regent seven seas holy land cruise

The five best Holy land cruises

A cruise to the religious sites of the holy land is a must-do trip of a lifetime for many.

The Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East is the cradle of three of the world’s major religions: Christianity, Islam and Judaism. This has meant that for centuries the region has been  the  destination for millions of people on their own personal pilgrimages, wanting the opportunity to see some of the renowned religious sights in the world.

But what type of Holy Land cruise itineraries are available? We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Holy Land sailings below to give you an example of how your clients can best see this fascinating area.

Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn is offering the chance to see the Holy Land in the most sumptuous style possible. Departing Piraeus (Athens) on November 3, 2021, Seabourn Encore heads east on an exotic 18-day sailing that will take in Israel, Jordan, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

In Israel, guests will be treated to stops at both Haifa and Ashdod.

Shore excursions from Haifa include the Nazareth Highlights & The Sea of Galilee tour which features a visit to the Church of the Annunciation, constructed on the site where Mary lived, and the Church of St Joseph, built where Joseph’s carpentry workshop is thought to have stood.

From Ashdod, stand-out tours include Leisurely Jerusalem, featuring a stroll through Gethsemane, the garden of olive trees where Jesus is said to have been arrested.

Holy Land & Arabian Gems , prices from £7,299 per person

Tui’s vessel Marella Discover 2 sails an eight-day itinerary that leaves Limassol (Cyprus) on November 3, 2021, and includes two full days in Ashdod (Israel).

While docked in Ashdod, guests can enjoy trips to holy sites, including Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth and Galilee, where highlights include historic churches, prayer walls and biblical museums.

Popular excursions on this adult-only cruise include an all-day tour of Jerusalem & Bethlehem, featuring key holy sites, including the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Wailing Wall ( pictured ), and the Church of the Nativity, built on the same site as the stable where Mary gave birth to Jesus.

The all-inclusive cruise also includes stops in Turkey and Crete.

Ancient Affair , prices from £1200 per person

Celebrity Cruises

Departing from Piraeus (Athens), this seven-night round-trip cruise departs September 11, 2021 and includes two days in Israel with stops in Haifa and Ashdod.

Shore excursions in Israel include a two-day Grand Israel tour of religious and historical sites, which gives guests plenty of time to get beneath the skin of the destination.

While docked in Ashdod, there are half- and full-day tours of Jerusalem and Bethlehem with visits to the Western Wall and Church of the Nativity.

From Haifa, guests can tour Nazareth and Galilee on a range of half and full-day tours. Other ports of call include the sun-splashed Greek Islands of Mykonos and Crete.

Greek Islands & Israel , prices from £1,379 per person  

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

All-inclusive cruise line Regent Seven Seas is offering a 14-night tour of sacred lands and picturesque canals, including three days in the port of Haifa for the city of Jerusalem.

The line’s unique offering means that all shore excursions are included in the price, which for destination-heavy itineraries like this one, is a huge bonus. There are a staggering 35 small and large-group excursions to choose from, catering to all fitness levels. Explore Galilee, the Jordan River, and the Mount of the Beautitudes, or head to Nazareth, Jesus’ childhood home.

Departing June 5, 2022, other ports of call include Limassol (Cyprus), Rhodes (Greece), Ephesus and Istanbul (Turkey), Kavala, Mykonos and Santorini (Greece), Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Venice (Italy).

Jerusalem (Haifa) to Venice , prices from £9,309 per person.

Royal Caribbean

This superb-value 12-night cruise features three days in Israel with two days docked in Jerusalem and one day in Haifa.

Departing Rome on October 19, 2022, this round-trip cruise will be showcasing Royal Caribbean’s huge Odyssey of the Seas , where guests can expect to be wowed by a two-level pool deck with four whirlpools, and an activity space with bumper cars and a FlowRider surf simulator.

Other cruise highlights include stops in Santorini and Rhodes (Greece), and Limassol (Cyprus).

Holy Land Cruise , prices from £1,439 per person.

Celebrity Cruises welcomes guests to CocoCay

Celebrity unveils new ‘Nothing Comes Close’ brand positioning

NCL, Oceania & Regent place biggest ship order in company history

Celebrity celebrates top 100 agents with Celebrity Moments

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Join Our Email List
• Already Booked?
• 877-394-8130

Regent All Inclusive Holy Land Cruises

The Roaming Boomers

Regent seven seas cruises: 2023-2024 voyage collection.

Posted by David Porter on Friday, August 20, 2021 · Leave a Comment  

CLICK TO VIEW 200 PAGE CATALOG

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has just rolled out its 2023-2024 Voyage Collection.

And, we’re happy to share, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of our Favorite Ocean Cruise Brands .

Regent Seven Seas Cruises®  has unveiled its new 2023-2024 Voyage Collection, featuring exciting new ports of call and immersive cultural experiences in iconic destinations throughout the globe, with reservations opening on August 18, 2021.

Crafted to create memories and stories that last a lifetime,  The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™ will sail an incredible 139 new voyages, with itineraries across Africa and Arabia, Alaska, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, the South Pacific, Canada, and New England, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and South America, as well as transoceanic crossings, and four mesmerizing Grand Voyages to explore. Enjoying exquisite comfort and care on board, with every imaginable luxury included, guests sailing with Regent on one of its exclusive Voyage Collection journeys will enjoy a truly unrivaled experience.

Sailings range from 7 nights up to the recently announced 132-night 2024 World Cruise and feature more than 129 overnight calls in unforgettable destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia; Kyoto, Japan; Singapore; Lisbon, Portugal; and Bordeaux, France. The 2023-2024 Voyage Collection also boasts 15 new ports of call, including Vanuatu’s Mystery Island, the majestic island of Syros in Greece, the captivating and untamed Lofoten Islands in Norway, and the charmingly colorful Puerto Banus in Spain.

Four inspiring Grand Voyages have been thoughtfully curated for the line’s most discerning guests:  Grand Arctic Adventure , a 78-night sailing from New York to Barcelona;  Grand European Sojourn , a 62-night journey from Stockholm, Sweden to Athens, Greece;  Circle South America , a 67-night round trip commencing in Miami, Florida; and the  Grand Asia-Pacific Journey , a breathtaking 59-night sailing from Sydney, Australia to Tokyo, Japan.

“We are delighted to release our extraordinary Voyage Collection for 2023-2024, which has been meticulously crafted for our discerning guests, who we know have a passion for discovering the world in the ultimate luxury that Regent Seven Seas Cruises is renowned for. We hope that this new season of diverse and inspiring locales enables travelers to create memories and experiences that will last a lifetime,” said Jason Montague, president, and chief executive officer, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“We recently launched our 2024 World Cruise, which was an opening-day record-breaker for the third year in a row, selling out within three hours of launching. This phenomenal result reinforces just how strong the pent-up demand for luxury travel is among our guests, especially for longer voyages, and we are confident that our new Voyage Collection will be well received, too,” continued Montague.

Together with spacious all-suite, all-balcony accommodations, and FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions in every port of call, voyage fares also include round-trip business-class air on intercontinental flights from the U.S. and Canada, gourmet cuisine in a range of specialty restaurants and al-fresco dining venues, fine wine and spirits, entertainment, unlimited internet access, free valet laundry, gratuities, ground transfers and a one-night, pre-cruise hotel package for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher.

In addition, more than 25 voyages aboard  Seven Seas Explorer ®,  Seven Seas Voyager ®, and Seven Seas Navigator ®, offer guests a FREE pre-or-post-cruise land program, along with NEW 4-night land programs on selected sailings.

OVERVIEW BY SHIP & HIGHLIGHTS

Seven Seas Splendor ™

• Summer season in Northern Europe/Mediterranean, Fall Season in South America, Winter Season in the Caribbean.
• The principal ship in Northern Europe, including Baltic sailings ranging from 7-16 nights.
• After crossing to Miami, she will host our 2023 Circle South America Grand Voyage.
• The Winter season includes a mix of Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages, along with 2 Panama Canal transits.

Seven Seas Explorer ®

• Summer Season in Alaska; Winter Season in Asia and Australia/New Zealand.
• After concluding her inaugural Alaska season, she crosses to Asia to do a series of Tokyo Roundtrips and cruises through Southeast Asia en route to Australia.
• After two Sydney-Auckland voyages, Explorer begins a Grand Voyage from Sydney to Tokyo, spanning 59 Nights sailing through the marquis destinations in Asia.

Seven Seas Voyager ®

• Summer Season in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, Fall Season in Africa, Winter Season in South America.
• The primary ship sailing the Mediterranean, spanning all four regions — Eastern Med, Western Med, Holy Land, Greek Isles — including multiple 3-Night stays in Jerusalem.
• In late July/August, she does a series of unique Northern Europe voyages, including an Iceland/Greenland exploration, a cruise through Iceland and Norway, plus a circumnavigation of the British Isles before returning to the Mediterranean to close out the season.
• Departing Barcelona in November, she sails down the West Coast of Africa en route to Cape Town, where she’ll then sail two Cape Town Roundtrip voyages.
• After crossing from Cape Town to Rio in January 2024, she’ll sail a series of South America voyages that traverse the Southern Cone, including scenic cruising to Antarctica.

Seven Seas Mariner ®

• Summer Season in the Mediterranean, Fall Season in Canada & New England, Winter Season in the Caribbean.
•  Range of Mediterranean voyages from 10-12 nights, including Eastern Med, Western Med, Greek Isles, and voyages to the Black Sea.
• Mariner then repositions to Canada & New England, where she will debut as our resident ship in that region, sailing a series of 11-Night voyages between New York City and Montréal.
•  In November, she repositions to the Caribbean, sailing two Eastern Caribbean voyages, before heading south for a voyage through the Amazon, roundtrip from Miami, with calls to the Eastern Caribbean islands on the way to and from South America.

Seven Seas Navigator ®

• Spring Season in Caribbean/Amazon, Summer Season in Canada/New England and Mediterranean/Northern Europe, Fall Season in Africa and Arabia, Winter Season in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific.
• Navigator begins with a 24-Night Amazon voyage, a Caribbean voyage calling on the ABC islands, a repositioning cruise from Miami to New York City, and then two 11-Night “standard” Canada/New England voyages — in the springtime weather for something different.
• She then departs from New York City on our 78-Night Grand Arctic Adventure — along the way to Barcelona, she will visit New England, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, British Isles, Baltic, Western Europe, and Iberia.
• Following a Dry Dock in Barcelona in September 2023, Voyager sails a series of Mediterranean voyages before departing Istanbul on a 21-Night voyage to Dubai and then continuing through Asia en route to Australia/New Zealand.
•  Regent returns to the South Pacific on Navigator, with 4 voyages sailing through the islands of French Polynesia, all of which feature overnights in BOTH Bora Bora and Papeete.
• After sailing back to mainland Australia, Navigator departs Sydney and sails through Southeast Asia, India, Arabia en route to the Mediterranean, where the season ends in Athens.

4 Grand Voyages

• Grand Arctic Adventure — Navigator – June 23, 2023 — 78 Nights — New York to Barcelona
• Grand European Sojourn — Splendor – September 9, 2023 — 62 Nights — Stockholm to Athens
• Circle South America — Splendor – December 4, 2023 — 67 Nights — Roundtrip Miami
• Grand Asia-Pacific Journey — Explorer – January 19, 2024 — 59 Nights — Sydney to Tokyo

Complimentary VIP Perks!

How to Book a Regent Seven Seas Cruise

A Regent Seven Seas Cruises price is the same booking directly with the cruise line or booking with Roaming Boomers Travel Services.

However, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a member of our Virtuoso Voyages program. Therefore, we have complimentary VIP perks to share on many of their voyages.

Further, our affiliation with Cadence allows us to bring you group benefits on many sailings in addition to our Virtuoso perks.

For these reasons, combined with our expert advice and experience, it really is to your benefit to book with Roaming Boomers Travel Services.

When you add it all up, we’re always bringing you exclusive pricing and perks when you book Regent Seven Seas Cruises with Roaming Boomers Travel Service.

For more information or to book a luxurious Regent Seven Seas cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request ( click here ), and we’ll reach out to you.

Additional Reading :

• The Best Way to Book an Ocean or River Cruise
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises Website

Category: Travel Services · Tags: Luxury Ocean Cruises , Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sign up for our Newsletter

Travel smart with our best tips, on-location reviews, exclusive offers, drawings, group events, and more... It’s FREE!

Connect With Us

Our client testimonials.

Research Travel Options

Best way to book a cruise.

Recent Posts

• Montage: World’s Only Forbes 5-Star Hotel Company
• Last Chance: Norway Closing Fjords to Cruise Ships
• Barges on the Mighty Mississippi River
• Oak Alley Plantation: Vacherie, Louisiana

Roaming Boomers Travel Services, an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40

Copyright © 2024 · All Rights Reserved · The Roaming Boomers · Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Disclaimer

• Contact Us

LAVISH PERSONAL SPACE IS CORE TO EXPERIENCING THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY TRAVEL

WITH REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES ®

The luxury of personal space is central to the promise of An Unrivalled Experience™ with Regent Seven Seas Cruises®. It provides the extravagant freedom our guests desire to explore and relax to the fullest. As the preeminent luxury cruise line on the ocean, we pride ourselves in offering some of the largest balconies and most spacious suites at sea.

Our wide range of speciality restaurants, al fresco and in-suite dining options, exquisite lounges, bars and expansive spaces are perfect to rest and celebrate in, knowing there is never a queue or a crowd and that every detail is taken care of and every luxury amenity is included.

To find out more and order your complimentary brochure, please complete your details below:

Terms & Conditions

* Click here for full details and a list of our terms and conditions .

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES AN UNRIVALED EXPERIENCE®

ALL-INCLUSIVE REGENT EXPERIENCE

UNRIVALED SPACE AT SEA®

THE WORLD'S MOST LUXURIOUS FLEET ™

IMMERSIVE EXPLORATION

Delve into the cultures, taste the cuisines and witness ancient ruins and natural wonders with over 550 ports of call and thousands of shoreside experiences. Whether looking for an adventurous expedition, a relaxing escape or something in between, there’s something for everyone.

EPICUREAN PERFECTION™

PERSONALIZED SERVICE

The ultimate measure of luxury travel is in the quality service you receive, and our onboard teams are the best in the industry. Allow us to take care of every detail so that you can focus on the things that matter and make the most of every moment.

• Privacy Notice

Thank you for your request

Regent’s Seven Seas Society cruise loyalty program: The ultimate guide

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

Among luxury cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has one of the most robust loyalty programs.

Despite being a relatively small brand with just five ships, it offers an impressive seven tiers of loyalty status as part of what it calls the Seven Seas Society. Each of the tiers brings a number of perks, some quite valuable.

As you start to rise through the Seven Seas Society tiers, you’ll find yourself rewarded with everything from onboard spending credits and free onboard Wi-Fi service to — at the highest levels — discounts of 5% to 10% on every cruise you book.

Those benefits work out to be real money in your pocket, as they will lower the cost of your cruise vacation.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

The robustness of Regent’s program is all the more impressive, given that the line is one of the most all-inclusive in the world. Regent includes a lot of benefits in its fares — such as drinks and shore excursions — that other lines give away only as loyalty perks to their best customers.

That leaves Regent with fewer perks to offer in its loyalty program. Still, it has come up with some creative ways to reward its most loyal fans, including several that will make a big impact on their wallets.

Ways to earn points

The points-earning system for the Seven Seas Society program is about as simple as can be: You will earn 1 point for every night you stay on a Regent ship.

That’s it. There are no bonus points for staying in a top suite, as there are at some lines. Nor will you get extra points for spending certain amounts of money with the line, as is sometimes the case.

The only exception to the above is for solo cruisers who pay a “single supplement” of 75% or more to stay in a cabin designed for two. They get 2 points for every night they stay on a ship.

For the most part, though, if you take a 10-night cruise with Regent, you will get 10 points (which the line calls “nights”). Take a 20-night cruise, and you will get 20 points.

Related: 5 secrets to getting a luxury cruise for less

Note that in most cases, your points will accrue upon completion of the cruise on which they are earned. In the case of Regent’s longer Grand Voyages and World Cruises, you’ll see your points pop into your account at the end of each official segment of the trip. (You can access your account and more information about Regent’s loyalty program at the Regent website ).

Either way, though, if the number of nights you are sailing during a cruise will elevate you to the next tier of rewards, you will enjoy instant recognition at the higher tier from the moment you board — a great feature of the program in our eyes.

One notable caveat to points earning in the program: You only will get credit for nights where you actually are present on a Regent ship. If you have to leave a cruise early, you won’t earn points for the nights you are not on board. You also won’t earn points for any nights spent in hotels as part of Regent’s pre- and post-cruise hotel and land programs.

Seven Seas Society tiers and benefits

There are seven tiers in the Seven Seas Society program:

• Bronze (7-20 nights)
• Silver (21-74 nights)
• Gold (75-199 nights)
• Platinum (200-399 nights)
• Titanium (400-999 nights)
• Diamond (1,000-1,999 nights)
• Commodore (2,000-plus nights)

Regent only offers cruises of seven nights or longer, so you’ll be at the first tier of the program, Bronze, after a single sailing. If you book one of Regent’s longer sailings as your first cruise with the line, you might even catapult into the second or third tier of the program after just one sailing.

Related: A beginners guide to cruise line loyalty programs  

As is typical for cruise line loyalty programs, the entry-level tier (Bronze) doesn’t bring all that much in terms of truly valuable rewards. The most alluring benefit at this level is the exclusive Seven Seas Society savings that are available on some departures.

In addition, Bronze members get:

• Access to an online personal profile
• An invitation to an onboard Seven Seas Society cocktail reception
• Double loyalty points when paying extra to sail solo

The double loyalty points for sailing solo only apply when paying a “single supplement” of at least 75% of the regular cruise fare for a cabin designed for two people.

Upon reaching the second tier of the program, Silver, things start getting more interesting. In addition to the Bronze-level rewards, you’ll get priority access when making dinner reservations for the three main specialty restaurants on Regent ships: Prime 7, Chartreuse and Pacific Rim. This is a great perk as it’ll give you a better shot at getting the dinner times you want at these eateries.

The Silver level also will get you the following:

• Priority online shore excursion reservations
• One hour of complimentary phone time every time you sail
• A commemorative pin
• A newsletter

At the next level up (Gold), the perks include all of the above plus a $100 shipboard credit per suite every time you sail. We love that perk, as it amounts to real money in your pocket. Plus, you’ll get:

• Unlimited Wi-Fi for free with four logins for up to four devices
• Two more hours of free phone time (for three hours in total)
• Priority disembarkation at voyage completion in select ports
• Choice of newspaper service from papers around the world
• Exclusive activities on board or ashore on every voyage

The Platinum level brings six more hours of phone time and complimentary luggage tags, two perks that don’t get us all that excited. The latter perk, in particular, is something that seems better in an entry-level tier (though to be fair, these luggage tags are made from quality leather).

But the Platinum level also adds the use of free custom air service once per sailing, which can come in handy. It lets you call a Regent concierge who will help customize your included-in-the-fare flights, so they work best for your schedule. Otherwise, you’re stuck with the flights that Regent picks for you or have to pay an extra charge to change them.

Related: Look inside Regent’s swankiest ship ever

The Platinum level also brings a 10% discount on Regent Choice shore excursions (the line’s collection of niche or intimate extra-fee tours), hotel and land programs. This one perk alone could end up saving you hundreds of dollars.

As noted above, you’ll be at the Bronze tier after just one sailing with Regent. Reaching the Silver tier could take as many as three cruises if you stick to seven-night sailings. But you also could reach it in just one longer cruise.

The number of cruises it’ll take you to reach the Gold and Platinum tiers will depend on whether you do short or long sailings. If you stick to seven-night sailings, you’d have to take a whopping 29 cruises to reach the Platinum tier. But there are super long Regent cruises, such as a 168-night world cruise planned for 2025, that will get you almost all the way to Platinum level with a single voyage.

The elite level that makes a difference

We like quite a few of the perks available at the Bronze through Platinum levels of the Seven Seas Society program. But it is at the Titanium level that things really start to impress us.

Specifically, the Titanium level comes with four really nice perks:

• Free private transfers between your home or the airport and the ship, within a 100-mile radius, on embarkation and disembarkation day
• Free unlimited dry cleaning
• An additional 15% discount on Regent Choice shore excursions, hotels and land programs (for 25% total savings)
• Access to your suite at 1 p.m. on embarkation day

We absolutely love the private-transfer perk, which lets you start and end your trips in style. There’s nothing like having a private car pick you up at home at the start of the trip or a chauffeur waiting for you upon arrival at the airport. We also love the free unlimited dry cleaning perk. The discounts on shore excursions, hotels and land programs at this level can save you big money — more than $1,000 when booking some add-on land programs.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Getting to the Titanium level in the Seven Seas Society takes a whole lot of cruising. At a minimum, you’d need to spend the equivalent of more than a year at sea to hit the 400-night threshold for the tier. You could do that by sailing 58 seven-night cruises, 29 two-week cruises or three world cruises (the latter typically lasting around 150 to 170 days).

Best Seven Seas Society elite perk

Regent’s Seven Seas Society program doesn’t include a truly over-the-top perk, like the free cruises that rival Silversea Cruises gives out to members who hit certain milestones. But we do appreciate the 5% and 10% discounts on cruise fares that the line offers to members who reach the Diamond and Commodore tiers, respectively. That can be worth thousands of dollars when booking some sailings. Note that these discounts are available on any sailing you book, not just select Seven Seas Society sailings (for which, as mentioned above, you can get discounts upon reaching the Bronze tier of the program).

Diamond-level members also get one free Regent Choice shore excursion per voyage segment, up to $250 in value, as well as an invitation to new ship christenings (something that doesn’t happen all that often, alas).

The Commodore level adds two more perks that, while not worth a huge amount monetarily, are about as cool as it gets in the world of loyalty programs:

• A commemorative Commodore officers jacket
• A commemorative plaque in your name placed on all ships in the Regent fleet

The cutoffs for the Diamond and Commodore tiers are 1,000 nights and 2,000 nights at sea, respectively — levels that only the most dedicated cruisers can reach. But with years of heavy sailings, the feat is doable.

Related: Regent unveils epic, monthslong world cruise  

Note that, as is often the case with cruise line loyalty programs, Regent customers do not have to requalify for status each year. Seven Seas Society members keep their points at the end of each year and continue to accrue points indefinitely. That means that someone who hits Commodore status (and gets that cool jacket) will remain at that top-tier level forever (or until Regent makes a change to the program).

Such “forever status” is one of the great allures of cruise line loyalty programs. Many airline frequent flyer programs, by contrast, require members to requalify for status each year.

Bottom line

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a robust frequent cruiser program with some great perks at its higher tiers. While it doesn’t offer a single perk that is truly knock-your-socks-off, such as the free cruises that a few lines give to customers who reach high levels of status, it brings significant discounts and value-added perks that begin at mid-tier levels.

This is all the more impressive given that Regent is one of the most all-inclusive lines in cruising. Regent includes so many things in its fares — such as drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi and shore excursions — that it leaves very little available to offer to loyal customers as an upgrade other than straight-out discounts on trips. But the line has found other ways to add value  — from free concierge service when arranging flights to a commemorative Commodore jacket.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

St Petersburg to Moscow

By venicia , February 23, 2016 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Recommended Posts

I checked the ports section to see if there was any information in reference to going from St. Petersburg to Moscow, but there was nothing there. We are on the August 24 N. Europe sailing on Voyager and have booked the train trip to Moscow. Have any of you taken this trip and was it totally exhausting?

I did research on the train and noticed there are various categories of seats, similar to an airline with first class/ business class, etc. Was wondering what level Regent book's their customers in.

Another question, this is our first cruise on Regent and was wondering about the air. We booked a PH so business air is included, but I noticed quite a bit of posting about deviation. How do you know what you have been scheduled for by Regent or do you just check airlines and then notify Regent what you would like and they charge the extra fees?

thank you for any assistance you provide. I am so happy for CC and being able to get all the great info I do here. I don't post much but I sure do read a lot.:)

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Just read a wonderful review on the Crystal board (with pictures) that will definitely inspire you to do the Moscow trip. I'm so sorry that we didn't do it!

Another question, this is our first cruise on Regent and was wondering about the air. We booked a PH so business air is included, but I noticed quite a bit of posting about deviation. How do you know what you have been scheduled for by Regent or do you just check airlines and then notify Regent what you would like and they charge the extra fees?   thank you for any assistance you provide. I am so happy for CC and being able to get all the great info I do here. I don't post much but I sure do read a lot.:)

In regards to your flights, you will get them approx. 75 days prior to your departure which is much too late to usually be able to do anything about changing them to better flights. Many people choose to arrive several days early and depart for home several days after their cruise and to do this you must deviate. You are taking your chances on your routing by waiting for the Regent Flights.

Regent starts taking deviations 270 days prior to your departure and knowledgeable people immediately at that time make their deviation to get their preferred flights at the lowest, if charged additional add on. You have absolutely nothing at risk if you ask for your deviation as the $175 is not charged until you agree on the flights and any possible upcharges. You can go back and forth with offers and responses until you get the flights you like or simply stop the process at any time at no cost to you and wait for the included air. Traveling overseas increases the risk of delays in flights plus it is overnight to Europe so jet lag can be an issue as well as arrival on the morning or afternoon of embarkation runs the risk of "missing the boat".

Highly recommend asking about deviations and see what you get and how much you might have to pay, if anything and then make up your mind. The included flights without deviation may not be the most direct and can involve long connection times. Only you can decide the best approach for you.

We have been assigned some great flights 75 days prior to our cruise date. We also deviate if there is a certain flight with a certain airline that we want. Actually, there is a bit of a risk if you pay the $175/person and deviate. We have had flight changes that do not work for us and Regent could impose an additional fee. Also, there is an up-charge for certain flights.

Suggest that you read post #65 on this thread http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1832227&page=4 which explains deviation in more detail.

In terms of St. Petersburg to Moscow, while we have not done that excursion we have been to St. Petersburg twice with Regent and the days are exhausting without going to Moscow. This is a wonderful but very port intensive itinerary. Also, St. Petersburg has so many incredible things to see that you may want to do excursions there. However, if you are full of energy and really want to visit Moscow, I'd say go for it:)

RALLY DAVE,

thank you so much for your response, we'll go ahead and do the deviation as we really prefer non stop to London and know we will have to do a connection from Stockholm. We will be in London before the cruise and have extended our return trip home from Stockholm to wander about there as well.

thank you Memlin, i'll go and take a look at the Crystal posting!

great information off your link about deviation......will check around and if something is too good to pass up then will try for the deviation. We have been to Europe multiple times and normally had direct flights, but one never knows.

We are fortunate that we often drive to one of the gateway airports since we have friends all over the east coast. Often drive to Miami, Atlanta, for this trip we are leaving from Orlando, staying with friends before the flight.

again, thank you so very much for your info!

I know my wife and I passed on the Moscow by air excursion a few years ago and we're still kind of torn about it. On the one hand, I really wanted to see Moscow (still do) but on the other hand, it was a brutal schedule. There was so much to see and do in St Petersburg though, so it wasn't critical to see Moscow on that trip...but next time we're there, I'm definitely going to check it out.

Not sure how long the train ride is down there, nor how the Russian trains are but if they're anything like the trains I've taken in Europe, there's not a huge difference in the classes of service. Usually the same amount of space, just nicer amenities in First Class. And probably fewer 'interesting' people, I'd imagine.

UUnet Bill,

I know the trip is 4 hours each way. I reviewed the post on Crystal and now feel so much better about booking it. It will be a quite long day, possibly around 18 hours, but memories are made from these type of trips. We were so excited to see the optional trip to Moscow and decided we can sleep on the way there and on the way back to the ship, but to be this close we just knew we wanted to do it. We were interested in the air tour, but it was not available for our cruise, so the train it shall be.

The train appears to be similar to the bullet train in Japan. I found it so unusual that I was unable to find any posts about this tour..... and then Memlin posted about the tour a cruiser posted on the Crystal section and it was fabulous.

I believe that the more upgraded cars of the train have the larger more comfortable seats. After all, just as an airplane takes all its passengers to the same location so will this train. Just was hoping to not be squeezed in one of those little middle seats for our tour.

Many, many, oh so many years ago on one of our first trips to Europe, we were in the middle of the middle of the economy seats to Holland. Oh, my goodness, I had to use the restroom during the flight.......Yes, I know you are all smiling or laughing, but really, it can become a pressing problem! and you have to excuse yourself to 2 other persons regardless of which way you choose to leave this section.

As one gets older, comfort becomes so much more important, doesn't it? When we first were able to move to business class, I thought we moved to heaven! When we were able to always book at least a suite on a cruise ship I thought we are the most blessed persons in the world.

My goodness, how did I ever get on this soapbox.

happy travels to all

My husband and I did the Moscow excursion and we are soooo glad we did. We did it last year in August and it is wonderful. Do not miss this. Well worth the money. It was a long day but well worth it. The seats on the train are okay.

The day we went the weather was great.

Kandy from Texas

commodore2010

We did the Moscow excursion by Air with Regent. Great trip and we are very glad we did it. It was probably the only chance we would have to see Moscow and it was spectacular.

• 11 months later...

Well, I know it's a year-old post but I came across it while searching for 'Moscow' in the forum...we're back in St. Petersburg this August and have decided to do the Moscow trip - sounds like it's going to be well worth the time and expense - if anyone else has any updated info on this excursion, I'd sure love to hear about it!

I did the train to Moscow on the last voyage of the season on the Voyager Sept 25, 2016. Your questions. We left the ship at 4:30 am. Bus to the St Pete train station and left about 7:00am. While the train does have 3 classes, all of the tour was in the economy class. Seats are comparable to airplane economy plus seats. That is to say not that great. You can not upgrade. Our group of 45 were all in one car. The ride is 4 hours each way, with 2 stops along the way. Not much to see along the way, a few small farms and rivers. Left Moscow about 7:30 pm and back to the ship just before midnight. Yes it is a long day and the train ride is not that comfortable. As to why Regent didn't use a better class in the train, I was told that it was the vendor decision. This train is not the same as quality as the "Bullet" or TGV trains in western Europe.

Cost was about $1,300 pp. I was discounted 25 % becasue of my Titanium status.

They take you to the highlights, the Kremlin and its museums, ride on the Moscow subway and Red Square. I am glad I did the trip, but I would not do it again. But I knew that this was going to be a "one and done" trip for me.

You can email me if you have any other questions.

DeepFreeze63

We have been to both St. Petersburg (Regent and Viking) and Moscow (Viking). We loved them both. Our 3 days in Moscow were terrific but not long enough; I can't imagine "seeing" this fascinating city in one day. St. Petersburg is even better than Moscow! We have spent about 10, days there - just about enough. Unless this is absolutely the only way(time) that you will see Moscow, spent your few days in marvelous St. P.

I don't know if this is a 'one-and-done' for us, but if it is, I'd like to at least see Moscow. We've spent 3 days in St P before with two more coming up on this trip. We passed on this trip last time we were in St P so we could spend more time there but we've always somewhat regretted skipping Moscow. I know it's going to be like trying to experience NYC or D.C. In one day - not possible but still cool for the highlights.

Emperor Norton

I checked the ports section to see if there was any information in reference to going from St. Petersburg to Moscow, but there was nothing there. We are on the August 24 N. Europe sailing on Voyager and have booked the train trip to Moscow. Have any of you taken this trip and was it totally exhausting?   I did research on the train and noticed there are various categories of seats, similar to an airline with first class/ business class, etc. Was wondering what level Regent book's their customers in.   Another question, this is our first cruise on Regent and was wondering about the air. We booked a PH so business air is included, but I noticed quite a bit of posting about deviation. How do you know what you have been scheduled for by Regent or do you just check airlines and then notify Regent what you would like and they charge the extra fees?   thank you for any assistance you provide. I am so happy for CC and being able to get all the great info I do here. I don't post much but I sure do read a lot.:)

I did the train version of the trip on Seabourn. It was very exhausting. First I'd done Catherines palace the night before and due to an accident along the way didn't return until ~0100. The tour left at 0400 that morning and we didn't return until around midnight (then there was the third day of tours...). Seabourn sadly didn't book us into anything special so several hours of no recline seats, no a/c. That train ride was probably the worst part of the trip.

Links to what I saw in St. Petersburg/Moscow (I wasn't overly snap happy in Moscow - also at least at the time no photos in the museuems):

We were in St. Petersburg last summer and took a private tour to Moscow one day. I see on here that someone paid $1300 per person.

We found doing it privately was significantly better for the following reasons

1. We were picked up at 6am for the 7am train. (Not 4:30 am!!)

2. We were escorted to the seats on our train.

3. We were upgraded to business class ( my request)

4. We were met trainside by a private guide in Moscow.

5. It was our group (there were 6 of us) only and we had a 20 passenger coach driving us from site to site.

6. We chose what we wanted to visit and for how long.

7. We were escorted to our seats on the train on the return.

8. The only negative was the fact that the food (supplied free in business class) was pretty close to inedible.

9. When we got back to St Pete we asked for a night tour as we had all slept on the train.

The best part? I recall it was around $500 pp.

Just something to consider

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We were in St. Petersburg last summer and took a private tour to Moscow one day. I see on here that someone paid $1300 per person. We found doing it privately was significantly better for the following reasons 1. We were picked up at 6am for the 7am train. (Not 4:30 am!!) 2. We were escorted to the seats on our train. 3. We were upgraded to business class ( my request) 4. We were met trainside by a private guide in Moscow. 5. It was our group (there were 6 of us) only and we had a 20 passenger coach driving us from site to site. 6. We chose what we wanted to visit and for how long. 7. We were escorted to our seats on the train on the return. 8. The only negative was the fact that the food (supplied free in business class) was pretty close to inedible. 9. When we got back to St Pete we asked for a night tour as we had all slept on the train.   The best part? I recall it was around $500 pp.   Just something to consider     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

IMO, everything in Russia is better seen on private excursions. Your experience sounds so much better than what others have posted. We have been to St. Petersburg twice - there was so much to see that we have yet to see Moscow (given the time it takes to get there and back, it is unlikely that we will ever see it).

We were in St. Petersburg last summer and took a private tour to Moscow one day. I see on here that someone paid $1300 per person. We found doing it privately was significantly better for the following reasons.................................................................................   The best part? I recall it was around $500 pp.   Just something to consider

Except:::You can only do this trip on you own as you describe if you private purchase a Russian visa. The visa that the ship gets for the passengers do not allow for independent excursions.

Last time I checked the Russian visas cost was $225.00 and you need to send in your passport. Also the ship is in port for 3days/2 night so you can only do the trip on the 2nd full day. The train schedules are not consistent and what works one day may not the next. I looked into doing this on my own before I went last fall and decided that is was not worth saving (for me) $200 per person.

Except:::You can only do this trip on you own as you describe if you private purchase a Russian visa. The visa that the ship gets for the passengers do not allow for independent excursions.     Last time I checked the Russian visas cost was $225.00 and you need to send in your passport. Also the ship is in port for 3days/2 night so you can only do the trip on the 2nd full day. The train schedules are not consistent and what works one day may not the next. I looked into doing this on my own before I went last fall and decided that is was not worth saving (for me) $200 per person.   J

Can you still fly to Moscow? This would save a lot of time - even though it would cost more $$$.

Johnthesailor

If you are with a licensed guide you do not need a visa. The guide has to be with you the entire time, including on the train and must be sanctioned by the authorities. Doesn't matter if you are going around locally or around Moscow. It might matter if you intended to stay the night but the references here have been to same day tours.

If you are with a licensed guide you do not need a visa. The guide has to be with you the entire time, including on the train and must be sanctioned by the authorities. Doesn't matter if you are going around locally or around Moscow. It might matter if you intended to stay the night but the references here have been to same day tours.   Best, John

Not true. You need a visa if you are going to use anyone other than a official ship tour.

Yes you can fly, but the train is much faster overall time wise when you add in transfer time, security, pre-boarding, flight, deplaning, transfer to Moscow, you need to figure about 6 hours each way.

Not true. You need a visa if you are going to use anyone other than a official ship tour.   j

J, not sure about that - every thing I've seen so far says as long as you're with a licensed tour company you don't need a visa. Doesn't specify only ships tours, but the 72-hour visa exemption is only for cruise passengers. Visas are only required if you want to go out on your own.

At least that was my understanding.

A lot of what everyone is saying is true but, there are some missing nuances. Yes, everyone going ashore in Russia needs a visa. The ship get a blanket visa covering everyone going on ships tours and everyone has to remain with the tour. For those taking independent tours, the major tour companies are able to get you a Visa that again allows you on tours where again you have to stay with the tour. Therefore, if you want to do an indepent tour to Moscow you have to go with a tour company that will get your the required visa.as long as the tour company gets it for you. Now the tricky part. From reading it appears that some tour companies don't have the guide accompanying you on the train or plane and for that you would need a visa you get yourself. So, appears if you want to do an independent tour to Moscow, you have to use a tour company that will get you the required visa and have guides that are with your the entire day. Cannot drop you at the train station and then get another guide upon arrival in Moscow. Of course that is an assumption and perhaps the tour company is allowed to put you on the train or plane and then pick you up upon arrival. Best to ask the requirements from the tour companies organizing the one day tours to Moscow.

There are easy tours to Moscow - less $$$ than with Regent. Check out this site: https://www.viator.com/tours/St-Petersburg/St-Petersburg-Shore-Excursion-Private-Moscow-Day-Trip-Including-Flight-and-Train/d908-6225PRTSPBMOSPRIV . Viator is a personal favorite of ours. You fly one way and take a train back.

Here is another option: http://www.guide-guru.com/destinations/petersburg-cruise-tours/1-day-moscow-cruise/air/ Neither of these options require a visa!

Alternatively, you can get your own visa and do it on your own. IMO, using a tour company is the easiest way to go:)

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Friday at 07:21 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 03:17 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 04:15 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 03:00 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 10:41 AM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

No Princess to Moscow Excursion?!

By JordanF , March 21, 2005 in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

Recommended Posts

It appears that Princess is dropping the excursion to Moscow! What's up with that?

Link to comment

Share on other sites, princess di.

1. So very expensive that there are not enough takers to warrant hiring a Tour Guide. :eek:

2. 17.5-hour day is too long. :confused:

3. 5 hours travel time (1 hour to airport, 1 hour flight + fooling around at airport time = 5 hours). :o

4. There are sooooooo many beautiful places to visit right there in SPb. :cool:

Jordan: So sorry if you are disappointed. I know you really wanted to do that. I had not heard that it was cancelled; however, you are going in June, if I remember correctly. I don't go until September. You booked at Cab-Inn? Do you have your pre-cruise Docs?

I plan on doing Moscow another time. :D

• 2 weeks later...

After reading your post, I had to find out why. Turns out that the Princess web site hasn't been updated. :( The Intro to Moscow excursion lists available dates of Jan 01, 2004 - Sep 30 , 2004 ! :eek: Like you, we were planning on this one and are very disappointed. Maybe, and it's probably a BIG maybe, Princess will bring it back. I won't hold my breath though, as this would have to be arranged far in advance for a group outing.

Smooth sailing.

It is not on the selection for the July 24th Star Princess cruise. They have been available for selecting for about a week now.

[1. So very expensive that there are not enough takers to warrant hiring a Tour Guide. 2. 17.5-hour day is too long. :confused: 3. 5 hours travel time (1 hour to airport, 1 hour flight + fooling around at airport time = 5 hours). 4. There are sooooooo many beautiful places to visit right there in SPb.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Friday at 07:21 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 03:17 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 04:15 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 03:00 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 10:41 AM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...