Originally Posted by
pb9997
On the other hand, I could vouch for a complete different experience... in Moscow. I enrolled in a free tour, the ones that are willing to accept tips at the end, and it was fun all the way. It really depends on the guide.
The lady on my Moscow 2-hour tour was absolutely against Putin, claiming that after comunism now they were under a Putinism but the democracy was still to be experienced, etc etc; Lots of political jokes about the soviet era and the current environment... overall she was really funny.
Regardless, I consider Saint Petersburg a walking city, monuments close by and a city where riding the subway and sight-seeing their magnificent stations an experience to be had, thus a guide is not really necessary, similar to other cities in Europe.
Apparently the OP has already given the guide his business, thus now he has to hope that the assigned person will be a great fun guide.
PS - I appreciate the uncertainty felt by the OP; I was in his shoes myself, my own concern on not finding anyone/anything written in English. In the end, nothing to worry about. If one has survived Bangkok, one will surely survive Russia and after a few days I was learning, by my own, their Cyrillic alphabet. Easy !
I agree with most of this and that's what I would do (no tour).
I find it really odd that a tour guide would be almost harassing the guests.
However, given that the OP is on a cruise and just for a few hours, it is usually easier just to book the cruise package that includes transportation to and from the cruise.
Another thing to consider is that if you are with a tour operator, you don't need a VISA. If you want to explore on your own in Russia, you have to get a VISA prior to sailing and getting the VISA can be a hassle and as expensive as the tour.