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The tips are totally up to you. I usually tip about 10% of the tour cost for the guide and about 5% for the driver. I believe it completely depends on your personal desire and is by no means compulsory. USD and EUR maybe your best option if you do not have the local currency. 

You can visit St. Petersburg without a visa if you book a shore excursion with any of the local tour operators in St. Petersburg. They can take care of the paperwork and issue a blanket visa for a visa-free disembarkation. Well, if you are eligible for the e-visa, you can visit St. Petersburg and tour on your own. But with your very limited time in St. Petersburg, I highly suggest booking a private tour make the most out of your short time there. 

A romantic river canal tour might interest you. If you are looking for something fun and interactive, a cooking class or a Matryoshka Painting Class might be a good idea. 

Tours from local tour operators are way cheaper compared to booking the ship's excursion. It's nice to research and book the tours before you arrive at your destination to get the best rates and for you to be able to customize the tours. Good luck! 

I don't think you will have any problems even if you use 2 different companies for both days. They will each provide you with the blanket visas that you will need for each day. Though, I think it would be better to use 1 tour company and let them customize your tour for both days. You might get a better rate if you use just 1 tour company. 

My family and I used Anastasia Travel when we visited St. Petersburg last year and I think one of the customized tour they offered us was called a Relaxing tour. My Dad can't walk long distances and needs a lot of rest stops. It was perfect since the tour didn't feel like we were rushed, we took our time and enjoyed touring at our own pace. They also offered to provide a wheelchair for him to help him get around easier. You might want to get in touch with them and ask them about a customized tour that is perfect for your family's needs and preferences. Good luck! 

If you are prepared and dressed for the weather then the cold won't be that much of a problem. But you are probably better off visiting around July-August when the weather is very comfortable. Just expect huge crowds as these are peak months. 

Well, you can get a visa and then use a local tour operator to customize a tour for you to just include the sites that you would need to get advance tickets to like Catherine's Palace so you won't waste your time waiting in line. All the other sites within the city center you can just tour on your own. This way you can still party all night! We used Anastasia Travel when we visited and their prices are very affordable compared to the price of 1000 USD per person that you mentioned. 

You won't have any problem disembarking the ship twice on the first day as long as you have a valid travel ticket and passport with you. Have fun! 

If you'll be using a local tour operator and disembarking the ship with a blanket visa, you would need to be accompanied by the guide at all times. I think you could ask the tour operator to customize the tour for you that will give you some free time in the city for dinner or shopping. You would need to be accompanied back to the ship by the guide and driver though. 

Luggage covers are stretchable and come in different sizes so they usually fit just right. It gives additional protection to your luggage and a great way to spot your luggage even from afar. 

Well, I haven't taken Feng Shui into consideration when choosing our cabin. But if you believe that the Feng Shui of your cabin will impact your whole cruising experience then you go ahead and consider that when choosing where to stay. We all have different preferences and we are all free to do whatever we think will make our cruising experience better and more enjoyable. Good luck!

We went on a Baltic Cruise last May and just like your group, we had a mix of children, adults and seniors in the group. We had varying interests but we were able to find activities and sites to visit that cater to our diverse group. Everyone enjoyed the cruise as well as the different shore excursions we did. There's something for everyone and I think your group will enjoy cruising and touring the Baltic as well. 

I know most tour companies offer better discounts if you book in advance. We used Anastasia Travel and they gave us an early bird rate of 50% off the tour. I suggest you take advantage of the discounts they offer for a private tour. You can probably book a tour with any of the local tour companies even 2 weeks before your arrival but there would be a huge price difference. So better plan and book early! Good luck!  

Yes, Celebrity will do the same. However, they would probably use the services of a local tour operator too and charge a higher rate. You are better off contacting the local tour operators directly to get better rates. You'll get a tour that will give you so much flexibility and that will be done in your own pace. You'll enjoy a private tour or a small group tour compared to a ship's tour with a bus full of people. Good luck! 

You can probably bring 1 cardigan or light sweater just in case the night gets a little chilly. Most of the time indoor spaces tend to be cooler to compensate for the hot weather outside. 

I agree with choosing a cruise that stays at St. Petersburg for 2 or 3 days. It's really worth visiting and exploring, you would want to have as much time touring around St. Petersburg as possible. You can also add a day tour in Moscow if you have 3 days in St. Petersburg. Good luck in choosing! 

These items are all available in Spain. I suggest you just by them when you arrive in Barcelona, you'll have plenty of time to shop around since you have 6 nights there before your cruise.  

Thank you so much for sharing! Great videos! Watching them made me miss the tour we had earlier this year. This is very helpful to everyone especially for those with mobility issues. This would help them plan their trip better and give them an idea on how much walking they need to do or how accessible the tourist sights are. Thanks again!  

We did a Baltic Cruise last May and we enjoyed it! It wasn't crowded and we were able to appreciate all the places we visited during the shore excursions. I'd say May is a great time to visit. You'll get a cheaper rate during May plus you get to visit without the huge crowd. 

How long will your ship be docking at St. Petersburg? If you have 3 days there, you can definitely go to Moscow on the second day. Book with a local tour operator for your St. Petersburg and Moscow Trip for a visa-free disembarking. 

Prevention is a whole lot better than cure so if it was suggested by your doctor then it would be best if you just follow it. Or if you are not too convinced, you can ask another doctor for a second opinion. 

Maybe you should do a vacation that involves a lot of activities that really interest you. You seem like the type who likes to be always on the go and would not enjoy a chill and relaxing vacation. Doing a jam-packed excursion the whole day would definitely get your tired and you would not have time to get bored as soon as you get back. 

But even though you say you are a workaholic, I hope you find some time to slow down and enjoy a relaxing and chill vacation once in a while. Good luck! 

As what others have already said, Baltic weather is really unpredictable. It would be best to check the weather forecast a week before your arrival to ensure that you bring the right clothes. I would say June is still a good time to do a Baltic Cruise. 

Wear layered clothing since the weather can be a little unpredictable. It can be somewhat warm in the morning then suddenly chilly in the evening. Have fun!