4Lakes Lady

You have to do your homework on this - Google is your friend.

Individual entrance and tickets are tricky as I recall - best done though your agent there (Alla, SPB tours, etc) - they will know the ropes.

BTW - The exhibit in SF was several years ago :)

We went to the Faberge Museum in September. We were on our own in SPB and walked in on a Sunday afternoon. We had no problem getting tickets and it turned out to be my favorite museum there. Part of the reason was the lack of crowds when compared to the Hermitage and Peterhof. Beside the actual Farberge eggs, this museum has an incredible collection of Russian icons and artifacts from the era of the Tsars.

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Did Oceania use any of your suggestions?

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Gate1 cruisers: does Gate1 include fewer excursions than Viking, AMA, etc? I have read on these boards that some of the less-known lines charge for every excursion. What is Gate1's structure for excursions?

 

 

 

Sometimes a cheaper thing ends up not being much cheaper because non-included costs increase the actual cost.

The Gate1 River cruises I have taken included excursions in every stop- divided in groups so they were very manageable. There were also additional excursions available for an additional cost in several locations. This is very similar to the Viking cruises.

I have at times taken extra excursions and found then well worth the cost. At the same time, when traveling with friends, we have arranged private tours to include more options, sharing the cost of a private guide.

Having traveled through Gate1 for almost 15 years, I believe it is a value hard to beat. More upscale lines may offer greater shipboard amenities, but in the end, you will have a similar experience while touring the locations.

Just my personal opinion ☺

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Thank you for your review of Gate 1, 4 Lakes Lady. I've been considering them for a Russian river cruise. Wasn't sure about going with a "budget" line.

 

 

 

Roz

Roz,

We did the Russian cruise this past September and opted for Gate1's "First Class" Russian waterways because the days in Moscow and St Petersburg were in first class hotels- both within walking distance of Red Square and the heart of SPB. The interesting thing is all the river cruise ships are similar, regardless of cruise company-older Russian ships. We walked through the Viking ship when we disembarked at one port. It didn't look any more high-end than the Gate1 ship (I'm sure the difference was probably food, but our food was fine). In all ways the trip was fantastic- we learned so much about Russian culture, history as well as some of the politics [emoji4]

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We have not cruised with AMA but have done 2 cruises with Gate1. The first was a Christmas markets on the Danube with 2 days in Prague before the cruise and 2 days in Budapest after the cruise. We loved the cruise! Demographics were mixed with the majority of passengers 50-70. Food was decent but not memorable. Tour guides onboard and at each port were excellent!

Our most recent river cruise with Gate1 was Moscow to St. Petersburg with several days in both major cities. Similar demographics. This time food was better and the Gate1 tour leader only average. However, the Russian staff onboard was outstanding!

BTW we are Oceania cruisers because we love the ships, food and onboard atmosphere.

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I agree with previous posters- spend your 3 days in St. Petersburg! There is so much to see in this gorgeous city. You won't be able to do justice to Moscow in one day. I just returned from a river cruise Moscow to St. Petersburg with 3 days in Moscow pre cruise and 3 days post cruise in St Petersburg. Still didn't see everything I had on my list. It did add to what I missed on my Baltic cruise. The advantage to seeing the cities with an actual Russian visa can't be overstated.

JMHO

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A few years back, we took a ferry from Athens to Santorini. Easy to do. We spent 3 days on this beautiful island with a hotel room overlooking the site where all the ships tendered. Spectacular views at sunset. One of my all time favorite trips! Good luck planning your cruise!

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I look forward to breakfast at The Terrace- I am addicted to the sticky buns! In fact all their pastries are wonderful - usually try to loose some weight before the cruise to be able to enjoy what I don't allow myself to have at home [emoji5]

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I think shore excursions should have a separate evaluation form so that feedback can go to O as well as the tour company and guides

This is an excellent suggestion! If tour companies and guides knew they were being evaluated by the passengers it could make a huge difference. And Oceania could then decide on not contracting with poor performers.

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Loving your reporting! It's almost like being back on Oceania with the photos! My next cruise isn't until next year so I will enjoy yours vicariously!

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If anyone has stayed in one of these cabins, can you tell me how they differ from the standard? On the footprint they looks slightly larger but I'm wondering if the only difference is added handrails and grips.

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We ended a cruise on Riviera last year in Barcelona also. Disembarkation went very smoothly for us- by 9:15 I believe all passengers were off the ship. I don't think you should have any problem making your lunch reservation.

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Appreciate your comments- I will start the search!

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In our case it is on the Princess strictly for itineraries (and our Elite benefits help).

They did circumnavigation of Australia long before Oceania did (didn't want to wait to see IF O would do it during my lifetime :)). Likewise we are doing a 20+ days entirely Japan cruise on Princess - something that O does not (and may never) do. They do Vancouver to Beijing that O does not do - etc, etc.

We pay much less, expect much less and get much less - hence, no disappointment :D

Paul,

Not to hijack this thread but with all your experience cruising I have a question for you:

I'm wanting to cruise November of '17 to celebrate a milestone anniversary. Having only sailed with Oceania, I feel spoiled. The Oceania November itineraries don't appeal to me. Any suggestion on what cruise line I should look at to be not Totally disappointed?[emoji854]

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It did not work with United for me. However, the local airport agent waived the checked baggage fee for me when I departed. On the return flight post cruise, I was charged the checked baggage fee. The Canadian agent informed me I would need to contact the credit card. Upon return, I did this and was told to contact the airline ((United). In the end I didn't fight it. In the future I will make my own air arrangements [emoji57]

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Thank you for such a wonderful travel blog. I love your sense of humor, geographical information, personal commentary and disability information- all was great!

Happy trails to you and Freda!

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Add me to the list of your followers! I never missed a day of reading your adventures. As others have said- you have inspired me to plan for a longer cruise. Having only started cruising 4 years ago, I've discovered a love of the seas that truly surprised me.

I wish you both happiness and contentment wherever your heart takes you.

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We were in the Adriatic last November. Venice was overcast and cool - I wore a raincoat. But agree, no crowds so we loved it! We then lucked out with warm sunny skies as we traveled down the Adriatic coast! Be prepared for both kinds of weather. Global warming makes it all unpredictable [emoji52]

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I tried to cancel an excursion on the website but was unsuccessful. A phone call to Oceania took only a few minutes - they cancelled and added me to a new excursion easily.

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Thinking of doing this next summer with extended family so I'm very interested in your reports! Have a fantastic time!

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Just returned from a cruise on Regatta. The shows put on by the cast of 6 singers and dancers was a great improvement. They did shows: Good Lovin (pop and Motown classics of the 60's) Gatsby's (1920's era jazz) Tuxedo (music of the Rat Pack) and a finale called Get on the Floor and Dance (great choreography). These productions were wonderful- a talented group of young performers. Other than that it was the usual string quartet or the pianist from Martinis.

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akibs1393:

Definitely nice chinos or khakis! Saw lots of men with them on our O cruise in April in all the dining venues.

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I avoid ORD at all costs! Even if you made your connecting flight, I'd worry about any checked luggage making the transfer. Good luck in getting this changed- looks like you've gotten great advice!

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roothy123: the CD was David Bradshawe. He is new to Oceania coming from Princess Cruises. I'm not sure if he will be on your cruise- I talked to him one morning and he was headed home to Toronto in June for a break. So maybe you will get Ray Carr.

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We just returned from Alaska on Saturday. We were on the 10 day cruise on Regatta. Being first time on this ship I can't give you a comparison. I will say this- the ship was beautiful, the crew was the best we have ever had on Oceania and the food was excellent. Captain Hansen was a man with a terrific sense of humor and just outstanding in his navigation of the ship. He took us to 1/2 mile of Hubbard Glacier on a sunny day with not a cloud in the sky! It was a marvelous experience! I wouldn't hesitate to sail on Regatta!

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