Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a visa to go ashore in Russia?

A: Yes. At the present time everyone needs a visa of some kind. If you want to go ashore INDEPENDENTLY, you will need your own personal visa, available from Russian embassies. This is quite costly and time consuming. You first need an invitation from a Russian Hotel or tourist authority to accompany your application. There are companies online who will process the application for you for a fee. If you are going on a shore excursion, either from the ship or arranged through an independent operator, you are included in a group visa for that particular tour. In essence your guide is your visa and you must stay with her/him at all times while passing through immigration formalities, and in most cases while you are ashore, too.

Q: Will I be able to wander around on my own in St. Petersburg or stay in town after the tour is finished?

A: You must return to the ship with your tour, and you are not allowed to stay in town unless you have your own personal Russian tourist visa.
You cannot leave your guide at anytime to wander around the city while you are on tour, unless your guide gives specific permission.

Q: What is the weather like on a Baltic cruise?

A: In short, very changeable. Dress in layers and take a small umbrella.

Q: Can I use US dollars in the Baltic ports?

A: Many places will only accept their own currency. However, tourist shops that accept foreign currencies usually convert them into their own currency at point of sale and give a very poor rate of exchange. They will usually give you change in their own money, too. It is better to get the local currency from ATMs which are available in all the cities. (Tallinn changed to the Euro in Jan 2011)

Q: Do I need to take my passport ashore in the Baltic ports?

A: In St. Petersburg and Germany you need your passport: a photocopy is unacceptable. All other countries need some sort of Government issued ID which includes your tamperproof photograph (e.g. Driver's Licence, etc.)

Q: Where does the ship dock in Copenhagen?

A: Princess, Costa and HAL ships usually use Frihavn dock. RCI and NCL usually use Langelinie. The number 26 bus runs from the city center to the dock on weekdays. The 26 bus marked “To the Cruise Ships” goes to Langelinie, and the one marked “Faergehavn Nord” to Frihavn. The latter bus does not operate at weekends. The nearest train station to Langelinie is "Østerport", and to Frihavn is "Nordhavn". Both are approximately15 minute walks to their respective docks.

Q: Do Princess ships call at Nynashamn or Stockholm?

A: Princess ships almost always make the 4 hour transit through the archipelago into Stockholm city. However, in adverse weather conditions, they do sometimes anchor at Nynashamn, which is about an hour from Stockholm by train.

Q: Can I use my US/Canadian/Australian etc. credit card in Europe?

A: Most countries will accept Visa and Mastercard. Many European countries have changed to the ‘chip and pin’ style cards, so you will need to have a pin number for your
card to use it in shops and restaurants. Businesses in Denmark and Finland mainly only accept their own country's credit cards. Your US/Canadian etc card can be used to obtain cash from ATM machines in any country. Remember to advise your credit card company of the countries that you will be visiting before you leave home.

Q: Where will my ship dock? (CLICK HERE)