Pride AMS-AMS with pictures and comments

[Emperor Norton]

Only 2 weeks until my Wife and I fly out to join the Legend in Rome.

 

Baychilla, you were clearly disappointed with the new early embarkation (it sounds so good on the Seabourn website with a chef preparing fresh wraps and so on). Is there any value in embarking at 1PM or are we better off waiting until 3PM (when our next train gets in) then ordering the sensational Seabourn room service?

 

Which would you choose?

 

If everything else was equal I'd try to board about 230, but I'm not sure I'd want to rely on a train that was supposed to get in at 3. In that case I'd rather chance playing whack-a-mole to find a seat in the lounge. I don't think you'd be able to order room service until after the muster drill (possibly the sail away party as well), so if food is an issue I'd again chance the lounge.

[CAC104]

I am a he.

I thought so....Thanks for clarifying:D

[CraftyEC]

The real Cliff notes version is: I had a great time. I can't wait to go on another Seabourn cruise. This time perhaps longer and maybe Asia instead of Europe. Although an Antarctic/South America cruise on a possibly up-hulled Quest could be fun too...

I've been pining for another Seabourn Cruise since I stepped off the Quest after our first SB cruise from Athens to Venice last fall. We have a cruise on a different line booked for Oct/Nov (right timing and itinerary etc even if not SB) but are now teetering on doing a TA from Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro, with a 2 day trip to Iguassa Falls before flying back to the UK in Oct / Nov 2013.

 

Great itinerary, but for me the big selling point is the Seabourn bit. Lots of sea days too - bliss! Probably just in an OV if available, as it's never too far to step to a deck, and it'll be pretty much too hot for us to spend much time on the balcony for much of the cruise.

 

Anyway, I wander off topic in my (very acute, this just came up today!) excitement. I've been enjoying your postings (both on board and these catch up ones) Baychilla, please keep them up.

Edited August 24, 2012 by CraftyEC

[dalliowner]

We have booked the Barcelona to Rio already , something different from Seabourn. The last time they did a different TA, Dover to Quebec in 2011 it was fully booked a year before departure. so watch carefully if you are considering it.;)

[CraftyEC]

We have booked the Barcelona to Rio already , something different from Seabourn. The last time they did a different TA, Dover to Quebec in 2011 it was fully booked a year before departure. so watch carefully if you are considering it.;)

We are still considering, but as in 'make the decision this weekend' So far I think it is on. Just looking at how much this package would cost to do independently (this is a tour with a company we have used before, for Cunard and Seabourn) and what we need re immunisations and visas (none, I think!) etc.

Edited August 24, 2012 by CraftyEC

[Emperor Norton]

We have booked the Barcelona to Rio already , something different from Seabourn. The last time they did a different TA, Dover to Quebec in 2011 it was fully booked a year before departure. so watch carefully if you are considering it.;)

 

I ran into that issue with the Path of the Vikings cruise.

[Emperor Norton]

This is a repost of the inclusive wine list I was given while on the Pride. There are two issues with this list:

1. It fails to take into account it took about 13+ days of asking for something different to find the "better" bottles (that is ask the sommelier to go deep and really look through stock you might very much enjoy what they find, even if the bottles are limited)

2. It fails to mention the sauternes (which I only knew about from reading this board:D)

 

Wine list “Subject to change”

Complimentary pours –

 

White Wines

Gavi La Scolca, Piedmont, Italy

Sauvignon Blanc Wingspan, Nelson, NZ

Grand Ardeche Chardonnay, Louis Latour (never heard of that country before)

Chateau Ste. Michelle, Riesling (again an interesting country)

Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Italy

 

Red Wines

Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Sirius Rogue, Bordeaux, France

Merlot Santa Alicia, Central Valley, Chile

Cotes du Rhone Les Trois Courones, Rhone, France

Stapburgunder (Pinot Noir) St. Michel Eppan, Italy

Cabernet Sauvignon-Pinotage Heron’s Nest, Stellenbosch, SA

Merlot Anakena, Rapel Valley, Chile

Brassfield Shiraz, California (so good the whole state is its appellation :rollsyeyes)

Wild Oak St. Francis Vinery, California (“)

-Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest “Two Vines” 4 bottles left

 

Rose/blush

J.P. Chenet, Cinsault/Grenache

Selection of local dry rose wines

 

Not ever listed anywhere I could find save Cruise Critic - Sauternes - no clue, but at the price, not bad;)

 

Now for the ugly part the pay per view er drink:

Champagne and Sparkling wine

Prestige

• 100 Louis Roderer, Cristal, Reims 2002 $299
  
• 101 Dom Perignon, Epernay, 2002 $179.00
  
• 102 La Grand Dame, Veuve Clicquot, Reims, 1998, $214
  

Non Vintage

• 103 Piper Heidsiek Brut, Reims, $39
  
• 104 Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut, Epernay, $34
  

Rose

• 105 Veuve Cliquot, Rose Reserve, 2002, $110
  

Rose Non Vintage

• 106 Veuve Cliquot, Rose, $99
  

White Wine (US)

Chardonnay

• 121 Jordan, Russian River, 2008, $44
  
• 122 Cakebreak Cellars, Napa Valley, 2009, $49
  
• 123 Hanzell, Sonoma County, 2005/2006 [WTH] $99
  

Sauvignon Blanc

• 124 Duckhorn, Napa Valley, 2008, $44
  
• 125 Mantanzas Creek, Sonoma Valley, 2005, $24
  

France Bordeaux

Bordeaux

• 110 Chateau Olivier, Pessac-Leognan, 2001, $34
  

Burgundy

• 111 Domain Laroche, Les Blanchots, Chablis Grand Cru, 2005, $94
  
• 112 Mersault Premier Cru, Louis Latour Chateau Blagny, 2006, $89
  
• 113 Mersault, Louis Latour, 2009, $54
  
• 114, Corton Charlemange Grand Cru, Louis Latour, 2006, $154
  

Loire Valley

• 115 Pouilly-Fume de Ladoucette, 2005, $49
  
• 116 Pouilly-Fume 'Baron de L' de Ladoucette, 2006, $99
  
• 117 La Chene, Sancerre, Lucien Crochet, 2004, $64
  
• 118 Pascal Jolivet, Sancerre, 2005/2010 (really a 5 year span...?) $29
  

Rhone Valley

• 119 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, 2005, $49
  
• 120 Condrieu, M. Chapoutier, 2005/2006 (seems yet again someone hasn't passed a day 1 sommelier course), $89
  

Red Wine

France

Graves / Pessac - Leognan

• 201 Chateau Smith, Haut Lafitte, 2007, $124
  
• 202 Chateau Haut Brion, 1er Cru Classe, 2000, $1499
  

Margaux

• 203 Chateau Giscours, 3em Cru Classe, 2005, $108
  
• 204 Chateau Palmer, 3em Cru Classe, 2001, $319
  
• 205 Chateau Margaux, 1er Cru Classe, 2000, $1999
  

Pauillac

• 206 Chateau Haut-Batailley, 5em Cru Classe, 2003/2004, $89
  
• 207 Reserve De La Comtesse, 2em Cru Classe, 2004, $110
  
• 208 Chateau Latour, 1er Cru Classe, 1994, $499
  
• 209 Chateau Lynch Bages, 2004, $179
  

St. Julien

• 210 Chateau Talbot, 4em Cru Classe, 2004, $94
  
• 211 Chateau Gruard, Larose, 2005, $124
  
• 212 Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 19xxx $XXX.xx (sorry their printer is fail here)
  

Burgundy

• 250 Aloxe Corton, Les Brunettes et Blancots, 2008, $34
  
• 251 La Riotte Taupenot, Morey, St Denis, 2000 $99
  
• 252 Gevrey Chambertin, Louis Jadot, 2007, $69
  
• 253 Les Crots, Nuits St. Georges, Louis Latour, 2006, $89
  
• 254 Pommard, Louis Latour, 2007, $54
  
• 255 Vosne, Romanee Volnay, 2007, $79
  

Rhone Valley

• 256 Chateaunefu-du-Pape, La Nerthe, 2005, $94
  
• 257 Chateauneuf du Pape (sic), La Barroche, 2006, $49
  
• 258 Marquise de la Tourette, Hermitage, 2004 $84
  

Italy

Veneto

• 259 Masi, Amarone, Serego Alighieri, 2005, $59
  
• 260 Banfi, Brunello di Montalcino, 2002, $106
  

Spain

• 280 Teofilo Reyes Crianza, Riberia del Duero, Spain (really never would've expected a Spanish wine to come from Spain), 2005, $34
  
• 281 Torres Mas Las Plana, Penedes, 2006, $59
  
• 282 Roda 1Reserva, Rioja, 2002, $69
  
• 283 Teofilo Reyes, Sellectus, Riberia del Duero, 2005, $99
  

Chile

• 284 Coyam, Biodynamic Wine, Aconcagua, 2006, $29
  

Australia

• 285 Penfolds,St. Henri, South Australia, 2006, $84
  
• 286 Quartage Shotfire Ridge, Barossa Valley, 2005, $29
  
• 287 Penfolds Grange, South Australia, 2003, $469
  

New Zealand

• 288 Seresin, Pinot Noir, Marlborough, 2008, $39
  

South Africa

• 289 The Gypsy, Ken Forrester, Stellenbosch, 2003, $82
  

United States

Cabernet Sauvignon

• 400 Rapture, Napa Valley, 2004, $69
  
• 401 Hollywood and Vines 2480, 2004, $89
  
• 402 Grgich Hills, Napa Valley (I found this to be a very approachable and relatively low in tannins California Cab), 2007, $82
  
• 403 Caymus Special Selection, Napa Valley, 2009, $129
  
• 404 Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, 2006, $89
  
• 405 Silver Oak, Napa Valley, 2006, $109
  
• 406 Sequoia Grove, Napa Valley, 2004, $69
  
• 407 Abacus, Napa Valley, 12th Bottling, $469
  
• 408 Abacus, Napa Valley, 9th Bottling, $469
  
• 409 Larkmead, Napa Valley, 2007, $69
  Wheres the Cakebread Cab? You have one of their other offerings, why not their Cab?
  

Merlot

• 410 Twomey, Napa Valley, 2005, $89
  
• 411 Northstar, Napa Valley, 2006, $64
  
• No Duckhorn? No Miner? for what SB is allededly paying for the inclusive wines I'd think they could've included the Miner Merlot
  

Meritage/blend

• Opus One, Mondavi Rothschild, Napa Valley, 2005, $219
  
• (say how much would a 1996 Opus have been much better vintage)
  
• 413 Lancaster, Alexander Valley, 2001, $59
  

Pinot Noir

• 414 Laetitia, Arroyo Grande Valley, 2005, $49
  
• 415 Etude, Carneros, 2003 $44
  
• 416 their printer fails yet again (hire me for IT ;))
  

Dessert Wine

• 500 Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, France (375ml), 2000, $259
  
• 501 Chateau Suduriat, Sauternes, France (375ml), 2002, $59
  
• 502 Vidal Inniskillin Ice Wine, Niagra, Canadia, 2006, $89
  
• 503 Dolce (Nickel & Nickel) Far Niente, Napa Valley (375ml), 2005, $89
  

Port Wine

• 504 Malvedos, 1996, $110
  
• 505 Warres, 1980, $160
  
• Never did find a free pour Port, rather odd
  

Madeira Wine

• 506 Gordon Verdelha....., ????, ???? (yes, their printer fails yet again!)
  

 

What annoys me about this list aside from some general :confused: with regards to purchasing is what was supposed to be in the holes (and why didn't anyone proof the list so I didn't have selections that were about 75% or more cut off)?

Edited August 25, 2012 by baychilla

[Emperor Norton]

Russia was being Russia. We had to deal with visa/passport control getting off the ship and getting back on. The Russians still seem to believe the best people for this purpose are between 18 and 24, female and capable of looking good in a short skirt and tight blouse. This was THE most disinterested group of cud chewing, bored individuals I've ever seen "working." I think some people had issues with them (they REALLY didn't like it if you had to dig for relevant documents, especially when they recognized you as a previous digger - at which point enjoy being put on hold while they deal with others for a good bit of time). That being said our location was excellent. We were at the English embankment and had great views. Also unlike other lines (including Regent LoL) we were in the city. The other lines had to spend 30+ minutes (or more) just getting into the city before they could go anywhere.

 

My schedule for Russia was I believe a bit hectic (or insane). I had three tours the first day (ending about 2300), then had to get up at 0500 for my trip to Moscow (that got back about 0030) then up the third day at 0700 or so. While I was able to do it, I wouldn't recommend it.

 

Our timing was interesting. It was Assault forces day (I guess paras and naval infantry). The city was filled with former soldiers/sailors driving a random army of jalopies flying their flags, honking and I guess having a good time (Fleet week in the US is super sedate by comparison). Further this day was an "All Russians get in free" day at the Hermitage (that helped with crowds, really).

 

My first tour today would be a "generic" early admit tour of the Hermitage (just you and passengers from every other cruise ship as well as the private tour companies like Alla, Anastasia etc...). The second tour was the Diamond (or was it Gold and Diamond collection?) and the day ender was the Intimate evening at Catherine's Palace.

[ARANDA]

This is a repost of the inclusive wine list I was given while on the Pride. There are two issues with this list:

1. It fails to take into account it took about 13+ days of asking for something different to find the "better" bottles (that is ask the sommelier to go deep and really look through stock you might very much enjoy what they find, even if the bottles are limited)

2. It fails to mention the sauternes (which I only knew about from reading this board:D)

 

Wine list “Subject to change”

Complimentary pours –

 

White Wines

Gavi La Scolca, Piedmont, Italy

Sauvignon Blanc Wingspan, Nelson, NZ

Grand Ardeche Chardonnay, Louis Latour (never heard of that country before)

Chateau Ste. Michelle, Riesling (again an interesting country)

Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Italy

 

Red Wines

Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Sirius Rogue, Bordeaux, France

Merlot Santa Alicia, Central Valley, Chile

Cotes du Rhone Les Trois Courones, Rhone, France

Stapburgunder (Pinot Noir) St. Michel Eppan, Italy

Cabernet Sauvignon-Pinotage Heron’s Nest, Stellenbosch, SA

Merlot Anakena, Rapel Valley, Chile

Brassfield Shiraz, California (so good the whole state is its appellation :rollsyeyes)

Wild Oak St. Francis Vinery, California (“)

-Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest “Two Vines” 4 bottles left

 

Rose/blush

J.P. Chenet, Cinsault/Grenache

Selection of local dry rose wines

 

Not ever listed anywhere I could find save Cruise Critic - Sauternes - no clue, but at the price, not bad;)

 

Now for the ugly part the pay per view er drink:

Champagne and Sparkling wine

 

Prestige

• 100 Louis Roderer, Cristal, Reims 2002 $299
  
• 101 Dom Perignon, Epernay, 2002 $179.00
  
• 102 La Grand Dame, Veuve Clicquot, Reims, 1998, $214
  

Non Vintage

• 103 Piper Heidsiek Brut, Reims, $39
  
• 104 Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut, Epernay, $34
  

Rose

• 105 Veuve Cliquot, Rose Reserve, 2002, $110
  

Rose Non Vintage

• 106 Veuve Cliquot, Rose, $99
  

White Wine (US)

 

Chardonnay

• 121 Jordan, Russian River, 2008, $44
  
• 122 Cakebreak Cellars, Napa Valley, 2009, $49
  
• 123 Hanzell, Sonoma County, 2005/2006 [WTH] $99
  

Sauvignon Blanc

• 124 Duckhorn, Napa Valley, 2008, $44
  
• 125 Mantanzas Creek, Sonoma Valley, 2005, $24
  

France Bordeaux

 

Bordeaux

• 110 Chateau Olivier, Pessac-Leognan, 2001, $34
  

Burgundy

• 111 Domain Laroche, Les Blanchots, Chablis Grand Cru, 2005, $94
  
• 112 Mersault Premier Cru, Louis Latour Chateau Blagny, 2006, $89
  
• 113 Mersault, Louis Latour, 2009, $54
  
• 114, Corton Charlemange Grand Cru, Louis Latour, 2006, $154
  

Loire Valley

• 115 Pouilly-Fume de Ladoucette, 2005, $49
  
• 116 Pouilly-Fume 'Baron de L' de Ladoucette, 2006, $99
  
• 117 La Chene, Sancerre, Lucien Crochet, 2004, $64
  
• 118 Pascal Jolivet, Sancerre, 2005/2010 (really a 5 year span...?) $29
  

Rhone Valley

• 119 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, 2005, $49
  
• 120 Condrieu, M. Chapoutier, 2005/2006 (seems yet again someone hasn't passed a day 1 sommelier course), $89
  

Red Wine

France

 

Graves / Pessac - Leognan

• 201 Chateau Smith, Haut Lafitte, 2007, $124
  
• 202 Chateau Haut Brion, 1er Cru Classe, 2000, $1499
  

Margaux

• 203 Chateau Giscours, 3em Cru Classe, 2005, $108
  
• 204 Chateau Palmer, 3em Cru Classe, 2001, $319
  
• 205 Chateau Margaux, 1er Cru Classe, 2000, $1999
  

Pauillac

• 206 Chateau Haut-Batailley, 5em Cru Classe, 2003/2004, $89
  
• 207 Reserve De La Comtesse, 2em Cru Classe, 2004, $110
  
• 208 Chateau Latour, 1er Cru Classe, 1994, $499
  
• 209 Chateau Lynch Bages, 2004, $179
  

St. Julien

• 210 Chateau Talbot, 4em Cru Classe, 2004, $94
  
• 211 Chateau Gruard, Larose, 2005, $124
  
• 212 Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 19xxx $XXX.xx (sorry their printer is fail here)
  

Burgundy

• 250 Aloxe Corton, Les Brunettes et Blancots, 2008, $34
  
• 251 La Riotte Taupenot, Morey, St Denis, 2000 $99
  
• 252 Gevrey Chambertin, Louis Jadot, 2007, $69
  
• 253 Les Crots, Nuits St. Georges, Louis Latour, 2006, $89
  
• 254 Pommard, Louis Latour, 2007, $54
  
• 255 Vosne, Romanee Volnay, 2007, $79
  

Rhone Valley

• 256 Chateaunefu-du-Pape, La Nerthe, 2005, $94
  
• 257 Chateauneuf du Pape (sic), La Barroche, 2006, $49
  
• 258 Marquise de la Tourette, Hermitage, 2004 $84
  

Italy

 

Veneto

• 259 Masi, Amarone, Serego Alighieri, 2005, $59
  
• 260 Banfi, Brunello di Montalcino, 2002, $106
  

Spain

• 280 Teofilo Reyes Crianza, Riberia del Duero, Spain (really never would've expected a Spanish wine to come from Spain), 2005, $34
  
• 281 Torres Mas Las Plana, Penedes, 2006, $59
  
• 282 Roda 1Reserva, Rioja, 2002, $69
  
• 283 Teofilo Reyes, Sellectus, Riberia del Duero, 2005, $99
  

Chile

• 284 Coyam, Biodynamic Wine, Aconcagua, 2006, $29
  

Australia

• 285 Penfolds,St. Henri, South Australia, 2006, $84
  
• 286 Quartage Shotfire Ridge, Barossa Valley, 2005, $29
  
• 287 Penfolds Grange, South Australia, 2003, $469
  

New Zealand

• 288 Seresin, Pinot Noir, Marlborough, 2008, $39
  

South Africa

• 289 The Gypsy, Ken Forrester, Stellenbosch, 2003, $82
  

United States

 

Cabernet Sauvignon

• 400 Rapture, Napa Valley, 2004, $69
  
• 401 Hollywood and Vines 2480, 2004, $89
  
• 402 Grgich Hills, Napa Valley (I found this to be a very approachable and relatively low in tannins California Cab), 2007, $82
  
• 403 Caymus Special Selection, Napa Valley, 2009, $129
  
• 404 Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, 2006, $89
  
• 405 Silver Oak, Napa Valley, 2006, $109
  
• 406 Sequoia Grove, Napa Valley, 2004, $69
  
• 407 Abacus, Napa Valley, 12th Bottling, $469
  
• 408 Abacus, Napa Valley, 9th Bottling, $469
  
• 409 Larkmead, Napa Valley, 2007, $69
  Wheres the Cakebread Cab? You have one of their other offerings, why not their Cab?
  

Merlot

• 410 Twomey, Napa Valley, 2005, $89
  
• 411 Northstar, Napa Valley, 2006, $64
  
• No Duckhorn? No Miner? for what SB is allededly paying for the inclusive wines I'd think they could've included the Miner Merlot
  

Meritage/blend

• Opus One, Mondavi Rothschild, Napa Valley, 2005, $219
  
• (say how much would a 1996 Opus have been much better vintage)
  
• 413 Lancaster, Alexander Valley, 2001, $59
  

Pinot Noir

• 414 Laetitia, Arroyo Grande Valley, 2005, $49
  
• 415 Etude, Carneros, 2003 $44
  
• 416 their printer fails yet again (hire me for IT ;))
  

Dessert Wine

• 500 Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, France (375ml), 2000, $259
  
• 501 Chateau Suduriat, Sauternes, France (375ml), 2002, $59
  
• 502 Vidal Inniskillin Ice Wine, Niagra, Canadia, 2006, $89
  
• 503 Dolce (Nickel & Nickel) Far Niente, Napa Valley (375ml), 2005, $89
  

Port Wine

• 504 Malvedos, 1996, $110
  
• 505 Warres, 1980, $160
  
• Never did find a free pour Port, rather odd
  

Madeira Wine

• 506 Gordon Verdelha....., ????, ???? (yes, their printer fails yet again!)
  

What annoys me about this list aside from some general :confused: with regards to purchasing is what was supposed to be in the holes (and why didn't anyone proof the list so I didn't have selections that were about 75% or more cut off)?

 

Thank you Baychilla, that's just what I was looking for. It's nice to know what is available [hopefully] rather than accepting the one they are pushing as they have loads of bottles left!

[wripro]

Please remember that availability will differ from ship to ship and cruise to cruise.

[Emperor Norton]

For those visiting from another travel site I can not mention, welcome! Your commentary over there has been interesting.

 

Back to where was I? Oh Leningrad. Wait, no Petrograd, no, ah yes, St. Petersburg.

 

The first day here I had three tours. The first was an "early admit" to the Hermitage (well me and a few thousand of my closest friends from other ships and tour groups). The second trip would have me returning to the Hermitage for the Gold and Diamond rooms. The third tour of the day would be the intimate evening at Catherine's palace.

 

I was very surprised that for the most part, photography in the Hermitage is allowed (The Gold and Diamond rooms being exceptions - something that took a few handslaps before other passengers caught on to).

 

Right away you're introduced to the color scheme for the day: White and Gold. In some cases lots of gold.

 

The first obstacle in the Hermitage were these stairs (I'm not sure whether or not there is an elevator available).

 

This statue was just standing around not doing much work

 

The rest of the staircase

 

Something else, don't forget to look up!

 

I have to wonder when something like this would've been put in. It doesn't seem to have been practical with candles. Perhaps gas switched to electricity?

[Emperor Norton]

They seemed to have a thing for vases, especially if they had faces.

 

The coat of arms integrated with the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch

 

Look an empty space! (Actually for the morning tour the Hermitage wasn't too crowed for the most part. By the time we left and definitely by the time we arrived for the Gold & Diamond Rooms the place was a Zoo.)

 

Looking up does have its rewards

Of course, looking down at eye level can pay off as well

 

I would not want to be the one responsible for keeping those chandeliers clean.

[Emperor Norton]

They had this really nice clock which rumor has it is fully animated but they claim to only test it once a month and that they never announce when ahead of time (sorry, reflections messed the shot up)

The floor was interesting, legend of the Minotaur?

A small garden within the Hermitage

This hallway was copied out of the Vatican

Well (looking up) for the most part

One would think with all these treasures there would be systems in place to keep the humidity and lighting in a safe range. Not so much. You'd think that works would be covered to protect against vandals. Sometimes. You'd think that they would have a state of the art fire suppression system in place; well

[Emperor Norton]

Aside from being an all Russians get in free day at the Hermitage it was also Assault forces day. That is a bunch of former paratroopers and naval infantry were wearing their striped undershirts and driving/riding/running around waving their flags. In Moscow they've had to turn off fountains to keep this group from going for a swim.

They had some very interesting sights to see in the city itself. I'm still not sure exactly what this thing was supposed to be.

The crossing lights were interesting, telling you exactly how much longer you had to get across.

This was the church across the river from where we were docked

Upon our return to the ship I didn't really have any time to go get lunch so it was nice to find this waiting for me

[Emperor Norton]

I didn't quite see everything there was to see in town, so perhaps another trip is necessary.

Our two tour guides for the Gold and Diamond Rooms. They were far more patient than I. We were told even before we got off the bus that photography in those rooms was forbidden. It seems some people failed to grasp that message and had to be reminded multiple times that they weren't to take pictures.

The first guide had a fun time playing search and rescue when one of the passengers got separated from the group while crossing the street. The second was working a double and followed me to Catherine's palace.

This sign was for a butcher shop/market. Kind of creepy.

This was the second easiest sign for me to decipher

This would be the easiest to decipher but I'm curious as to why it wasn't in Cyrillic

[Emperor Norton]

It must've been wedding season. I recall seeing a few a day.

 

What could these gates lead to?

Here?

But what's that noise?

Welcome to Catherine's palace. Band on the right, Champagne and vodka shots on the left.

 

The palace seemed to stretch on and on

I really liked that main entrance, pity we weren't allowed to use it

[Emperor Norton]

This stairway reminded me of something I saw earlier, but I'm not sure what.

Ssshh, don't wake the guards, they're busy sleeping.

I was shocked at the lack of gold on this wall!

Where have I seen this color scheme before?

Interesting idea, use framed pictures as wallpaper.

There's no such thing as having too much gilt.

[Emperor Norton]

I think this is the point where Kermit the frog took over the interior design.

It's like an infinite hallway that Midas just ran down unable to keep his hands to himself

As in the Hermitage, don't forget to look up

There were a few lacquer rooms that we couldn't stop in (that was their humidity control system - seriously run through) and then there was this room. Part of the reason I had booked this tour was that on this tour visitors were allowed to take photos in the Amber room. During the day/other tours photography is prohibited.

Crest in the Amber room

One of the panels in the Amber room

[Emperor Norton]

More from the Amber room

I'm curious how one went through doors or to the bathroom in such a get up.

We had a little pre-music music

A table like this makes that dress seem even more impractical.

It was time for some music and a little performance

[Emperor Norton]

Oh, they've woken up.

Our hosts:

Lady Isnotamused

Lord Sourjawl

The dancers blotting out the Lord and Lady

The room itself was pretty

And even had a nice view

[DCCruiselover]

I'm loving the pictures! thank you for 'taking us all on your trip'!

[Emperor Norton]

Here comes the unwelcoming committee

We're ushered outside

When suddenly things take a turn for the Disney (other passengers commented on the cheese quotient of this bit)

Oh goody, a technicolor Disney-esque princess type, complete with some guy in an ill-fitted suit

For some reason as this was ongoing the Safety Dance was playing in my head

Finally, it was time to leave

[Emperor Norton]

So it was probably near midnight when we get back (got stuck for a bit because of brutal T-bone accident) and I had to be up at about 5 for my tour to Moscow later that day. Again it was nice to come back and find something to eat.

 

However, I had head that at about 1 the bridges were raised (one of the guides said it was possible to be stuck on one side of the city due to this) to allow river traffic through. Not having had the best of luck with sleep I stayed at the Skybar and spoke with Rachel the Cruise Director. Staying up this late was also a necessity for night time shots. Ah well.

 

Next stop: Moscow

Edited August 27, 2012 by baychilla
frumpledminze

[Jim Avery]

There was almost too much to look at.:eek: Great pictures.:D

[Emperor Norton]

Moscow, Russia, heart of the "Evil Empire". But first we had to get there. To paraphrase someone else "Whomever said that getting there was half the fun should be dragged out into the street and shot."

 

My time on the Russian bullet train were to be the absolute worst eight hours of this trip (air travel excluded). For starters the Russians couldn't seem to get the speed right (Max speed: Russian train 200 KM/h, TGV averages 320, the Shinkansen 275). Next it would appear that creature comforts like say air conditioning are not necessary (when almost 50% of the car is windows I disagree); further the seats do not recline. At all. Then you could get stuck at a seat with a table. That was great. Someone sitting about 18" across from you so you can't even extend your legs.

 

Here in all its glory is Russias version of the bullet train

 

Once in Moscow we were met by our Moscow guide (we had two guides, one that came with us from St. Petersburg and the one that met us in Moscow) and taken to our bus. Traffic definitely seems to have increased greatly since the days of the Evil Empire. Our bus tour started off by showing us important buildings (Former KGB HQ over there, first McDonalds over there) but got to be a bit lame (by the time they've told you about the 7 newest Western hotels that are moving in you're looking for their mute button - however there was one western hotel that piqued my interest).

 

Signs and artwork were interesting

Mascots however were just plain bizarre. This thing was the mascot for a 24hr net cafe. I still have no idea what it's supposed to be.

First glimpse of the Kremlin

Sadly a large chunk of this trip was spent in the Kremlin Armory (no photography allowed) so most of the photos are of outdoor areas (and I really didn't feel the need to photograph the mall we stopped at, former state run store or not).