A sea cruise is one of the most non-trivial ways to discover new countries and get the impressions from exploring foreign cities. There are a lot of positive aspects of such trips, the main of which are the opportunity to see several places at a time and the absence of the need to constantly register in different hotels.
Besides, if the starting point of the trip is a city with direct access to the sea, then many countries can be visited without making long flights and, accordingly, without overpaying extra money for the road. One of such cities in Russia is our cultural capital.
Features of sea cruises from St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg today has the largest seaport in Russia. It is called "Marine Façade" and can receive liners and ferries up to 330 m long at 7 berths. The annual passenger traffic is more than half a million people, moreover, it has a tendency to steady growth.
Sea cruises from St. Petersburg are extremely popular among both local residents and guests of the city. From here you can go to the countries of Scandinavia, and to the Mediterranean resorts. Less often intransatlantic voyages and to the Black Sea.
Ships ply the Gulf of Finland all year round, so a New Year's cruise with a meeting of the holiday on board the liner is also quite a common occurrence.
Of course, you can leave St. Petersburg by train, bus, fly away by plane… However, travelers who have already tried ferry cruises unanimously declare that there is nothing more romantic than the opportunity to fulfill their childhood the dream of long-distance sea voyages, to see the endless expanse of water, feeling complete freedom. And the views of the picturesque coastline passing through the windows will certainly not leave anyone indifferent!
Typically, most flights between cities operate at night so that passengers can have a whole day to explore local attractions on land.
In addition, sea cruises from St. Petersburg are quite affordable, unlike similar trips from other cities. This is explained by the close proximity of the metropolis to the border of our country, as well as, as already mentioned, the available outlet through the Gulf of Finland to the B altic Sea, from where the ship can then enter the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, now there are so many companies offering such services that for the sake of competitiveness, and even in the off-season, you can often get a good discount on a sea cruise from managers.
Popular cruise destinations
Sea cruises from St. Petersburg are carried out in the following directions (in orderdescending):
- countries of Northern Europe and Scandinavia (Finland, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany);
- Mediterranean countries (Spain, Italy, France, Turkey, Egypt, Israel);
- round-the-world transatlantic and Pacific flights (countries of North and South America, India, Asia).
Northern Europe: prices, reviews
Ferry cruises in the B altics are the most common. Tours can last from 3 to 10 days or more. In most cases, one excursion day is allotted to visit one country, so visiting a couple of European countries on one weekend cruise is quite realistic.
In a number of individual cases, it is possible to sail not only to the Scandinavian countries, but also to the Netherlands or the UK. However, these states are less popular - many tourists prefer to get to them by other modes of transport.
Sea cruises in Europe have different prices, which vary depending on the exchange rate, the number of days, the cabin class, the star rating of the liner, the selected meals and the time of year. Average rates are as follows:
- autumn-winter period - from 50 euros;
- spring-summer period - from 120 euros.
Tourists are mostly positive about sea travel to Northern Europe. The main advantages are the opportunity to visit different countries in just a few days, it is interesting to spend time on the ferry, there is also a relatively low cost of tours (especially when buying low-class cabins)and a wide range of services for every taste. At the same time, many note that it is best to go on such a cruise in the warm season - the weather is more favorable, and the landscapes look much more beautiful.
Mediterranean: prices, reviews
These cruises are less popular as they operate mostly during the warm seasons. You can make them both along traditional routes, which include the southern coasts of Europe, and by entering more exotic hot countries. A sea cruise in the Mediterranean will cost from 1100 euros per person.
Travelers in particular like the climate, lack of heaving, good service and delicious food. The main disadvantages are the rather high cost and the inability to swim in the sea. An ideal option for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle, not be distracted by trifles while traveling, but at the same time enjoy excursion programs and good company.
World travel: prices, reviews
Cruises to exotic and very remote countries are provided most often on order. These trips are the most expensive and longest (some can even reach 20-28 days), so the we althiest tourists use such services. However, to reduce the cost, some companies may include a flight from St. Petersburg to the place of departure and back.
Batch content is issued individually. But starting prices are something like this:
- directions, the farthest point of arrival of whichare the USA or Canada (with calls to the ports of the Nordic countries), cost from 1800 euros;
- destinations with arrival in Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Canary Islands, Africa, the islands of Oceania and the islands of the Caribbean - from 3000 euros (minus the flight).
Reviews of sea cruises in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans are extremely enthusiastic: the most sophisticated travelers, having seen tropical countries from an unusual point of view, discover them from a new perspective. And even arriving in the same United States with crossing the Atlantic on a sea liner gives rise to completely different sensations than flying on an airbus. Such impressions will remain for a long time!
What is included in the price of the cruise?
There are many companies that provide services such as sea cruises from St. Petersburg. Services and payment for additional services for each operator may vary, but most often the standard package includes the following:
- Breakfast. As a rule, this is a buffet served between 07.00 and 10.00 am.
- A cabin of the selected category for the entire duration of the trip. The simplest furnishings include two or four beds, a wardrobe, air conditioning, and a bathroom. More expensive apartments have an expanded area, additional amenities in the form of small appliances and a TV, a seating area and a beautiful view from the window.
- Entertainment activities. It will be interesting for adults to visit cinema halls, discos and theatrical performances, while childrencan be borrowed in special game rooms.
What is the extra charge?
Additional travel-related services are divided into two categories: external (before boarding) and internal (on board the ferry or liner). You can use them as follows - order in advance from the operator, or purchase yourself on the spot:
1. Outboard:
- flight to the point of departure and back;
- hotel booking and transfer to it while the liner is in the port;
- visas, fees and insurance;
- excursion programs and entertainment activities.
2. On board:
- visits to beauty salons, solariums, spas, saunas;
- shops, casinos, bars, extra meals, gala dinner (if it's a New Year's cruise);
- Internet, telephone;
- dry cleaning, laundry;
- additional medical services not included in the insurance;
- gym and swimming pool;
- parking space for a car;
- other services provided by the carrier company and ferry personnel.
Instead of a conclusion
Perfectly organized service, precise schedule, comfort and safety on board the ship, a rich program, and most importantly, vivid impressions that you will share with each other for a long time - this is what distinguishes sea cruises. Although their prices sometimes seem high, in fact your vacation will have the same cost as when living in a normalhotel.
