Now is the time to be concerned...

[hubofhockey]

I wasn’t suggesting that there will be riots in St Petersburg. I was simply relating a story about political unrest in Turkey.

 

You people also need to read a little more carefully what is being proposed in terms of visa bans. The U.S. is talking about restricting visas for Russian diplomats and people they feel lead to the unfolding events.

 

Things need to deteriorate pretty badly for countries to have all out travel bans.

 

Others can read more carefully or YOU can read a little bit more.

 

Within the cruise industry, most analysts say that problems within the Black Sea would not have a huge effect, as the region doesn't have that many ships. The greater issue is whether Western pressure on Russia -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has brought up the possibility of visa bans -- would force Baltic Sea cruises to cancel their stops in St. Petersburg.

 

“While we don't expect Western European itineraries to be impacted by recent developments in Europe, we think Northern European itineraries could be impacted,” said stock analyst Robin Farley, with U.S. Bancorp. Baltic itineraries make up roughly 9 percent of Carnival Corporation's capacity, she said, while the figure is less than 4 percent for Royal Caribbean Limited.

[DebbieMacG]

A few years ago we got diverted from Athens because of rioting....don't see St Petersburg rioting though.

 

At that same time we visited Egypt 3 weeks before their change of governments, and the fine people their were as nice as usual.

 

Seems a few always ruin it for the rest of us.....

 

Did you really mean what you said in this post? Seriously?:eek:

[Reggiefan]

Like everyone else, I am speculating with regard to this crisis, which is a toxic brew of nationalism, big country power politics, domestic political concerns, national humiliation, personal hubris, and surely some dose of the hope that the other person will back down.

 

But my speculation is that within 30 days we should know whether the political tensions can be sufficiently controlled so that the Baltic cruises at least can proceed as planned with SPB as a major port of call, or whether the tensions have escalated to the point where the cruise lines have made serious contingency plans with their Baltic cruises that exclude in all likelihood SPB.

 

And I imagine the trade publications in the next few weeks will be directly discussing this issue. I cannot imagine that bookings for Baltic cruises are robust for the remaining cabins, and I have to think that the cruise lines are receiving cancellation for Black Sea cruises.

 

Most of you on this forum have much more experience with the cruise industry and know better than I what the industry is likely to do, and I welcome any comments on what news you are receiving from those in the cruise industry.

[GradySRQ]

Others can read more carefully or YOU can read a little bit more.

 

Wow…an analyst getting a story wrong. Big shock there. :rolleyes:

The good news is most people who visit Russia via cruise ships don’t apply for visas. Getting one for Russia takes some time and is not cheap.

If one books an excursion from the cruise line or does a private tour like myself, you fall under the blanket visa of the tour company. I previously submitted the passport information for myself and children. The tour tickets I received will act as our visas.

Once again I’d be very surprised if an all out travel ban takes place.

[hubofhockey]

Wow…an analyst getting a story wrong. Big shock there. :rolleyes:

 

The good news is most people who visit Russia via cruise ships don’t apply for visas. Getting one for Russia takes some time and is not cheap.

 

If one books an excursion from the cruise line or does a private tour like myself, you fall under the blanket visa of the tour company. I previously submitted the passport information for myself and children. The tour tickets I received will act as our visas.

 

Once again I’d be very surprised if an all out travel ban takes place.

 

I don't think it's as easy as you make it sound. While many of these ships don't fly under a US flag, their corporate homes are in the US and might respect travel bans. Even it they didn't, the Russian government could request the tour companies not include US citizens under their blanket visas. I wouldn't be surprised about anything that might happen, including travel bans.

[The_Big_M]

Once again I’d be very surprised if an all out travel ban takes place.

 

Agreed, that sort of thing is very rare.

 

Nothing is impossible, but it's very unlikely.

Edited March 8, 2014 by The_Big_M

[hubofhockey]

Agreed, that sort of thing is very rare.

 

Nothing is impossible, but it's very unlikely.

 

Anyone can post here about how likely or unlikely something is. The fact is that a travel ban is on the table and some of have decisions on checks to write. Mine is $6K to Princess and due to my TA on April 15. No insurance can cover this risk either. As such, this is nothing more than gambling as if in a ship casino (something I don't do). The decision is whether to write the check or to wait for a year when hostilities aren't at this level and no travel ban is on the table.

 

It just seems too easy for people without real skin in this game to say there's nothing to worry about. :rolleyes:

Edited March 8, 2014 by hubofhockey

[99cruise]

Booked on a cruise to St. Petersburg in July. If the cruise line will not provide what they will do either in terms of extending time to cancel or potential alternative ports, we have decided to cancel when our full payment is due. Once paid, alternatives will be few.

Anyone have other suggestions?

[seaofwonder]

Urg app crashed in the middle of a long response.

 

Take home message:

 

Canceling is a gamble because you will regret it f they still go and be happy if they do cancel.

 

If you are ok with no SPB then there is no discussion...go with the flow and enjoy the replacement port(s).

 

Cruise lines will never tell you in advance. They have to protect their investors. It's always a risk and is in the contract that they can cancel anything they want for any reason.

 

I believe they will do business as usual until either investors put pressure on them to provide an answer or until Russia enacts an outright visa ban or imposes economic sanctions on USA businesses (this is being discussed by their parliament).

 

We thought long and hard and decided that we are cruising for more than just Russia. We would be disappointed, but it's an excuse to travel again.

 

And prices are prices....12 day European cruises are expensive regardless of whether Russia is included.

 

 

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[buggins0402]

Anyone can post here about how likely or unlikely something is. The fact is that a travel ban is on the table and some of have decisions on checks to write. Mine is $6K to Princess and due to my TA on April 15. No insurance can cover this risk either. As such, this is nothing more than gambling as if in a ship casino (something I don't do). The decision is whether to write the check or to wait for a year when hostilities aren't at this level and no travel ban is on the table.

 

It just seems too easy for people without real skin in this game to say there's nothing to worry about. :rolleyes:

 

I'm in same position - final next Friday. Called TA this week to give a different CC (spreading the airline points) - so we're going hell or high water.

 

Right now, I'm in the camp that views the risk as minimal that sanctions would ever get to the point that it would impact group visas. If it does, there some great ports in the area which can be substituted. Actually, it might be preferable for us as we prefer to DIY. Net, net - a slight risk of ending up with something we might prefer.

 

We've been through this drill before with a Holy Lands/ Egypt cruise two years ago. Our cruise went off without a hitch (except for a rocket attack in Israel while we were there). But, in the months leading up to the cruise we always knew we could end up with a Greek Isle cruise instead. And, at that time, we viewed it as more than a remote possibility.

[buggins0402]

Booked on a cruise to St. Petersburg in July. If the cruise line will not provide what they will do either in terms of extending time to cancel or potential alternative ports, we have decided to cancel when our full payment is due. Once paid, alternatives will be few.

Anyone have other suggestions?

 

My guess - they won't change anything - unless future bookings drop off or they get a ton of cancellations - this might happen with the later Black Sea itineraries, doubt it would happen with Baltic cruises. Most everyone still wants to go to St. Petersburg - so only if in the remote circumstance that visas become an issue will they not port there. Black Sea ports now have a safety issue and few interchangeable ports without major itinerary changes. That situation is much more similar to the Egypt situation of a few years ago that I mentioned in my previous post.

[Travelcat2]

We are booked to go to St. Petersburg in early July and I, for one, am not pleased to be spending money to support a country run by Putin.:(

[seaofwonder]

Then you may want to cancel. Why did you book it? It's not like putin's behavior is new or shocking.

 

You can simply choose not to get off the ship if it does stop. That way you are not supporting the government, with the exception of the port fees you had to pay.

 

I have no problem supporting local artisans, restaurants, and tour guides. Every country (including my own - which is not the USA) has its problems and I'm not letting it stop me from traveling.

 

 

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Edited March 8, 2014 by seaofwonder

[hubofhockey]

We are booked to go to St. Petersburg in early July and I, for one, am not pleased to be spending money to support a country run by Putin.:(

 

 

There are people in Russia who will benefit that are really nice people. I try to separate government from people as we did in Turkey.

[Cindy]

Anyone can post here about how likely or unlikely something is. The fact is that a travel ban is on the table and some of have decisions on checks to write. Mine is $6K to Princess and due to my TA on April 15. No insurance can cover this risk either. As such, this is nothing more than gambling as if in a ship casino (something I don't do). The decision is whether to write the check or to wait for a year when hostilities aren't at this level and no travel ban is on the table.

 

It just seems too easy for people without real skin in this game to say there's nothing to worry about. :rolleyes:

 

Some of us are travelling in May and we're past final payment already. If the tensions escalate and we miss St. Petersburg, then I hope they replace those two days with some nice ports. Really, the only thing that would upset me is if there were no replacement ports...it's too far to travel and too expensive for a bunch of sea days. I can get those by driving an hour to Galveston and hopping on RCI.:rolleyes:

 

As far as gambling, you could decide to wait a year and find that not only have things escalated, they've spilled over into other ports that are currently unaffected.

[CI66774]

Bottom line is nobody knows what will (or won't) happen. Life, itself, is a gamble and we either take it or not (based upon odds, etc.). I'm going no matter what. I won't have another opportunity for many years - so this is it. I can't control world events so I will be flexible and adapt if circumstances change - that's all any of us can do.

[seaofwonder]

Some of us are travelling in May and we're past final payment already. If the tensions escalate and we miss St. Petersburg, then I hope they replace those two days with some nice ports. Really, the only thing that would upset me is if there were no replacement ports...it's too far to travel and too expensive for a bunch of sea days. I can get those by driving an hour to Galveston and hopping on RCI.:rolleyes:

 

 

 

As far as gambling, you could decide to wait a year and find that not only have things escalated, they've spilled over into other ports that are currently unaffected.

 

 

I agree re sea days. That would disappoint me. I choose port intensive cruises because I really dislike sea days. I cruise for the destination, not for the ship. Fortunately, there are a lot of options nearby...Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Germany, Poland.

 

Sorry, just looked at the map again..scratch Oslo. But you could substitute a port in the Netherlands, Bruges, Paris...or even a port in Scotland. Endless possibilities.

 

Personally, I think Latvia and Lithuania would be interesting. Both places that I wouldn't normally put on my DIY itinerary, whereas it have visited all of the other possibilities on previous trips.

 

They would need two close ports in order to be able to do them back-to-back.

 

How did they deal with Egypt in the past?

 

 

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[iluvbkk]

We are also on the May 14th sailing out of Harwich. Our final payment was paid on the due date of Feb. 28...before things got confusing over there. I would not be happy to lose SPB but if they fill it in with another port, then so be it. We cruised the Mediterranean and lost Sicily and I suppose there was nothing to add between there and Barcelona. But since I've not been to the Baltic, any other port would be fine with me. I know they can cancel ports as they see fit and are not obligated to offer something else, there really is nothing a passenger has to say about it.

[SparkleBee]

my impression is they will substitute ports according to dock availability. if there are no openings then they have no choice but to have a sea day. however I think the companies would try to give us a substitute if possible. my TA told me it would be about a 50-50 chance. My gut feeling is our St. Ptbg visits are going to be ok. but as others have said, if not then so be it.

[seaofwonder]

my impression is they will substitute ports according to dock availability. if there are no openings then they have no choice but to have a sea day. however I think the companies would try to give us a substitute if possible. my TA told me it would be about a 50-50 chance. My gut feeling is our St. Ptbg visits are going to be ok. but as others have said, if not then so be it.

 

 

I think for most cruises they'll know weeks in advance :)

 

 

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[rabbitoh_777]

.

C'est la vie...

.

:cool:

.

[TLCOhio]

We are booked to go to St. Petersburg in early July and I, for one, am not pleased to be spending money to support a country run by Putin.

 

Personally, I am not a fan of Putin and what he has been doing, directly and indirectly, in the Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Syria, Iran, etc. We are not, however, to get too much into "politics" on these boards. BUT, related to St. Petersburg and those cruising there, here is some added perspective and background.

 

The St. Petersburg that we enjoyed so much in 2008 and for others who have been there in recent years or in the future, much of the credit should go to Putin. He was born and grew up in St. Petersburg. In the 1990-96 period, he was a local official in St. Petersburg.

 

During his first period as Russian head of state, 2000-2008, he poured huge amounts of the new "cash" and wealth coming from oil, other natural resources and economic growth into restoring and upgrade many of the badly-neglected, historic buildings in St. Petersburg. Then, Putin arranged for the 32nd, G-8 Summit to be held, July 15–17, 2006, at Strelna, west of St. Petersburg, overlooking the shore of the Gulf of Finland and near the Peterhof. These meetings were conducted at Constantine Palace that had been originally completed by 1807. We drove by this palace area on our way from Catherine's Palace to the Peterhof and our very good guide gave us some of this background. Other key sources have given me me other historic context for Putin's role in St. Petersburg's great "look" of today. Many, many millions were spent by him and the government to restore so many key buildings in the 2000-2006 period so that things would look good for this "coming out" party that year at the G-8.

 

Say what you want now on Putin, deservedly, but he also merits some credit for the work done and money spent to make St. Petersburg look so much better during the past decade of history. Just a little added "perspective" for these aspects of Russian history and development.

 

Right now, my guess would be that there will continue to be lots of "talk" and posturing, but that nothing drastic will happen to cut off cruise ship visits to St. Petersburg. Lots of meetings will happen. Studies will be done. Concerns expressed, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Just back from doing a 14-day Celebrity Solstice, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure on this ship and getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for much more information and lots of wonderful pictures on these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at over 41,191 views for this fun posting.

[prish]

Personally, I am not a fan of Putin and what he has been doing, directly and indirectly, in the Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Syria, Iran, etc. We are not, however, to get too much into "politics" on these boards. BUT, related to St. Petersburg and those cruising there, here is some added perspective and background.

 

The St. Petersburg that we enjoyed so much in 2008 and for others who have been there in recent years or in the future, much of the credit should go to Putin. He was born and grew up in St. Petersburg. In the 1990-96 period, he was a local official in St. Petersburg.

 

During his first period as Russian head of state, 2000-2008, he poured huge amounts of the new "cash" and wealth coming from oil, other natural resources and economic growth into restoring and upgrade many of the badly-neglected, historic buildings in St. Petersburg. Then, Putin arranged for the 32nd, G-8 Summit to be held, July 15–17, 2006, at Strelna, west of St. Petersburg, overlooking the shore of the Gulf of Finland and near the Peterhof. These meetings were conducted at Constantine Palace that had been originally completed by 1807. We drove by this palace area on our way from Catherine's Palace to the Peterhof and our very good guide gave us some of this background. Other key sources have given me me other historic context for Putin's role in St. Petersburg's great "look" of today. Many, many millions were spent by him and the government to restore so many key buildings in the 2000-2006 period so that things would look good for this "coming out" party that year at the G-8.

 

Say what you want now on Putin, deservedly, but he also merits some credit for the work done and money spent to make St. Petersburg look so much better during the past decade of history. Just a little added "perspective" for these aspects of Russian history and development.

 

Right now, my guess would be that there will continue to be lots of "talk" and posturing, but that nothing drastic will happen to cut off cruise ship visits to St. Petersburg. Lots of meetings will happen. Studies will be done. Concerns expressed, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Just back from doing a 14-day Celebrity Solstice, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure on this ship and getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for much more information and lots of wonderful pictures on these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at over 41,191 views for this fun posting.

 

Most interesting Terry, you not only give great advice and take the most fabulous pictures but you're also a fund of information! I've also heard about all Putin did for St Petersburg and we have to give him credit for that, much as we may disagree with his politics.

[jamessemaj]

Most interesting Terry, you not only give great advice and take the most fabulous pictures but you're also a fund of information! I've also heard about all Putin did for St Petersburg and we have to give him credit for that, much as we may disagree with his politics.

 

TLCOhio Terry, I too have admired your posts and pics. One question about St. Petersburg that is what this thread is about...what would you do if you were now booked for a cruise to SPB? Would you ride it out and hope for the best or cancel for a more definite plan?

[Travelcat2]

There are people in Russia who will benefit that are really nice people. I try to separate government from people as we did in Turkey.

 

I agree with you and that is why I posted that I'm not happy about supporting Putin but did not say that we were cancelling or not going ashore. We have been to St. Petersburg previously and really enjoyed it. We go to many countries (including Cuba) where the governments do not treat their people well. IMO, it is a good thing that tourists can help the people and also show them kindness, lots of smiles and hopefully purchase something from them that will give them a little help financially.:)