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Take a Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise

Post Updated: December 29, 2023 By Alissa Pittman

Editor Rating

• Rated 3 stars
• Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise
• Reviewed by: Alissa Pittman
• Published on: December 29, 2023
• Last modified: December 29, 2023

Review Summary:

This is one of those attractions where your expectations really make a difference. If you are expecting a extravagant 5 star meal aboard a luxury yacht you will probably be disappointed. If you expect a cozy down-home meal aboard a rustic ship you will have a good time. There are several ships in rotation and the condition of the ships do vary. Additionally for the dinner cruise, dinner is not served on the boat, you eat on the destination you visit. The view does offer excellent sightseeing, and the tour guides are usually informative and entertaining. You can save if you use a Go Miami Card to visit this attractions

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One popular attraction found in Florida is taking a cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat . This activity allows visitors to enjoy sightseeing or a nice dinner in a fun and interesting manner. Customers have the option of enjoying the evening dinner cruise or one of the two daily sightseeing cruises.

The Jungle Queen Riverboat offers a Bar-B-Que Ribs, Chicken, and Shrimp Dinner Cruise. This cruise departs at six in the evening and last about four hours. The riverboat cruises up the New River, while guests enjoy sightseeing and the captain’s commentary. The boat then docks at the Jungle Queen’s exotic island where guests enjoy an all you can eat dinner of chicken, ribs, and shrimp. After dinner guest may enjoy the Jungle Queen’s variety show, which is called The Variety Revue. Visitors then enjoy a moonlight ride back to the docks. This dinner cruise costs thirty-nine dollars and ninety-five cents for adults and twenty-one dollars and ninety-five cents for children.

This riverboat also offers three hour sightseeing cruises. These cruises start at nine thirty in the morning and one thirty in the afternoon. The Jungle Queen passes by sights such as yacht and storage basins, downtown Ft. Lauderdale and the Florida Everglades. The captain also provides an entertaining and informative commentary along the way. This riverboat cruise stops at the Jungle Queen Indian Village. At this tropical island setting visitors may observe and learn about the rare foliage, colorful macaws, rare birds, and the Seminole Indians. There are also exhibits containing exotic animals such as Iguanas and monkeys. There is an interesting and educational Alligator show that visitors can enjoy while at this attraction. The sightseeing cruises cost seventeen dollars and fifty cents for adults and twelve dollars and seventy-five cents for children.

The Jungle Queen Riverboat cruises provide a very memorable experience. Whether you are interested in a nice dinner or just in the sightseeing, this attraction has a lot to offer. Families and individuals will all enjoy a trip on the Jungle Queen.

[schema type=”organization” orgtype=”LocalBusiness” url=”http://www.junglequeen.com/” name=”Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise ” description=”” street=”801 Seabreeze Blvd # Rta1a ” city=”Fort Lauderdale” state=”FL” postalcode=”33316-1629 ” ]

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Jungle Queen Riverboat: Famous Sightseeing Cruise of Fort Lauderdale

Tickets for Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise in Fort Lauderdale  🎫 Adult (13-64) 🎫 Child (2-12)

Highlights 🌟 Enjoy a 90-minute cruise filled with famous people on the dazzling New River in Fort Lauderdale 💰 Witness Millionaire's Row and marvel at the opulent homes worth over $30 million 🚢 Discover the river's captivating past and let your well-informed guide unravel the mystery of each magnificent mega-yacht 🍴 Indulge in delicious food and drinks available for purchase on board

General Information 📅 Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector 📍 Location: New River, Fort Lauderdale ⏳ Duration: 90 minutes. Tour duration may be affected by the weather or waterway congestion 👤 Age requirement: all ages are welcome, children under 2 access free. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult ♿ Accessibility: the activity is wheelchair-accessible ❗ Boarding photos not included. For more information, please refer to our T&Cs

Description Prepare to be blown away by the sheer opulence and glamour of this incredible 90-minute cruise in Miami! Brace yourself as you embark on a journey along the magnificent New River, lovingly dubbed the 'Venice of America', where you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of ostentatious mansions and jaw-dropping mega-yachts owned by the crème de la crème of society. Enthralling tales of the river's rich history will be shared by your knowledgeable guide, who will also point out the lavish homes of renowned celebrities like the legendary Shaquille O'Neal and the iconic Oprah Winfrey. And that's not all! Our delightful menu of scrumptious food and refreshing beverages will ensure your taste buds are also tantalized. Get ready to have your mind blown, for this awe-inspiring trip will leave an indelible mark on your memory! Get your tickets now!

Getting there

Jungle Queen

801 Seabreeze Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, 33316

Select date and session

No booking fees

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Jungle Queen Riverboat Fort Lauderdale Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises

Head to the ocean in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a ride on the world-famous Jungle Queen riverboat cruise. With plenty of options to choose, from sightseeing cruises to a dinner cruise featuring a mouthwatering meal, you are sure to have a great time. Experiencing the beauty of Fort Lauderdale out on the water is the coolest way to do it, and you can have a brilliant time when you book Jungle Queen Riverboat cruise tickets. 

About the Cruises

About the Jungle Queen Riverboat

If you are looking for a unique way to explore the scenery and picturesque waters of Fort Lauderdale, be sure to check out one of these brilliant cruises. No matter which of the wonderful cruises you embark upon, the Jungle Queen riverboat sightseeing cruise is definitely a fantastic activity to add to any Fort Lauderdale getaway. Combine it with other Fort Lauderdale area attractions for an unforgettable vacation!

• Approximately how long is Jungle Queen Riverboat Fort Lauderdale Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises? Dinner cruise lasts approximately 4 hours. Sightseeing cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes.
• How many decks or levels are there aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat Fort Lauderdale Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises? 2 decks.
• What lake or river does the Jungle Queen Riverboat Fort Lauderdale Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises cruise on? New River.
• How many passengers does the boat hold? 385 passengers.
• For what ages is the tour appropriate? Great for all ages.
• Is photography / video recording allowed on the Jungle Queen Riverboat Fort Lauderdale Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises? Yes.
• Is the Jungle Queen Riverboat Fort Lauderdale Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises handicap accessible? Yes.
• Are alcoholic beverages served at Jungle Queen Riverboat Fort Lauderdale Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises? Yes. There is a full bar available serving up beer, cocktails, wine, and other spirits.
• Savory fall-off-the-bone baby-back ribs
• Hand-battered chicken tenders
• Freshly made coleslaw
• Corn on the cob

Soft drinks, lemonade, juices, bottled water, and alcohol are all available for purchase.

Jungle Queen – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, FAQs

The Jungle Queen Riverboat has been sailing the waterways of Fort Lauderdale for more than 80 years, since 1935.

Jungle Queen Riverboat is famous for the way they treat their guests, navigate the, at times, narrow riverways, and create an entertaining atmosphere for everyone on board.

This cruise takes visitors around the city’s most notable landmarks while providing all entertainment options in one location.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Jungle Queen Riverboat. 

Table of contents

What to expect.

Are you curious about how wealthy people live? Then Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise is the best way to find out.

Let a guide take you down the ‘Venice of America’ and show you the lavish houses and enormous yachts of the millionaires on a trip that is bound to leave a lasting impression on you!

Witness ostentatious homes worth over $30 million, some of which belong (or have belonged) to famous celebrities such as Shaquille O’Neal, Will Smith, and Oprah Winfrey.

During the cruise, you can satisfy your hunger and thirst as food and drinks are available to purchase on board.

The experienced guides on the cruise will make your trip informative and memorable as they provide details about the surrounding homes, boats, and landmarks, all while adding some humor and answering all your questions.

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Where to book tickets

Tickets for the Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise are available to be purchased at the ticket office or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

How do online tickets work

Go to the Jungle Queen Riverboat booking page , select your preferred date, timeslot, and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

Show the smartphone tickets at the gate on the day of your visit and begin your adventure.

Jungle Queen Riverboat ticket prices

Adult tickets for the Jungle Queen Cruise cost US$35 for all visitors aged 13 and above.

Children aged two to 12 years can get the tickets for a discounted price of US$24. 

Infants up to two years of age can join for free.

Jungle Queen tickets

Guests can go on a 90-minute Jungle Queen sightseeing cruise and enjoy the city’s riverfront views.

The cruise offers narrated tours along the shimmering waters of Fort Lauderdale’s historic and shimmering New River.

Get an in-depth understanding of the river’s history and identify each mega-yacht owner with your knowledgeable guide’s help.

Visitors can cancel or reschedule their tickets up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

Visitors can upgrade their experience and purchase food and drinks on board the cruise.

Ticket Price

Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$35 Child Ticket (2 to 12 years): US$22 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

Save time and money! Buy the Miami Go City Pass and discover over 25 top Miami-area activities, attractions, and tours. With this all-inclusive pass, you can explore Zoo Miami, Seaquarium, Big Bus Miami Hop-On Hop-Off, and many more!

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Jungle Queen Riverboat will vary depending on the tour option you choose.

It’s important to keep in mind that the meeting location may change.

Visitors should check the booking page before arriving to confirm the exact location.

Jungle Queen Riverboats operate on all days of the week.

Visitors can choose between cruises starting at noon or at 2.30 pm.

Visitors are advised to reach at least 45 minutes before their scheduled departure.

How long does the tour take

The Jungle Queen cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes. 

The tour length may vary from time to time due to weather or traffic on the waterways.

Best time to visit

It is best to book your cruise on a weekday to have the best experience.

Tours on weekends and public holidays tend to be the busiest.

The weather also plays a key role in determining the best time to go on the Jungle Queen Cruise, so its better to check the weather forecast before booking your cruise.

Route of Jungle Queen Cruise 

The Jungle Queen Cruise starts from Bahia Mar Yachting Center, and as you sail ahead, you’ll be exposed to sights of renowned sites. 

Catch glimpses of Colee Hammock Park, RiverWalk  Fort Lauderdale, Abreu Park, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, Broward County Convention Center, and many more!

Keep an eye out for the Millionaires Row; you never know, you may spot P.Diddy sipping a cup of coffee in his garden!

FAQs about Jungle Queen

Here are some questions visitors usually ask before taking the Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise.

Should I pre-book tickets for the Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise?

Yes, it is best to buy tickets in advance to ensure availability and have a hassle-free experience.

Is food included in the Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise?

No, the ticket does not include food and beverages. However, visitors are free to buy the food onboard.

Is the Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible.

Are life jackets available on the cruise?

Yes, visitors will be provided with jackets when getting on the Jungle Queen cruise.

Can I bring my own food or drinks on the Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise?

No, outside food and drinks are not allowed on the cruise.

What should I wear on the Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise?

It is recommended that visitors wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes to have the most comfortable experience.

Are pets allowed on the Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise?

No, pets are not allowed on the cruise.

How many passengers can the Jungle Queen Riverboat carry?

The upper and lower decks of the riverboat can accommodate up to 385 passengers.

Is there a restroom on the Jungle Queen cruise?

Yes, there are restrooms on the lower decks of the cruise.

Can we go on the top decks on the Jungle Queen cruise?

Visitors are welcome to sit on the upper deck. However, only crew members can access the top pilothouse deck.

Does the Jungle Queen cruise offer electrical connections to plug in oxygen tanks or charge cell phones?

Yes, limited power outlets are accessible for customer use on cruises. Please check with a crew member regarding availability.

Does Jungle Queen serve alcoholic beverages?

Yes. The cruise has full-service bars. There’s beer, wine, rum punch, pia coladas, and other specialty cocktails. Please remember that all persons consuming alcohol in Florida must be over 21 years old. 

Does Jungle Queen Cruise offer parking?

Yes, there is parking near the Box Office at the Bahia Mar Hotel. Metered parking is available for a cost. There is limited handicapped parking at the dock.

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This article was researched & written by

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise. Save 5% with Mobile-Friendly Coupon Codes, Promo Codes

Save 5% off jungle queen sightseeing cruise.

Jungle Queen Riverboats 90-minute sightseeing cruise has been named one of Fort Lauderdale's top attractions by USA Today. Perfect for those who want to squeeze a lot of sightseeing into a limited amount of time. Sit back and enjoy this fully narrated 90-minute cruise along the New River through the "Venice of America" in Fort Lauderdale. Sailing through Millionaire’s Row you will admire homes of the Rich and Famous, spectacular Mega Yachts, and sights beyond belief.

You'll see ostentatious homes with price tags over $30 million. Some belong, or have belonged, to the likes of Shaquille O'Neal, Will Smith, and Oprah Winfrey. Star Island isn't called Star Island for nothing!

Your taste for riches may increase on this cruise, but your old fashioned appetite will be well taken care of, as food and drinks are available to buy on board.

JUNGLE QUEEN CRUISES. MAKING WAVES SINCE 1935.

Buy tickets online and get instant ticket delivery.

Available: Year-Round. Rain or Shine.

Duration: 90 minutes

Departures: Daliy 12:00 PM & 2:30 PM Boarding starts approximately 45 minutes prior to cruise time. Arrive 45 minutes prior to departure. Allow ample time for traffic, parking, and obtaining your boarding pass. Location: Bahia Mar Yachting Center, 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33316

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REGULAR TICKET PRICES: Adults (13-64)  $34.90  ... $33.16 Seniors (64+)  $31.64 ...  $33.16 Child (2-12)  $23.68 ...  $22.49 *  Price INCLUDES tax & fees!! NO processing fees! Prices are subject to change without notice.

Click the BUY NOW button. No Promo Code required. You will see your Discount Code DESCOUPON5  has already been applied. Continue with your purchase.

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Journey Through Time: The Jungle Queen Legacy

Fort Lauderdale Incorporated

Fort Lauderdale Airport Starts Service

Captain Al Starts Launches JQ

Seminole Indian Trading Post

JQ's First Location

JQ Adds Dinner and a Show

The Restaurant Pavilion is Built

JQ goes Double Decker

JQ moves to Bahia Mar

JQ2 is Built

JQ3 is Built

Comedian earl faber buys jq.

Miss America Visits JQ

Jerome c. faber, takes over, jq4 is built.

Third Generation Takes the Helm

Be a part of history.

Jungle Queen Riverboat has been sailing the waterways of Fort Lauderdale since 1935, that is over 80 years of expertise! The experience really shines when it comes to treating guests, navigating the sometimes tight river ways, and providing an entertaining atmosphere. Besides all of the history, we also have one of the best looking tour boats on the water.

See Millionaire’s Row

The main section of the tour, near the New River, is home to some of the most amazing and expensive homes in Florida. These homes are reserved for the ultra rich; rightfully so, it should be called billionaire’s row. From television producer Michael Mann, who created the hit show Miami Vice, to the heir of Kohl’s department stores, some of the most wealthy individuals in the world have showcase homes here. Not to mention, yachts from Steven Spielberg and the like are also viewable.

You may not recognize the names of some of these rich and powerful people, such as Wayne Huizenga, who co-founded companies including Blockbuster, AutoNation, and Waste Management, but their massive multi-million dollar compounds are worthy of admiration and plenty of photos during your Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise.

Expert Guides

With decades of experience sailing up and down the Intercoastal Waterway, our expert guides will certainly make your trip informative and memorable. The guides are knowledgeable and quick as they give you details about the surrounding homes, boats, and other noteworthy landmarks, adding in a bit of humor along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either. Why risk taking a tour of this “Venice of America” that “might” have a knowledgeable guide onboard?

Sip and Sail

You are on vacation after all! Our fully equipped river boat comes stocked with an onboard bar. Along with seeing some amazing sights, you can sip on beer, wine, or even a mixed drink from the comfort of the boat. There is also bottled water, soda, and energy drinks available. All drinks are additional costs but are reasonably priced. Exploring the Ft. Lauderdale waterways is bound to make you thirsty. Luckily, you can quench that thirst in style when you take a Jungle Queen Riverboat cruise.

JQ History Reel

Jq history in pictures.

Cruises Rain or Shine

The Jungle Queen Riverboat has been enjoyed by many since 1935.

In addition to the famous Island Dinner & Show Cruise, the Riverboat offers a 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise.

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Embarkation & Box Office

• Bahia Mar Yachting Center 801 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33316 Parking available on site
• 954-462-5596
• [email protected]
• 10am-5pm (Mon) 10am-6:30pm (Tues - Sun) Subject to change during peak & holiday season.

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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