Cruising in September

Thank you all for responding. I am making arrangements with a private tour operator who will have a blanket visa for us. My concern was Windstar's statement to me that they wouldn't give me my passport unless I had received a visa beforehand. Sounds like that is more their policy than their on-board practice.

Thanks!

I am looking at arranging my own excursions in St Petersburg. I called Windstar to confirm that I would be able to obtain my passport when I leave the ship. I was told that they do not return passports unless I have obtained a Russian visa. All SPB group and private excursions companies provide this visa, I simply need to be able to get my passport as I'm leaving the ship.

Does anyone have experience with this issue to advise me? I really don't want to take the Windstar excursions, as they don't cover enough sights. I feel like Windstar is trying to force me to take their excursions.

Thank you!