Algae Travels to Russia with Love

We've made it to Russia at last, and what a early start we had today. 6.30am this morning, which is in fact 3.30am UK time. It was like Zombie World in the Windjammers this morning. Everyone was walking round the buffet half asleep. After breakfast, the group head on down to deck 4 to collect their bags and wait for the rest of the CC group, but on exiting the lifts they find that the CC group were already there.

After quickly collecting their bags, the whole cc group make their way down to deck 3 forward to wait for the all clear. There have been many reports that cruise company's try their best to deter private tour groups from exiting early. There are no such problems today and they made their way into the immigration building. I can say that eventually the whole group make it through with no need for the rubber glove treatment! Unfortunately the Celebrity Constellation group stole their bus and they had to wait 30 minutes for a replacement. The first in a series of unfortunate events for the day.

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Eventually, the group are on their way. The weather finally changed today, it was grey and overcast with a chance of rain. Today's first stop after a city orientation is the souvenir shop to use the facilities. Whilst they are in the shop, thier driver is questioned by the Police, but only to check that all the paperwork is up-to-date. The tour eventually continues and it's a 40 minute drive to Catherine's Palace. The Palace is wonderful with many of the main rooms lovingly restored. The amount of gold leaf is obscene and there is one whole room that is covered in Amber, but the marquetry floors are beautiful. The grounds are spectacular with a huge lake with islands dotted in the lake with follies on each one.

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Back on board and it's a further 40 minute drive to lunch at a local hotel just outside the gates of the Peterhoff Palace. The group have a nice meal - small pepper salad, Borsht Soup, Chicken and Rice and a nice mousse for dessert.

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Then it's over the road to the Peterhoff Palace and a walk round the grounds. The weather had improved and the sun was now shining. The palace is billed as the Versailles of Russia and it certainly lives up to all expectations. The grounds and fountains are also spectacular. Tom and Rose elect to stay up by the Palace as the rest of the group set off round the gardens. When they eventually get back, another one of the group also elected to stay with Tom and Rose, but as they waited she had her bag/purse picked! Luckily, nothing valuable was stolen and her bag/purse was recovered by the security team. A bad experience anyway.

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Finally, the return journey with a stop to ride the Metro. No pictures as we are not allowed to take pictures of or in the Metro. The stations are amazing all marble and sculptures depicting Russian life during Communist times and metal work which represented the Kirov tractor factory. Once back at the port, the group have to make their way back through immigration.

After a quick change for dinner and they are in the dining room for 6.45pm. Not a lot else to report on the evenings activities as it is very quiet onboard ship tonight. They do manage to compete in the trivia as usual and this time they are successful and win two bottles of champagne.
 
Famous last words "Not a lot else to report on the evenings activities as it is very quiet onboard ship tonight". At 12.30am, the whole ship was woken to the sound of 'Bravo, Bravo' on the ships tannoy system. H&R jumped out of bed, only to realise that the ship wasn't sinking, so back to bed, only to be woken again 10 minutes later with a further 'Bravo, Bravo' announcement. It turned out that the fuel tug boat moored right next to the ship was on fire!

Eventually the Captain comes on the Tannoy several times to tell us all that the fire was under control and there was no need to worry. We can go back to bed. Unfortunately, both Captain's announcements were repeated in Spanish! H said a few choice words and tries to get back to sleep.

The alarm wakes us all at 5.50am and it's back up to Zombie World for breakfast! We are meeting the rest of the CC group again by the piano at 7.00am as the Denrus tour leaves at 7.30am. There was no one waiting at immigration and so after a few minutes they have met up with Anna, their tour guide, and just have to wait for the rest of the small group to assemble.

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The tour was soon on its way. The coach had not been taken this morning, as they Celebrity Constellation has left St Petersburg last night. First stop this morning after a continuation of the city orientation, was St Peter and St Paul Fortress and Cathedral. The Cathedral is where all the past Russian Emperors and and Empresses are buried. This includes the last Rominovs who were taken from St Petersburg to the country and murdered, including their faithful servants. On exiting the Fortress, the group take a short boat ride along the Neva and Finca Rivers. The boat drops them off an hour later at The Church of our Saviour of the Spilt Blood. This is one of the more famous of churches with the ice cream swirl domes on top. This church was built to commemorate Emperor Paul I and the spot where he was assassinated.

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Across the street is a souvenir flea market and there is just time, after coming out of the church to purchase a few more Russian dolls. Lunch today was in the Russian Club and another traditional meal of salad, beef stroganoff and bananas and ice cream all served with wine, coffee and water. Lovely!

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This afternoon the tour continues on to the last stop for this two days and after a 5 minute drive, the coach drops them off at the Hermitage. Two palaces connected by walkways which now house the most treasured art works of St Petersburg. As Anna reminds us, we would need several days alone to do justice to all the exhibits and that this should only be treated as a highlight tour.

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After seeing Rembrandt's, Canaleto's, Gaugin's, Monet's, and many more pieces of art along with the spectacularly decorated rooms and marble of all shapes, sizes and colours, its time to call it a day and make their way back to the ship. Little Red joined them again today. H has accepted the fact that whatever she tries to do, he will find a way of hitch a ride with them.

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Anna is thanked and the group make their weary way back onto the ship, after clearing customs. Dinner was at 6.15pm as usual in Tides Dining Room. Any Time Dining has worked very well and they have had the same table and servers every night. After dinner there is time for a quick round of trivia - no Champagne tonight and no prize either.

The show tonight in the Coral Theatre is Gary Lovini (last night it was just Movie Night), a violinist who one New Faces (another UK talent show). Finally, H&R call it a night as they are so tired. R uploads my blog from yesterday but first H pops up to deck 11 for a quick cuppa! What is weird, is that even though it is 10.10pm, sun is far from setting. Thank goodness for an inside cabin.
 
Tallinn, a city of contrasts was the name of the tour that the group had booked, and Tallinn definitely lived up to this title.

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We got an hour back last night, so a bit of a lie in. Tom and Rose knocked for H&R at 7.15am, but they weren't ready, so they arranged to meet them up at the buffet. The weather was glorious. The sun was shining and the sky was a beautiful blue. The tour was due to leave the ship at 8.45am so they had plenty of time to have breakfast and then meet up with the rest of the RCCL tour in the Safari Club.

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As they leave the ship to make their way along the dockside, they realise that even though it is sunny there is a very chilly wind blowing. So they get on the coach as quickly as they can.

The tour guide today is a chap called Stanislav, but even though he is quite young, he is very knowledgeable about his home country. The coach driver takes them on a tour of the city whilst Stanislav explains about the medieval parts, the traditional wooden houses, the more modern buildings and how they all work well together in Tallinn.

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The first stop outside the city was the ruined Pirita Covent/Monastery which was run for both monks and nuns. Even though a complete ruin, it was very tranquil and peaceful. Once back on the coach they are taken past new houses built after the independence of Tallinn from Russia and communism. Very lovely and very expensive.

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The next stop was a refreshment break in a bar that had been built from an upturned boat. Lovely cake and coffee was served. Next door to the restaurant is the final part of the tour, which is the open air museum of Kingu. Examples of a traditional farmstead from the 19th century and the first settlers are preserved here and is used to provide school children and visitors to the Country an idea of the history of Tallinn.

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Back on the coach, the final leg of the journey takes the group along the shore road and eventually back to the port. There are some little wooden huts along the quay side selling souvenirs and gifts. H purchases a rather nice tablecloth and some other little trinkets.

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Once back on the ship, it's time for a spot of lunch. Not a lot going on round ship until it leaves port at 3.30pm, and then it's the traditional round of trivia. But before that they do take a stroll round deck 11, trying to stay out of the chilly breeze. Who would have believed at the beginning of the cruise that there would be people in swimwear, sunbathing (and not in the Solarium).

Dinner again in Tides Dining Room and tonight Tom and Rose are presented with an anniversary cake, even though it's not their anniversary until August (their Golden). Brazillio, their waiter, presents the girls with a hand-made paper rose each, and even shows them how to make one.

70's party night in the Centrum with John 'Joff the Cruise Director' Travolta and the Village People, aka the cruise staff. H helps them bop the evening away to disco tunes from the 70's. We had Extreme Vegas in the Coral Theatre tonight with Justino and Daniela - "a high energy journey thorough the best in Las Vegas variety acts - magic illusion, stunts, comedy and more". Lastly, the group wait for the final show of the night - The Millionaire Show, based on Who wants to be a millionaire. Very entertaining.

Collecting a cup of tea on the way, it's time to call it a night at 12.00 midnight, but with the extra hour it's 11.00pm.
 


Very nice trip report. Thanks for sharing.

Woody
 
Loving the report. Were there any kids on teens onboard?

Thanks
Jeff
 


Another lovely trip report Heather. What wonderful photos too - sounds like you had an amazing cruise. Can't wait to read more

Tammy
 
Very interesting to read your trip report and experience a different part of the world and a different cruise line. The ship looks very nice and Scandinavia looks beautiful - not a place I have thought about visiting before but you may well have changed my mind! Lovely photos. Thanks for sharing.
 
Loving the report. Were there any kids on teens onboard?

Thanks
Jeff

There weren't alot of kids or teens aboard. We purchased the cruise review DVD and one part of the video shows the kids club. I commented that I didn't recall so many kids during the 12 days.
 
Really appreciate you sharing your trip experiences with us. I see that you used Denrus for your tour in Russia. Did you schedule the tour yourself or go through the cruiseline? Why did you pick Denrus? There's about three that people have recommended and they are all about the same price. Just wondering what made you pick them? Thanks again for the info.
 
I am really enjoying your TR Heather. We are taking the Magic there next July.
I have a few questions, do they let you take pictures in most of the palaces and churches? I bought so many books in the UK because we couldn't take pictures inside. Don't get me wrong, the pictures in the books are better then I would have taken, but we had to have the shipped home they were so heavy!:rotfl:
And the Russian dolls, are these the stackable ones? Are they very expensive?
I was just trying to show my granddaughter the pictures you posted, and as she is playing she wondered why she couldn't just wait and be surprised when when we go!:lmao::rotfl2: :lmao::lmao::rotfl2:
 
Really appreciate you sharing your trip experiences with us. I see that you used Denrus for your tour in Russia. Did you schedule the tour yourself or go through the cruiseline? Why did you pick Denrus? There's about three that people have recommended and they are all about the same price. Just wondering what made you pick them? Thanks again for the info.

We scheduled the Denrus tour ourselves as we thought that the Russia tours offered by RCCL were overpriced.

There were 4 tour groups that we considered - Anastasia, Alla, Red October and Denrus. We also did a lot of reading on Cruise Critic. The 2 day value tour on Denrus worked out well $295 for the two days, which included lunch on both days, the metro ride on the first day and entry into all the attractions and, as a bonus the photo/video passes.

Denrus is run by a US company, who take payment 30 days before your arrival date. They meet you at the Port, just the otherside of passport control. The only negative is that we were unsure if we would get our money back if we didn't make port for any reason. But saying that, I couldn't fault them and recommend them 100%.
 
I am really enjoying your TR Heather. We are taking the Magic there next July.
I have a few questions, do they let you take pictures in most of the palaces and churches? I bought so many books in the UK because we couldn't take pictures inside. Don't get me wrong, the pictures in the books are better then I would have taken, but we had to have the shipped home they were so heavy!:rotfl:
And the Russian dolls, are these the stackable ones? Are they very expensive?
I was just trying to show my granddaughter the pictures you posted, and as she is playing she wondered why she couldn't just wait and be surprised when when we go!:lmao::rotfl2: :lmao::lmao::rotfl2:

As the price of the tour included the photo/video pass, I can't really answer that question. I would suggest that you pop over to cruise critic and ask. There was two place that we couldn't take photos and that was the Amber Room in St Catherine's Palace and French Impressionists Room in the Hermitage.

The russian matryoshka dolls vary in price depending on number of dolls, design and where you buy them. The souvenier shops have so many to choose from you are spoilt for choice. If part of the tour include a stop at the The Church of the Spilt Blood of our Savour, there is the flea market just across the road. You can pick up a fantastic bargain here. Just keep a hand on your purse/bags as pickpockets are known here. They do take dollars but be prepared to haggle and walk away if you don't get a good price. Often you will win out in the end. Don't get atrracted to the street hawkers that offer three eggs/three dolls in a bag. They are chinese imports and you will be disappointed, unless you just want to take back small gifts for friends/family.
 
Just let you know that your story and photos are so beautiful as it bought my memory back as I went to Baltic when I was 15 years old with school Baltic cruise...

I would love to go back again...

Many thanks for showing it...:thumbsup2

Scottishwee35
 
Finally a chance to lie in but guess what....yes, H was up at 7.00am and decided to have a power walk round deck 11. Boy was it windy, but invigorating too apparently. Last night H had to ring Guest Relations as staff tidying up the bar area in the Centrum were making such a racket, it was keeping her awake. Their cabin must back onto their galley area.

It's going to be a relaxing day today and it begins as does most days with breakfast as usual the the Windjammer. Rose and Tom pop back to their cabin so that Rose can wash and dry her hair and H&R make their way up to the Jewel Day Spa for a seminar.

The group meets up again outside the Coral Theatre for Captain's talk. H & Rose decide to browse round the shops, whilst R and Tom listen to the seminar. The seminar lasts longer than expected and H & Rose sit and chat with H's sister Sue and have a coffee. Finally at 1.30pm they all meet up again and make their way to the Schooner Bar for the afternoon's edition of Progressive Trivia - they do quite well, but will have to wait for the last round to find out if they have managed to pull themselves further up the leader board from 21st place.

They pop up to the Windjammer for a quick snack (they didn't have any lunch) and find that there is only afternoon tea laid out. The afternoon continues with a further round of TV theme tune trivia, but as the majority of the tunes from US programmes that they have never heard of, they give up.

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Tom and Rose go back to the cabin as it's time to get ready for dinner (third formal night tonight). H&R pop up to Crown and Anchor loyalty ambassador on deck 13 to make enquiries about a a possible future cruise. This is the view through the glass floor from deck 13 all the way down the Centrum to deck 4. On the way to their cabin H&R go to the gallery to order a copy of the cruise video.

Dinner tonight is in Chops, the steak restaurant at 7.30pm. They have a lovely meal, beautiful steaks which melt in your mouth and the veg is served family style. There is a very good selection of desserts (a delicious cheesecake for H).

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There's a quick photo opportunity as the ship passes under a bridge with only a 12 meter clearance, but from the inside as it is too windy to go up on deck. As they have missed the 9.00pm show, they decide to have a go at the slots in the Casino, but no luck tonight.

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Unfortunately, H doesn't feel too good and has to make a dash to their cabin. Both H&R decide to call it a night but insist that Rose and Tom carry on without them. Rose and Tom decide to make thier way to the Safari Club and end up meeting H's sister and brother in law and spend a couple of hours in their company. They had an enjoyable couple of hours chatting the evening away.
 
Just let you know that your story and photos are so beautiful as it bought my memory back as I went to Baltic when I was 15 years old with school Baltic cruise...

I would love to go back again...

Many thanks for showing it...:thumbsup2

Scottishwee35

I'm so glad that it brought back some lovely memories. Couple more days yet.
 
Russia looks lovely :thumbsup2

It was nice. Would recommend it.

Very nice trip report. Thanks for sharing.
Woody

Thanks...couple more days yet.

Another lovely trip report Heather. What wonderful photos too - sounds like you had an amazing cruise. Can't wait to read more
Tammy

Loving your trip report as well Tam.

Very interesting to read your trip report and experience a different part of the world and a different cruise line. The ship looks very nice and Scandinavia looks beautiful - not a place I have thought about visiting before but you may well have changed my mind! Lovely photos. Thanks for sharing.

I would recommend it.
 

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