Scandinavia & Russia on Constellation

[Jim&Giovanni]

We're going on our first cruise this summer. The 14 night Scandinavia & Russia Cruise on Constellation and are VERY excited!

We have a Concierge Class veranda stateroom on the sky deck. I've read these boards from top to bottom and have gotten some great information! I would love to get some additional advice or suggestions from experienced cruises that have been on one of these long cruises, or have been on this itinerary.

 

Any item(s) you brought with you or wish you had that someone might not think to bring? For example; I've read suggestion on this board that a power strip to use in your stateroom is useful.

 

My guess is that we should bring clothing appropriate for light Fall, i.e. sweaters, long sleeved shirts, a light jacket. Is that correct?

 

Any comments on the X excursions, especially the "Journey to Moscow" and "Berlin From All Sides"

 

Looking forward to reading any tips on this or other topics from you more experienced cruisers to make our first cruise even better!

 

Jim

[CaribbeanBound]

Looks like a cool cruise.

 

Here are three very detailed reviews of past Celebrity cruises which should answer all of your first-timer cruise questions (which pertain to almost everybody) except those specifically dealing with the Constellation and itinerary itself.

 

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/westerncaribbean.html

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/easterncaribbean.html

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/bermuda.html

 

This one to Alaska may prepare you for the weather...

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/alaska.html

[dileep]

Any comments on the X excursions, especially the "Journey to Moscow" and "Berlin From All Sides"

 

 

I would spend both days in St. Petersburg. The day trip to Moscow is not worth it. I have been to Moscow and it has nothing over St Petersburg.

 

We rented a car and drove with another couple to Berlin.

[kitty9]

The trip to Berlin is definitely worth it. But I wouldn't spend valuable time going to Moscow. St. Petersburg is a dream and one of the most interesting cities in the world. I've been there three times, and I've still not seen it all.

[tadjr]

Both the Moscow and Berlin trips are long trips. If you ever have intentions of returning to either of these places on your own, I would skip them now and spend more time closer to the ship (St Petersburg and possibly Schwerin in Germany). There is so much to do in St Petersburg that even 2 days wont really fit it all in. We did the Ekaterina Palace tour, the Hermitage tour and a night sailing on the river and just scratched the tip of the iceberg. We actually spoke with one of the ship dancers that went to Moscow with the group as a semi escort and she said it was interesting, but long and tiring. She said she personally wouldnt do it again.

As far as Berlin, I've never been there myself and would love to one day, but get flying deals so we decided to not spend so long on busses and trains to get there and back. We took a train and spent a nice relaxing day in Schwerin and were back on the ship long before the Berlin people made it back.

Overall, I'd say it depends on how comfortable you are doing a long trip while on the cruise since both would be interesting, but there are other things of interest as well without all the long travel time involved getting there and back to the ship.

[Boo's Mom]

We're going on our first cruise this summer. The 14 night Scandinavia & Russia Cruise on Constellation and are VERY excited!

We have a Concierge Class veranda stateroom on the sky deck. I've read these boards from top to bottom and have gotten some great information! I would love to get some additional advice or suggestions from experienced cruises that have been on one of these long cruises, or have been on this itinerary.

 

Any item(s) you brought with you or wish you had that someone might not think to bring? For example; I've read suggestion on this board that a power strip to use in your stateroom is useful.

 

My guess is that we should bring clothing appropriate for light Fall, i.e. sweaters, long sleeved shirts, a light jacket. Is that correct?

 

Any comments on the X excursions, especially the "Journey to Moscow" and "Berlin From All Sides"

 

Looking forward to reading any tips on this or other topics from you more experienced cruisers to make our first cruise even better!

 

Jim

 

Hi Jim. When are you sailing?

BTW, Welcome to Cruise Critic !!

[Jim&Giovanni]

Boo's Mom,

 

We're going on the June 17 trip, along with a couple of freinds from our church. Hey, we're also in Texas, Dallas here. I used to live in Sweden so I've spent time in most of the cities we're going to. New places for me will be Tallin, Berlin & Moscow (if we take those excursion).

 

I'm glad I found Cruise Critic. I've read alot of good information on these boards, not to mention it's been a productive way to keep me from climbing the walls waiting for next June!

 

Jim

[Tatka]

I used to be a sitizen of USSR before moving here...

 

I would stay in St.Pete for both days (honestly, even 1 week won't be enough).

 

Contact Red October and check what they offer.

 

You don't want to miss:

 

1) City sightseeing tour (including Hermitage)

2) Petergoff

3) Pushkin

[Boo's Mom]

Jim ~

 

You are on the sailing right before us !

Wave as you are getting off the ship.....because we will be the family just waiting to get on ! :D

You have picked an awesome cruiseline for your first cruise. Celebrity was also my first cruiseline. You are in for quite an experience.

 

My daughter is in school in Ft Worth (TCU).

[deblorelei]

Hi my husband Bill and I are on this 2 week cruise, is there anyone out there who is going on the same dates? I understand that some of the trips are expensive but if you find others you can split the fees for tours. Anyone intersted in doing that in St. Peterburg? Please get in touch with me a dhlorelei@aol.com

 

Thanks

 

Debbie