Originally Posted by
fozziedoggie
Sorry, but for us it's a personal choice not to spend money or time in a country with non-existent human/gay rights.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K-dDd4dtOFM
There are serious abuses being perpetrated aginst GLBT people throughout Russia; I would encourage you and yours to use this as down-time on the ship and enjoy the spa/pool or other amenities.
Of course, the choice is personal, so it's up to you.
Thank you for listening.
+10
But to echo what others have said here from what I've heard from friends is that being ordinary in a tour group you have little problem.
While serious things are happening a lot of what we read in the media is sensationalized and we like to attribute that it happens to any and all of us. Example my first trip to Istanbul was during the time of ISIS beheadings and all those issues, of course I freaked myself out. Went to Istanbul and loved it (including fun gay clubs during Eid). I tell people how safe and friendly it was and an amazing city....and then you see what happened to their Pride yesterday with riot police and tear gas and water cannons.