Originally Posted by
carlosdca
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.
That's one thing we definitely won't be doing, as the cruise's own excursions are apparently overpriced and soulless. Also note that we have two full days docked in St. Petersburg. That's typical, though some ships now offer three days.
Originally Posted by
pb9997
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 !
Given that acquiring a visa alone costs more than the entire tour does, it only makes sense to do it this way. Plus, apparently we save hours waiting in lines if we enter museums with a registered tour guide as opposed to going on our own. If this weren't the case we'd explore on our own in a heartbeat; we're both in our early 40s and experienced world travelers. My husband was even in Peace Corps in the Republic of Georgia!
But this whole conversation has got me considering canceling our existing booking and hiring the fellow from the gay tour website.
I've just written to him, and we'll see what he says!