Vladivostok

[sally44]

Has anyone done shore excursions in Vladivostok with Diamond Princess? Need some advice.

[Tara Jane]

We were there last year on the DIamond.  Due to the need of a visa if not going on an excursion we decided to do the walking tour.   I am not a fan of ships tours and this tour confirmed why I prefer to DIY in ports.   Our tour was basically an escorted walk around the town of Vladivostok.   The 2 girls who were supposedly our tour guides just spent the whole time talking together and we followed along.   When someone specifically went up to them to ask a question thereby interupting their private discussion they would answer but that was it.   Our group basically decided it wasnt worth asking questions as they apparently weren't proud enough of their city to explain what we were seeing.   We walked down through the main street which had a nice paved area with a couple of fountains and a bit of garden.   Then to the waterfront area, then back uphil to the museum where we were left and told to meet up at a certain time.  No explanation of what was in the museum it was a DIY.

Apparently there were a lot of complaints to the excursions desk, although none of our group complained and we were all refunded 50% of what we had paid.  

Would I do it again? probably but I would speak up and demand some sort of explanation of what we were seeing, as there is no alternative if wanting to see anything at all of the town.

[sally44]

Thank you so much for your advice - I appreciate your taking the time to write such a thorough review of your Vladivostok tour experience.  I was shying away from a walking tour because of a stupid autoimmune condition that sometimes limits my mobility.  Was thinking of the church/gymnasium tour, or the home visit for this reason.  Our Princess cruise vacation planner doesn’t even respond to me, so I’m so glad that you did!  We’re a 3-generation group - I’m the Grandma, travelling  with my daughter and 17 yr old granddaughter from Canada.  I think we need to book a tour in order to even be allowed to leave the ship. Final payment due soon - getting excited!

[Tara Jane]

Amongst our group was my sister on a walking stick and older friends 78 and 79. The 78 has had 2 knee replacements they both managed ok.

Lots of steps coming up from waterfront to museum.  Other group went different way so walked down the steps and up sloping path.

Make sure you attend the yukata dressing if the offer it usually on a sea day.  Its extremely popular and limited numbers.  Would be lovely to have a photo taken of the 3 generations dressed in a yukata.   Volunteer Japanese cruisers dress as it takes quite some time.

Also attend Dianne's laughing activity.  Lots of fun and a great barrier breakdown.  They had a lot of activities to integrate different nationalities.

Enjoy your cruise making special memories.  We are doing similar next year taking son dil and 2 granaughters to Europe to see their heritage and rellies.

[cashmeremypuppydog]

On 3/25/2019 at 11:15 AM, sally44 said:

Has anyone done shore excursions in Vladivostok with Diamond Princess? Need some advice.

VLADIVOSTOK 
I organized a tour with ‘Explore Primorye’ in April 2019 when our cruise ship was in town. It became so popular that we had 6 buses of 20 people in each bus. 
I was really pleased with the owner, Sergei, as he answered all my communications quickly.

Vladivostok is not Tokyo, Kyoto or even Nagasaki but the guides showed us around and explained the history of this part of Russia. It was a valuable tour.

I would recommend ‘Explore Primorye’ as Sergei is a young man that delivered what he promised. A Russian lunch was included and it made you feel right at home! Sergei even gave a gift to cruisers after the great tour (I am not telling you what it is)!

Thank you Sergei and 'Explore Primorye'.
The Canadians!
P.S. Our knowledgeable guide made the driver stop at a grocery store as some wanted to buy Russian beers and chocolates!