Fun Too!

While cruise ships carry powerful signal horns to ensure safety and communicate with other vessels and structures around them in the harbor, sometimes the horns are used for fun too. No cruise line does this more frequently and with as great sophistication as Disney Cruise Line, though it is not uncommon to hear music produced by the horns on MSC and Cunard ships too.

So now you know what cruise ship horn signals mean and when to expect them. Be careful though if you are on the upper decks during sailaway since forward viewing areas on the upper decks of some ships can be uncomfortablly close to the signal horns. If that's where you find yourself, be prepared to cover your ears!

How to Make the Cruise Ship Horn Sound?

Feel just like you are on the high seas with our cruise ship horn sound on Shipmate. To play the horn please follow the following steps: 

1. Go to Explore

2. Select a Ship 

3. Press the speaker icon in the right-hand corner to play the horn sound. 

Note: Make sure your phone isn’t on silent so you’ll hear it. Bon voyage! 

• Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

Celebrity's Journey to Moscow excursion

By psygist , March 7, 2012 in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

Recommended Posts

I will be in St. Petersburg in June on a Celebrity ship. Having been there previously, we would like to do the Journey to Moscow excursion. Celebrity lists it in the shore excursion brochure for my sail date, but it has not been available for booking on their website.

I have called Celebrity twice and both times was told that even though it is listed in the shore excursion brochure, it probably isn't being offered since it is not listed for pre-booking on the website. I have emailed Celebrity twice and received a different response. They responded that they were still working with the tour provider on the details and is not yet available for pre-booking.

Anyone have any experience with this that could offer some advice? It's frustrating that cruise line agents can be so misinformed and inconsistent in what they tell us.

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

I will be in St. Petersburg in June on a Celebrity ship. Having been there previously, we would like to do the Journey to Moscow excursion. Celebrity lists it in the shore excursion brochure for my sail date, but it has not been available for booking on their website. I have called Celebrity twice and both times was told that even though it is listed in the shore excursion brochure, it probably isn't being offered since it is not listed for pre-booking on the website. I have emailed Celebrity twice and received a different response. They responded that they were still working with the tour provider on the details and is not yet available for pre-booking. Anyone have any experience with this that could offer some advice? It's frustrating that cruise line agents can be so misinformed and inconsistent in what they tell us.

Having done this one-day trip to Moscow and back on another cruise while in St. Petersburg, I might be able to share some insight. First, from dealing with some Celebrity folks about Europe options, certain of them are limited in their personal experiences and knowledge about this part of the world. Shouldn't be this way, but it is. They know more on the familiar Carib options as that is what is both closer and for which they get more of their calls/question. If they haven't done it, nor is is clear on their computer screen, they can't be of much help.

Second, that excursion to Moscow has been "evolving" during the past few years as they have switched from doing it by air flights to connection by high-speed rail. On trips like this one that is more costly and highly specialized, you will probably need to "press and push" to reach someone who is more likely to know this somewhat of a "needle in the haystack".

It's sad that you've gotten the "run-around", but sometimes the staff is not as informed and experienced as you would like, expect and need.

Do you need any background info for what you would see and do in Moscow , how it works, etc.???

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik . Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 68,189 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

What you said makes perfect sense. Thanks.

I also looked into doing this tour privately, but one tour provider informed me there were no available trains or planes to fit my ship's time in port. We will be there on a weekend so its possible that transportation does not run as frequent. I just wish Celebrity could get their act together and tell me definitively whether they will be offering the Moscow excursion.

Terry, What you said makes perfect sense. Thanks. I also looked into doing this tour privately, but one tour provider informed me there were no available trains or planes to fit my ship's time in port. We will be there on a weekend so its possible that transportation does not run as frequent. I just wish Celebrity could get their act together and tell me definitively whether they will be offering the Moscow excursion. Paul

If your cruise puts you into St. Petersburg on a weekend, that could be another complicating factor. Openings at certain places, rail schedules, etc., could be different for some days of the week. It is possible to do the Moscow trip by some private tour companies, but if there are any weather and/or scheduling complications, that could make things more difficult. Doing it through the cruise ship, makes it "their" problem, not yours!!

Doing the one-day trip to Moscow is very interesting and special. Lots of cruise lines do it now and have the practice down to a "science". BUT, that weekend timing could be delaying their finalization some on schedules.

• 3 weeks later...

I will be in St. Petersburg in June on a Celebrity ship. Having been there previously, we would like to do the Journey to Moscow excursion. Celebrity lists it in the shore excursion brochure for my sail date, but it has not been available for booking on their website.   I have called Celebrity twice and both times was told that even though it is listed in the shore excursion brochure, it probably isn't being offered since it is not listed for pre-booking on the website. I have emailed Celebrity twice and received a different response. They responded that they were still working with the tour provider on the details and is not yet available for pre-booking.   Anyone have any experience with this that could offer some advice? It's frustrating that cruise line agents can be so misinformed and inconsistent in what they tell us.

I was able to book this for a June cruise in the past few days. If you look carefully in the fine print for the excursion, I believe it is because you have to begin the online check-in process since they need your passport/ID information before you can book this excursion. Try to do as much of the online check-in as you can, and I think it should appear for purchase.

It would be nice to know what the actual schedule for the Moscow excursion is. I don't believe it is actually 18.5 hours, but that is just to make sure that you can't book anything else on that day.

I was finally able to book the tour online. They just made it available for online booking the other day. I sure hope they reach the minimum number of guests so it isn't cancelled.

Not sure why it leaves at 9:30. If it indeed is an 18.5 hour tour, we won't get back until 4 am.

I was able to book this for a June cruise in the past few days. If you look carefully in the fine print for the excursion, I believe it is because you have to begin the online check-in process since they need your passport/ID information before you can book this excursion. Try to do as much of the online check-in as you can, and I think it should appear for purchase.   It would be nice to know what the actual schedule for the Moscow excursion is. I don't believe it is actually 18.5 hours, but that is just to make sure that you can't book anything else on that day.

It looks like Celebrity edited the description to say that, for those excursions on a weekend, the actual tour will be shortened by about 2 hours due to less traffic on a weekend.

Terry (or anyone who has been on the Journey to Moscow excursion before):

Can you give me a little detail on the itinerary? The tour description says that we will have a walking tour of Red Square and the Kremlin, as well as visits to the Armoury and one of the Kremlin cathedrals. Was wondering what other Moscow sights we will get to see. Or will the rest be in the form of a panoramic bus tour? Any opportunity for souvenir shopping?

Thanks for any insights you can offer.

• 1 month later...

This was just cancelled for my cruise :( Didn't meet the minimum number of people interested in going.

There might be some options through private tour companies. We used Anastasia for our part in St. Petersburg, but she is doing these Moscow arrangements for friends, two couples, from here in Central Ohio, in late June. I would contact a couple of key, experiences firms such as Anastasia, see what she and others can offer to make this one-day train trip over and back.

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik . Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 82,951 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 70,872 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Which sailing are you on that the Moscow excursion was cancelled? I booked it for my Eclipse cruise June 23 sailing and haven't heard anything

• 2 months later...

soakedbythesea

You have probably figured out now that not only excursions, but many other things aboard ship are misleading, if not downright fraudulent. The ship crew, staff and clerks are all going to do pretty much what they want to, but not only on the Royal Caribbean's Celebrity brand, but almost all cruise ships - the captain can almost get away with murder. Aren't you glad you don't have to work on one of these vessels? Also make sure you don't get involved in any type of dispute, as even some crime gets swept under the ship - well, not all, like the Costa that crashed & tipped over, but not sure even then much will happen, as all passengers signed all their rights away before they got on board.

Hope you have enjoyed your cruise by now and maybe look back here on the board. About the only way to get any knowledge about the ships, excursions, etc. is through sites like this.

As we are sailing a year from now on Celebrity Constellation - Aug 12, we were wondering too about shows aboard, excursions (both ship and private), if you ever got to Moscow, etc. Please write to us at:

john at shifferds dot com - thanks

• 5 months later...

Ywlke,   Which sailing are you on that the Moscow excursion was cancelled? I booked it for my Eclipse cruise June 23 sailing and haven't heard anything

We will be in St. Petersburg in July and want to take Celebrity's tour to Moscow. Please let us know if you liked it or not and how long it was. This is going to be our second time in St. Petersburg but will like to take a private tour on day #2. Did you do something the day after your Moscow tour? We are traveling with our teenagers and worry about them being too tired :rolleyes:

• 6 months later...

Kevin's girl

I thought I would bump this up. We will be on the Brilliance this time next year and are very interested in doing this our. Are there still people out there that have done it? I would love to hear what you thought of the tour, the travel part and what you were able to see while in Moscow. Was it worth the price?

I thought I would bump this up. We will be on the Brilliance this time next year and are very interested in doing this our. Are there still people out there that have done it? I would love to hear what you thought of the tour' date=' the travel part and what you were able to see while in Moscow. Was it worth the price?[/quote'] We just did this tour and really liked it, but this was our second time in St. Petersburg. If this is your first time there I don't know if it's the best choice. You spend most of the day in airports and buses. Our meeting time at the ship was 6:45 AM, followed by a 45 min. long drive to the airport. Then we had to wait for a 10:00 AM one hour flight to Moscow. As you can see we arrived after 11:00 AM followed by another 30 minutes ride to the city. We were taken to the Red Square, to take a subway ride, followed by a coffee and tea break, then to the Kremlin armory museum (where we spend most of our time), also visited the Cathedral of the Annunciation, and back to the Red Square. Were only given half hour for shopping, followed by a really long dinner at a local restaurant. Our flight back to St. Petersburg departed half hour late, arriving at 11:30 PM. It took a while for the bus to pick us up, another 45 min. drive to the port and we were at our rooms by 1:00 AM. This means that if you want to see St. Petersburg the next day, you are going to be really tired. BTW, I'm not complaining, this tour was so popular on our cruise that they had two groups for the first time. Most of my friends were on that group and they had the worst time. Their flight left earlier than ours and although they were taken to more places than us, they ended up on a later flight and arrived in St. Petersburg after 12:30 AM. The problem was that the tour company knew that they were not going to make it on time to the bridges that connect the city to the area where the ship docks. The elevated bridges go up at 1:30 AM in the morning and are taken back after 5:00 AM. Can you believe that our tour guide made fun of the fact that the other bus was not going to make it on time? It was really frustrating for them to watch the bridges go up in front of their eyes. They finally found online a bridge that goes down for periods of 15 min. and were able to go back to the ship after 3:00 AM. Some of them couldn't make it to their tours the next day. Remember, this is Russia, if you don't make it to your tour the next day, you won't be able to leave the ship. My friends tried to take a taxi and catch up with us, but their visa stated a 9:00AM pick up time and had to stay on the ship. We liked our tour, but it is up to you to decide if it's worth it. The time that you actually spend in Moscow is really limited. If by any chance you are given a late flight on your way back, start screaming and demand an earlier flight. The tour company hired by Celebrity is going to buy the cheapest flights to make more money. Just my two cents. I tried to research this tour before our cruise and didn't find too much information. Hope this helps. BTW, I was concern about the planes used for the flights, if you are too, don't be. The flight was great and were even given a sandwich with juice or water. I do have to say that we felt that we were on a PanAm 1970's flight. The attendants were all really young, skinny and beautiful, wore heavy make up and complicated hair styles. I was also not impressed by either St. Petersburg or Moscow's airports. No restrooms close to the gates, two flights leaving at the same time through the same gate, just a mess!! Before our tour I couldn't understand how Edward Snowden could hide for such a long time on an airport, after visiting Moscow's international airport it just made sense. Hope you enjoy your Baltic cruise.

Thanks for the details. I was quite curious about it. Unfortunately it doesn't sound like you got to see so much there. Fortunately as you say it was your second time in SPB, so you can compare and see the differences between the cities. They are very different.

On our Celebrity cruise, it was sold out, but I didn't come across anyone who took the tour to find out their experiences.

drarill, I had to laugh at the comment about how Snowden was able to hide in the airport ... I had wondered the same thing, but now we know!! LOL

We just did this tour and really liked it, but this was our second time in St. Petersburg. If this is your first time there I don't know if it's the best choice. You spend most of the day in airports and buses. Our meeting time at the ship was 6:45 AM, followed by a 45 min. long drive to the airport. Then we had to wait for a 10:00 AM one hour flight to Moscow. As you can see we arrived after 11:00 AM followed by another 30 minutes ride to the city. We were taken to the Red Square, to take a subway ride, followed by a coffee and tea break, then to the Kremlin armory museum (where we spend most of our time), also visited the Cathedral of the Annunciation, and back to the Red Square. Were only given half hour for shopping, followed by a really long dinner at a local restaurant. Our flight back to St. Petersburg departed half hour late, arriving at 11:30 PM. It took a while for the bus to pick us up, another 45 min. drive to the port and we were at our rooms by 1:00 AM. This means that if you want to see St. Petersburg the next day, you are going to be really tired. BTW, I'm not complaining, this tour was so popular on our cruise that they had two groups for the first time. Most of my friends were on that group and they had the worst time. Their flight left earlier than ours and although they were taken to more places than us, they ended up on a later flight and arrived in St. Petersburg after 12:30 AM. The problem was that the tour company knew that they were not going to make it on time to the bridges that connect the city to the area where the ship docks. The elevated bridges go up at 1:30 AM in the morning and are taken back after 5:00 AM. Can you believe that our tour guide made fun of the fact that the other bus was not going to make it on time? It was really frustrating for them to watch the bridges go up in front of their eyes. They finally found online a bridge that goes down for periods of 15 min. and were able to go back to the ship after 3:00 AM. Some of them couldn't make it to their tours the next day. Remember, this is Russia, if you don't make it to your tour the next day, you won't be able to leave the ship. My friends tried to take a taxi and catch up with us, but their visa stated a 9:00AM pick up time and had to stay on the ship. We liked our tour, but it is up to you to decide if it's worth it. The time that you actually spend in Moscow is really limited. If by any chance you are given a late flight on your way back, start screaming and demand an earlier flight. The tour company hired by Celebrity is going to buy the cheapest flights to make more money. Just my two cents. I tried to research this tour before our cruise and didn't find too much information. Hope this helps. BTW, I was concern about the planes used for the flights, if you are too, don't be. The flight was great and were even given a sandwich with juice or water. I do have to say that we felt that we were on a PanAm 1970's flight. The attendants were all really young, skinny and beautiful, wore heavy make up and complicated hair styles. I was also not impressed by either St. Petersburg or Moscow's airports. No restrooms close to the gates, two flights leaving at the same time through the same gate, just a mess!! Before our tour I couldn't understand how Edward Snowden could hide for such a long time on an airport, after visiting Moscow's international airport it just made sense. Hope you enjoy your Baltic cruise.

Thank you for posting your experience. You have given me a lot to think about. It just seemed like a good idea, now I need to think really hard about it. I would hate to have our second day messed up in SPB.

We did Celebrity's Journey to Moscow excursion in July 2012. We had been to St. Petersburg before so decided to do something different. Interestingly, this excursion had been cancelled on some of the previous cruises that summer as a result of not enough people signed up. There were about 20 people on our excursion.

In a nutshell, I recommend the excursion and would do it again, but there are some caveats:

1. I would probably not go to Moscow if this was my first time visiting St. Petersburg. SP is full of wonderful sites so I would spend my two port days there seeing all the city sites, including the Hermitage, as well as visiting one of the palaces outside the city.

2. If you go to Moscow and plan on taking a tour in SP the next day, be aware (as someone else posted) that the tour returns to the ship very late and you might have difficulty getting up early enough the next morning for your SP tour. Our flight didn't land back in SP until after midnight and we were unable to cross the bridges before they rose. We didn't return back to the ship until after 2am, but because we anticipated that this might happen, we booked an afternoon private car in SP. We actually ended up enjoying being out late in SP with the bridges up as our bus and guide drove us around the city late at night and it was a surreal experience, especially during the white nights of summer.

3. We thought the time in Moscow could have been better organized, allowing us more time to see Red Square and the Kremlin buildings, but we were prevented from doing so due to horrendous traffic around Moscow, a very long-winded local tour guide, and too much time spent stopping for a coffee break (which was entirely unnecessary IMO). We also had almost no time to shop and the time spent in Red Square was much too short. Again, I mostly blamed this on our guide who talked too much rather than allowing us free time to wander around. I ditched the guide and our group before we were actually dismissed for free time so that I could wander around Red Square and make a few purchases from a street artist (local art and crafts on the street are of high quality and inexpensive IMO).

4. The dinner, while served in a beautiful, elegant setting, was mediocre at best. Lots of alcohol, but I've had better beef stroganoff in a school cafeteria.

Having provided you with these caveats, I still would take the tour again. It was a fascinating and magical experience. From the very interesting airport and airplane experience, to having the opportunity to visit the Kremlin sites and Red Square, it was worth it for us. It was a whirlwind of a tour, lasting about 18 hours from the time we left the ship until we returned.

I hope this helps others make a decision about this tour.

• 3 years later...

I was finally able to book the tour online. They just made it available for online booking the other day. I sure hope they reach the minimum number of guests so it isn't cancelled.   Not sure why it leaves at 9:30. If it indeed is an 18.5 hour tour, we won't get back until 4 am.

We are on May 21, 2017 Eclipse and want to do the same tour.

There are several trains per day even on weekends and holidays. If it is the weekend I would say you are better off flying as traffic will be a little better than on a weekday especially in the morning. There are probably several flights an hour. The train is modern and comfortable but not especially scenic.

Since you need a visa anyway you could also consider arranging a Moscow tour guide to meet you at the airport and arrange your own transport to Moscow. An airport taxi should be easy to arrange in St Petersburg or use Uber. Aeroflot tickets are easy to buy online.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 11 hours ago

LauraS · Started 15 hours ago

LauraS · Started Thursday at 04:15 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 03:00 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 10:41 AM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...