Hi Stan,
I know all the large cruise ships will have concluded their 2005 season there, but Viking River Cruises offer cruises as late as Oct. 2nd and 5th with 3 nights in SPB. Is it starting to get too cold to cruise by then? I would assume that would be a good time to visit if one wished to avoid the crowds.
Nancy

Hi Nancy
That is a tough question. Some years we have what is called Woman's Summer which is like our Indian Summer, where warm moderate weather makes it one of the best times to visit. Last night was the first mild chill, +6 degree C so maybe we will not have that mild post summer weather this year. Frost normally comes by the 3rd week of October. Personally I would rather cruise when hanging out on deck sunning is an option. The whole area is peaceful and quiet by October with the streets easy to navigate, even Nevsky pr. I would suggest Sept 15-30 would be the best of low visitor count and decent weather. Planning far in advance for October might be good or bad.
When winter sets in, is another time more people ought to come. It is not THAT cold and it really is pretty with a light layer of snow, cheap prices, and lots of cultural events or play in the snow out of the city. People go to the Rockies and Sierra Nevada mountain where it is colder but they think SPb and Moscow are frozen waste lands.
Talk to you later...

Hello Nancy & Stan,

Thanks for taking the time to look at my photos. Glad that you enjoyed them. It was tough not to take loads of photos for sure.

Stan,
Yes, soon the Baltic season is over for ships.
I would love to return one day to see more of SP. Knowing how much more there is to see & enjoy. As much as I love to cruise, I do also enjoy land travel too! I am not a cold weather person though. The sun seems to call me.

I was jealous reading about your visit to Peterhof. Must have been quite the event!

Take Care
ENJOY your cruise. Let us know how it was.
Bon Voyage

Cathy

Hi Cathy
I am sorry for being so late in replying, have been pretty busy and not checking forums. I had a really nice cruise in the Baltic on Silja Opera, just a weekend but fun and relaxing, good food and plenty of it, and most of all very reasonable. I think I will try that a few times this winter.
I just got back from a few days in Lappeenranta in south-eastern Finland. It is a cute littel town in the middle of the lake country where there is more water than land. I discovered an interesting cruise that originates there and follows the canals and lakes, passing through a number of locks and ends at Vyborg in northern Russia. Only 56Euros and visits some beautiful wilderness. I will definitely do that again in the spring or summer.
The weather is still good here in St Petersburg, the cultural season is in full swing and the hotels and airlines have dropped their prices. It is a good time to visit, no lines, lower prices and still decent weather. You ought to plan a return and bring Nancy and Tom with you;>
See you here

HI Stan,

Wonderful to hear from you.
Sounds like you are having fun & doing some cruising yourself. Good for you

Now that I am home & back to work for 6 weeks I am ready for another vacation!! Seems so long ago. Looks like my friend is now going to the Island Princess, which will do 15 day Hawaii.
Maybe I will do that early January.

Glad your weather is still nice in SP.
Here as well. Near 80 all week. Makes you wonder if it really is October!

You never know we all may be back to your lovely SP. So much more to see & do.

Take Care

Cathy

Hi Cathy and group!
It seems like a private club house here;> I have been out of the loop for a while, as can be seen by how late this post is. By now you have decided on your sun and fun cruise and I will be anxious to read of your fun and new tan when you return. I hope to go somewhere this winter but have too much work to do, more than expected for the slow season in Russia. Everyone is gearing up for THE holiday of the year, New Years is like Christmas, New Years, Valetines Day, Mothers Day, 4th of July, ThanksGiving and Halloween all wrapped up into one 7-10 days of feasts, socializing, "new years trees", shopping , giving presents, sleigh rides, parties, and old fat white bearded men in red fur suits driving reinedeer and giving out presents named Ded Moroze or Grand Father Frost in English. He does not have elves but he has his grand daughter, every little girls envy and every older boys fantasy: The Snow Maiden who is shapely, beautiful young blonde who dresses in very short red fur dresses. Costume parties here will have a dozen of each in attendence by my count;> This is serious party and celebration time. The country disappears from the map for a week or more after the 1st, no one answers any business phone, goes to work or or does anything not intended to be fun or taste good. It is a nice time to be St Petersburg. The weather has been very mild all fall and just this week we had our first real snow fall that stayed on the ground and mild -4 to 0 degrees C (+24-0 F)and hardly any wind. Finally after months of work the accent lighting installed all during the summer and fall on every building along Nevsky prospekt has been turned on just Sunday night, it is gorgeous. Each building got dozens of wall wash and accent lights installed along a 3 km distance of the main part of the street. Add to the mix the fact than most all the buildings on Nevsky and the canals have had their restoration completed and you can imagine how magical this place looks in a light snow fall.
I am surprized how many visitors came this fall and winter, more than ever and most of the hotels in the center were books solid for October and November and will certainly be full for the coming holidays. We got dozens of new hotels this last year and 25 more scheduled for next summer openings. Cruise ships seems have discovered this place because all the cruise lines have increased their port calls here for next summer except those which already come every 10 days.
So, all indicators point to 2006 cruise season is going to be a great time to visit with lots of new festivals and activities and the newly spiffed up city.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR STAN

You must have ESP as I have been thinking about you lately & said to myself I needed to get your email & post you a holiday greeting. So, I come to get it & have this post waiting

Wow, wish I could come for a visit for the New Years Bash. I can close my eyes & imagine how SP looks covered in snow & the new accent lighting along Nevsky Prospekt.
Magical at best.

Yes, my winter cruise will be to Hawaii. My Maitre D friend was changed to the Island Princess. This is a 15 day cruise from LA, with 9 sea days. Heaven for me. Cannot wait.

The July Greek Isles cruise is a reunion with a group I met several years ago on the Ocean Princess. This will be our 3rd cruise together.
Looking forward to cruising the Grand Canal in Venice - one of my dreams.

Have not ruled out a return trip to SP. And this time we WILL meet up.

Do hope that you have a wonderful holiday season, and a New Year filled with much love, health & happiness.

Cathy

Merry Chhristmas Cathy!
Thank you for the greetings and effort to make me jealous! 15 days to Hawaii, Greel Isles im July....Do you have enough baggage allowance to stow me away on that cruise next month to Hawaii? I just looked at the window thermometer and noticed -10C, the coldest morning this winter and dreaming about beaches and warm breezes....and properly filled bikinis;>
It really is not that cold here, there has been little wind, which could make -10 miserable but I do not even wear a hat or gloves in this range of temps. Several girls in the office went to Egypt a couple weeks ago and returned with great photos of beaches and warm relaxation, but no sight seeing. Another one booked a 5 star hotel there for next month for 11 nights for $550 including air fare! That is almost cheaper than staying at home so I am going to look for something like that in the middle of Jan or Feb.
I've spent some of the most relaxing and romantic time possible in and around the Greek Isles...no wonder it had become the playground for the European elite, it wonderful if not too hot. And the spotless fine sand beaches are about as good as can be found anywhere in the world. Just lovely. That will be quite a reunion.
Yes Cathy, you must come back here to St Petersburg, it will looks a little different than before since last year hundreds of buildings had scaffolding and green netting covering their exteriors last summer and the previous couple years for restoration. That work is pretty much done in the old city center with only a handful of buildings that still await attention from the craftsmen. It looks like it did in 1913, the year that is cited as the Best Year, when the city was at its peak before the 1917 revolution and the turmoil of the next 80 years.
I need to take more photos but I keep forgetting to carry my camera on my many walks around the city but it is one of my major New Years Resolutions. The main one is "don't work so much and get some sleep" and no more working 18 hours and then going dancing until 6a.m. All my local friends here have a hobby of sleeping as often and as long as possible, it is their joy in life to sleep. I don't dare call them before 1 pm on weekends while I am up running around by 5 a.m. even if I got home at that time. In the summer, particularly the period called White Nights, everyone sleeps as little ss I do, it is a time of boundless energy in the air all night activities of concerts, parties, picnics, art exhibition and all night outdoor cafes, river cruises and more all after midnight. Since you are in Europe anyway in the summer, why not come up here for a week or 10 days? Flights within Europe are cheap and quick, 3hours to St Petersburg. I'll be your personal tour guide to show you what you might have missed or somethings not in any guide book. And if you are craving floating on water, the fascinating river cruise from St Petersburg to Moscow travels through some beautiful country, lakes, villages and historic towns. This next spring or summer I am going on the cruise from Karilia region of Finland through the lake region to Vyborg Russia, it is very popular with Fins but I don't see many foreign visitors on this beautiful cruise of lakes, rivers and canals and picturesque villages.

Have a wonderful Cruise Cathy and the Merriest of Christmas' and Happiest of New Years from St Petersburg

Merry Christmas Stan (and Cathy),
Wow! It sounds like St. Petersburg is the place to be over the holidays. I never would have guessed. Stan, you are great for helping us appreciate what "real life" in St. Petersburg is like. Since I live in a climate that so far has been experiencing colder temps than your winter thus far, I may have to plan a winter holiday there in the future. Still hoping to get to visit again soon and lovethe idea of a river cruise between St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Have a safe and happy holiday and may the new year bring you only joy and blessings.

Nancy

Hi Stan,

Hope you can enjoy this one
http://holidays.blastcomm.com/holidays03.html

You must be drinking much vodka to think -10C is not really cold!! I shiver to think of it.
Me thinks you need to escape to Hawaii for a break I can fit you into my larger suitcase.
What a price for Egypt! Wow. I know when I was in Moorea I was told by a local I could rent a hut in the water for $400/month in the summer.
I last visited Greece in 1996 on my Black Sea cruise. And yes, loved it. Looking forward to going again. My vote was to do the Med cruise to Cannes, but, I was outvoted for this one.
Yes, out group is awesome & we do really have so much fun together. I do have a girlfriend joining me for this cruise.
As much as I would love to extend my 2 week cruise in July I will not be able to.
Last summer I missed the family Chatham(Cape Cod) trip in August & have promised to go this
year, even if only for one week.
Hmmm, I could put in for LOA from the hospital & take the summer off?? Wishful thinking.
But, I do hope to get back to SP. As you say it will be different from my visit last August.
Will let you know most definitely when I am coming.
Do hope that you are able to escape this winter
for some sunshine.

Again, wishes for a Blessed Christmas & Happy New Year.
Be sure to write us an update of your New Years events, ok??

Cathy

Hi Nancy and Cathy
All this talk of sun and fun, and -11 being cold is making me..ah...cold'> Actually, it got down there and stayed for the last few days and when the wind came up it was the firswt time my exposed ears felt painfully cold...after the feeling returned to them. I walked for hours Christmas Eve because the lights and snow falling were so beautiful. I stopped by several ex-pat cafes and hangouts on my wanderings because they were all celebrating Christmas on the 25th instead of the "normal" Jan 7th here. Last night we exchanges presents because the 1st is too far away and had a very nice meal out at a Spanish restaurant. The city looked like I always dreamed that Christmas was supposed to look like when I was a kid, diamond like sparkling snow covering everything and drifting down through the street lights and people strolling arm in arm all dressed in the best winter furs. For New Years we are having the traditional family dinner at midnight and then going from apartment to apartment visiting and greating friends before assembling in the park to set off fireworks at 2-3 a.m. If it is not too cold, we will go to Nevsky prospekt for the free concerts, street dancing and fun until 5-6. The Winter Palace Square is the annual site of free concerts with 300,000-500,000 in attendence.
Speaking of bargains, the last time I went to Baja California, I rented a rustic cabin on the beach out in the middle of no where for complete sun and surf related relaxation for $15 for the month. It was rather rustic but that was fine with me, including no running water. It had solar heated water tank on a short tower over a shower nozzle for washing off the salt after swimming so that was a nice luxury. I paid a local to get water in his pickup to fill the tank for drinking water and showering.
You do not have to come in the summer, spring or fall are great times to visit St Petersburg and a lot less crowded. This fall was great, with very mild weather, lots of sun and until the last few days, very mild winter. You can do what I did, took a LOA from life;> and gave away everything in a couple weeks right after a trip to St Petersburg and was living here unplanned 3 weeks later. Either here or a Pacific island somewhere. The song made famous by Janis Joplin, Me and Bobby Magee, had the line "freedom is nothing else to lose" is really true. I was a slave to things I did not have time to use because I was working too hard taking care of them....amd boy, did I have the "things".

Got a question. What would you think would be good topics to write a couple paragraphs on for the port review? I am looking for topics that would preemptively answer some questions cruisers would have. I've written a few this weekend on night life, visas, port procedures and what to bring.
Talk to you later...and Have a Great celebration of the New Year and all the happiness the coming year can bring.

Stan,
Given the limited amount of time that most cruisers have in port, I think you could write about what are the absolute "must do's" (in your opinion) and perhaps a suggested "perfect 1 or 2 day itinerary" (from your perspective). Also a few comments about the whole currency issue (money exchange).
Nancy

quote:

Originally posted by NancyN:
Stan,
Given the limited amount of time that most cruisers have in port, I think you could write about what are the absolute "must do's" (in your opinion) and perhaps a suggested "perfect 1 or 2 day itinerary" (from your perspective). Also a few comments about the whole currency issue (money exchange).
Nancy

Hi Nancy
Another late night at the office for me, 10:45 pm and I am dreading walking home at -15C. Maybe next time I will wear gloves or a hat;>(
Thanks for the suggestions. My Must Sees are mostly insides of fine restaurants or not so fine restaurants as long as their serve a large portion;> Actually, somehwhere on my overfilled harddrive I have short but never used article on must sees.
The currency thing is pretty individual I see, since everyone tells me I am wrong, that using dollars for purchases is ok. It is not ok, it is against the law here for merchants to deal in foreign currency for transactions and my personal knowledge tells me that street vendors who accept dollars charge more than stores for the same quality item and do not give change. Actually, you do not need money here on an organized tour since it is all covered except some do not cover lunch. Even cafes now accept credit cards and ATM machines are about 10 to the block so dealing with Rubles is either a non-issue or a small one if you are shopping or dining. Ok, I will write on that subject and try to convince people to be a little more considerate of the anti-money laundering laws here. We would certainly not like it if foreign visitors encouraged other visitors to break US law. I just checked the thermometer and it says -19C!! I have a long walk home now.
I had better get going...
Talk to you later Nancy

HI Stan,

Been trying to manage a 2 day killer migraine.
Finally went to see my Dad today (he's a MD) & got some new medicine that seems to be working.
Work related stress...........yes, time for a cruise

Glad that you had a beautiful Christmas. I just love reading your descriptions, as I can imagine them in my eyes too.
Enjoyed my 4 days off for Christmas here & spent it with family. My nieces & nephews are the highlight of it all.

Cannot imagine myself staying in your rustic cabin. For me rustic means no air conditining. Must have running water & a plug for my hairdryer! I would enjoy being in the middle of no where for sun & surf however.

Does sound like you have made the right decision with your move. Not too sure I could do that - yes, I am a spoiled princess.

As for your question about SP tips. I agree with Nancy - since on this website most will be looking for short stay ideas. How to do it on your own versus a tour maybe.
Intersting about the currency issue. I tend to use my credit card everyplace. In the Hermitage I paid for 2 sodas with my credit card. But, yes, on the street vendors do encourage US dollars. I know I see many questions about currency posted.
Dining & nightlife suggestions also welcome.

Off now to finish up my thank-you notes.
Do remember to wear your hat & gloves!!

Take Care & All the best for a Happy & Safe New Year's Eve.

Cathy

Hello Crew
The big holiday of the year for St Petersburg is here and I wanted to wish everyone The Best for the Coming Year and don't party too much tonight and have smooth sailing where ever you cruise this next year!
Stan in Snowy but warm St Petersburg

Stan (and everyone) have a great evening and a wonderful 2006. no matter where you are or what you are doing.

Tom

HI Stan,

Enjoy your celebration. Stay warm. You may need to have a touch of vodka to maintain proper body temp

http://www.smilesr4u.com/kittyny.htm

May all your hopes & dreams come true.

Cathy

I have been trying to contact someone from DenRus.
I have emailed them and PM'ed Stanj in this forum. Anyone have any ideas?

TIA

Hi Bump
If Denrus did not answer they must have not gotten the message. We have occassional problems here in Russia getting our email from some providers in the US. Try denrus@denrus.ru or fit@denrus.ru and I am sure some one will answer, usually the same day. If there is something I can answer for you, I would be happy to. I work with DenRus on special projects so I know they are quite prompt in answering when questions are asked.

Stan,
Thank you for your response
I have now sent both e-mail addresses. Wife and I will be in St Petersburg on July 18 and 19. Would like to join 4 others to make a 6 person tour in a van.
How is this arranged? Also can you make sure we have great weather????

Paul Buchwalter