harties boat cruise location

• Daily Cruises
• Boat Rentals
• Sunday Lunch
• Shingalani Safaris & Bush Camp
• Accommodation in Harties
• Unimog Adventures

Boat Cruises

Daily Lunch Cruise

• R545 per person
• Children 6-12 R295.00
• 13h00 to 15h00
• 2 hour cruise
• Buffet of finger & Fork gourmet Snacks
• Music & Cash Bar

Champagne Sunset Cruise

• 16h00 to 18h00
• Champagne Welcome drink

Daily Brunch Cruise

• R545 per adult
• 10h00 to 12h00
• A beautiful 2 Hour Cruise around Hartbeespoortdam
• Breakfast/Brunch Gourmet Finger Food Platters
• Cash Bar on board

Best Dam Sunday Lunch Cruise

• R495.00 per adult
• Children 6-12 R245.00
• Welcome Drink on Arrival
• 3 Course Buffet Lunch

Come celebrate your birthday on one of our cruises

Why not book a combo

Boat cruise & bush braai combo, harties boat company offers a unique canvas in hartbeespoort dam to make your next corporate event/cruise memorable..

• Breakfast/brunch Cruise (10 to 12) with a generous finger and fork buffet breakfast
• Lunch Cruise (13h00 to 15h00) with either a menu of hot and cold finger & fork lunch or full 3 course buffet
• Sunset Cruise (16h00 to 18h00) with platters of canopies and a gourmet cocktail finger & fork menu

• Things to Do
• Sunday Lunch
• Game Drives
• Helicopter Flights

Corporate Events

Private charter, welcome aboard.

your very own harties cruise boat experience

Join us on the Harties Cruise Boat deep inside the Cradle of Humankind…

As you look up, you see the crystal-clear azure blue skies overhead dotted with white clouds. If you’re lucky, you may see the highly endangered Cape Vultures and rare Black Eagles flying above you. You are flanked on one side by the awe-inspiring vertical cliffs of the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains the oldest mountain range on earth, and, on the other side you see more gentle-sloping Witwatersberg. Around you the water ripples past with an expectant gurgling excitement and a Fish Eagle cries its lofty song in the distance.

Something to Celebrate

BIRTHDAYS PARTIES • BABYSHOWERS • ENGAGEMENT PARTIES AND MORE

Speak to our team about your special event. Book a table of 6 and we will decorate your table with balloons and sparklers and we will provide a complimentary cake.

In line with the Government Gazetted requirements from the Minister of telecommunications 23 March 2020 we are publishing the link the South African government’s Covid-19 portal

We take great care of you

OUR DEDICATED CREW IS HERE TO LOOK AFTER YOU

You’re surrounded by your friends. Everyone is totally relaxed, having fun, listening to great tracks, enjoying their favourite drinks and savouring mouth-watering snack platters. The dedicated boat crew are taking care of your every need. Everything about this Harties Cruise Boat experience is sheer bliss, creating vivid memories which are forever etched into your mind.

finger food

Things to Do in Harties

Boat cruises · game drive · ski boat rides ·helicopter flights ·bush camp sunday lunch · weddings · corporate events …, harties has such a great buzz about it.

This is heaven on earth, and you can experience this daily on either our midmorning, lunchtime or sunset cruise. If you’re after a corporate charter or private charter cruise, then you’ve come to the right place. Tell us exactly what you want, and we’ll organise you the ultimate private cruise experience. Nothing is too much trouble for us at Harties Cruise Boat and delighting you is what we do.

Things to Do in Harties…

Harties sunday buffet lunch.

your very own piece of heaven at the shingalani bush camp

Harties Sunday Buffet Lunch R445

Harties Sunday lunch buffet is just incredible value for money and the bushveld setting is so beautiful that you’ll want to spend the whole afternoon there relaxing and unwinding. With so many sumptuous wholesome meat-rich dishes to choose from you’ll never go hungry. Visualise your large dinner plate filed with wholesome, good, hearty food. Smell the rich mouth-watering aromas which go with this. Hear the laughter and become part of the excited buzz as hungry people gather around the large open fire potjies and colourful serving dishes. Taste the joy of an exquisitely prepared buffet. Have you booked your Harties Sunday Lunch Buffet with us yet?

Our Cruise and Lunch Combo is simply the best way to spend a lazy day at Hartbeespoort Dam, join us for a midmorning or Sundowner Cruise with your Sunday Buffet Lunch… R 695

Experience a Game Drive with us…

Harties safari game drives.

Our open vehicle takes you into the surrounding bush and soon you’ll be watching graceful kudu browsing, impala nervously flicking their tails, zebra and wildebeest looking back at you with equal interest and so much more. All around you the Harties bush teems with life. Colourful birds sing their little hearts out and flit from tree to tree. And if your timing is absolutely perfect, you may even get to see a large monitor lizard making its way down to the water’s edge to hunt. Harties Safari Game Drives are simply the perfect way to end an adventurous day in The Cradle

Ski Boat Rides

LOOKING FOR AN ADRENALINE RUSH? 

Harties Ski Boat Rides… We have superfast, ultra-comfortable ski boats too. Our brilliant skippers will take you out in to the smooth open water, crank open the throttle and have you tearing along the water’s gleaming surface. Remember to hold on to your sunhats, it’s such a rush that this is easily forgotten!

Want a different perspective on Harties?

Have an unforgettable experience! Imagine how absolutely amazing it must be to see the whole of Harties from the air. Well you can with Harties helicopter flips. Monthly high season and sometimes by special request, we organise a top-end 5-seater helicopter to get you into the sky. Imagine flying high enough that you can see the whole of the Hartbeespoort Dam below you, then dropping down into the valley and scooting along between the two mountain ranges, getting a birds eye view of the many luxury lifestyle estates flanking the dam. If you really want to impress someone special or give your top-end clients a business relationship cementing treat, then Harties helicopter flips are the way to go. Call us and we’ll make it happen for you.

A different perspective

shingalani bush camp is the perfect choice for your function

Treat your top clients, your top business unit performers, or even your hard-working team!

This is such a great team-building experience! Go on a cruise, have game drive and bush camp dinner at Shingalani. Where else can you pack 3 such exquisitely different experiences into just 5-6 hours and a venue which is under an hour from the business hub of Sandton, Johannesburg and Pretoria. If you’re looking to do something very special for your away-from-the-office Exco bosberaad, then take this to the next level with a private cruise, game drive and bush camp dinner. La Dolce Vita , the exquisite guesthouse which is part of our expanded group of companies offers superb conferencing facilities, so all you have to do is bolt this fun-filled experience on to your strategy session and you’re set for a superb time.

Engagements · Birthdays · Anniversaries · Weddings…

Looking for a unique way to propose to that special someone? Wanting to host a special birthday or anniversary experience? Wanting to get away with family and friends and have loads of fun but without having others around you? This is where our private charter facilities comes into play. On the water, you’ve got access to our speedboat and to Toro Yame which takes up to 38 guests. On land we’ve got the private bush camp in a secluded wildlife area at the base of the Magaliesberg’s cliffs. Tell us what you want and we’ll help customise this into a very special experience.

Harties Cruise Boat

DAILY CRUISES

We operate three vessels and each one has its own charm and personality that caters for different needs.  Danny Buoy is our most famous and can be seen singing and dancing its way across the waves.  Toro Ya Me our family cruiser is a little more subdued but just as much fun.  The newest member to our family, The Alba, takes cruising on Harties to another level.

We now offer you our Zanzibar Beach Café and Shishanyama Lounge, to chill before and after your 2-hour cruise with lekker music that often goes on till late.

A visit to the Adventure Capital of the North West will definitely be a memorable one and our cruises are the perfect way to experience Hartbeespoort without any traffic!

Daily Lunch Cruise

We depart daily for a guided tour of Hartbeespoort Dam taking in all the history, fauna and flora of the Dam and the area, whilst snacking to a scrumptious selection of traditional South African hot and cold finger and fork gourmet snacks.

13h00-15h00

• R595 per adult
• Children 6-12 R395.00

Regrettably no under 6 allowed due to safety reasons

**BIRTHDAYS/SPECIAL OCCASIONS For Groups of 6 or more, we offer you a complimentary standard chocolate or vanilla Birthday Cake, Balloons and Sprinkles

Daily Champagne Sunset Cruise

We board Danny Buoy with a glass of champers in hand and enjoy a 2 hour cruise around the Dam, taking in all the sights and sounds of Harties up-close.  Canapés are served as well as a selection of hot and cold cocktail snacks on this cruise of celebration.  There is just something magical about seeing the sunset over Harties.

16h00-18h00

1 Hour Cruise on Toro Ya Me

Our friendly crew will ensure that you have a memorable experience from start to finish, providing expert commentary on the area’s history and wildlife. So why wait? Book your 1-hour cruise package with Toro Ya Me today and make unforgettable memories on the beautiful Hartebeespoort Dam.

• R 295 per adult
• Children 6-12 R 195 .00

Breakfast / Brunch Cruise (Saturday & Sunday Mornings)

A beautiful 2 Hour Cruise around Hartbeespoort Dam from 10h00-12h00. Breakfast/Brunch Gourmet Finger Food Platters. Cash Bar on board

10h00-12h00

Give us a call and we will gladly assist in booking any other activities for you such as:

The Lion and Safari Park Elephant Sanctuary Monkey Sanctuary Bill Harrops Balloon Safaris Harties Aerial Cableway Van Gaalen’s Cheese Farm

Book your Harties Boat Cruise today

Enjoy a luxurious, 2-hour boat cruise on the placid waters of the Hartebeespoort Dam.

With 3 tours departing daily, at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM, pick the time that fits your schedule and hit the water.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Definitely a must when you go to Hartebeespoort!

Make a booking below, and we will make sure you have the most memorable visit .

Cruises start from R295 per adult, and R147,50 per child. Regret no children under 6 for safety.

Please complete all fields. You will be directed to the booking page once complete.

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The only Daily Boat Cruise in Hartebeespoort

Join us for an amazing day at Hartbeespoort Dam! Our friendly crew is here to make sure you and your loved ones have a fantastic time. From serving your favorite drinks to choosing the perfect music, we’ve got it all covered on our breakfast, lunch, and sunset cruises, available 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Experience the charm and personality of our three unique vessels. Watch Danny Buoy sing and dance across the waves, enjoy the family-friendly vibes of Toro Ya Me, or elevate your cruise with the newest member, The Alba.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Before and after your 2-hour cruise, relax at our Zanzibar Beach Café and Shishanyama lounge, where the cool vibes and great music extend late into the night.

Escape the traffic and make your visit to the Adventure Capital of the North West unforgettable with our hassle-free cruises. Get ready for a memorable experience on the waters of Hartbeespoort Dam!

Daily Lunch Cruise

A daily 2hr guided tour of Hartbeespoortdam whilst snacking to a scrumptious selection of traditional South African hot and cold finger and fork gourmet snacks.

Daily Sunset Cruise

A 2 hour cruise around the dam. Champagne & Canapés are served as well as a selection of hot and cold cocktail snacks on this cruise of celebration.

Weekend Brunch

A beautiful 2 Hour Cruise around Hartbeespoortdam from 10h00-12h00. Breakfast/Brunch Gourmet Finger Food Platters.

What Our Customers Have to Say

Smooth boat ride, lovely view of western area of Hartbeespoort Dam. Plentiful food in the buffet on the cruise!

Sandra Black

Refreshing, beautiful view, nice breeze. Good company and awesome music. A welcome drink and the food was delicious. 

Matjie Nong

It was really fun and relaxing. Definitely a must when you go to Hartebeespoort!

Lerato Mokhemisa

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• Boat Cruises
• Our Vessels

Choose your vessel...

Smaller Barge Vessel: 2hr Cruise with Buffet Catering R495.00pp (Max 16 Passagners) Our Most popular smaller barge cruise is our 2 Hour barge cruise inclusive of Buffet catering and welcome drinks for only R495.00 pp. The alternative is a 1 Hour barge cruise at R190.00 pp. We aim to give you the most relaxing and fun filled experience you can possibly have at Hartbeespoort Dam. Our barges, speed boats, cataraman and sailing boat are equipment with all the lateast safety features and are all SAMSA registered and all have highly skilled and qualified personal at the helm, so rest assured your in safe hands. All our vessels are equiped with sound systems that really get the party started. We look forward to setting sail with you.

View our selection of vessels you can charter here...........

Smaller Barge

Enjoy a 2 hour cruise with full Buffet Catering! ( Max 16 Passangers) R550.00 pp

Enjoy a 1hour speed boat cruise around the dam. (Max 9 Passengers) R240.00 pp

Small Yacht

Enjoy a 2 hr intimate cruise with full Buffett catering (Min 4 passengers) R550.00 pp

Largest Barge

Enjoy a 2 hour cruise with full Buffet Catering! Min 35 Passengers,Max 90 Passangers R550.00pp

Jet Ski Rides

Enjoy a Jet Ski ride around the dam. Adrenaline filled 15mins R190pp

Large Yacht

Large catamaran cruise with full Buffet catering, 2hr Cruise Minimum 10 passengers R750.00pp

Fun Filled Tube Rides for 15 mins R190.00 pp

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• Hartbeespoortonline.co.za
• Hartiesonline.com

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Harties Online

Hartbeespoort accommodation in hartbeespoort dam.

• Boat Cruises
• Area Activities

Hartbeespoort Dam Boat Cruise

Hartbeespoort Boat Cruise - Come to Harties and enjoy a luxurious boat cruise around the dam. This amazing boat cruise will allow you to see the dam and surrounding mountains from a whole new perspective. Enjoy a 1 hour cruise in a stunning shaded boat with on-board sound system.

Boat Cruise Details

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• [email protected]
• +27 82 749 6478

Hartbeespoort Dam Boat Cruise

If you are looking for an amazing hartbeespoort damn boat cruise, you are in the right place.

Hartbeespoort Dam, located in the North West Province of South Africa, is a picturesque location known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. One of the most popular ways to explore the dam is by taking a boat cruise.

Related Article: Things to do in Hartbeespoort

With several boat cruise options available, visitors can choose from a variety of experiences ranging from leisurely sightseeing tours to adrenaline-pumping adventures. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best boat cruises available at Hartbeespoort Dam, so you can make the most of your visit to this stunning location.

Table of Contents

Recommended for you

Hartbeespoort: Daily Boat Cruises

Hartbeespoort: Aerial Cable Car Ride

Hartbeespoort: Predator Safari with a Guide

Hartbeespoort Elephant Sanctuary – From Johannesburg

Our list of hartbeespoort dam boat cruises, harties boat company.

Harties Boat Company is a popular boat cruise operator that offers a variety of boat cruises on the Hartbeespoort Dam in South Africa. The company has been in operation since 2008 and has built a reputation for providing high-quality, safe, and enjoyable boat cruises.

Some of the popular boat cruises offered by Harties Boat Company include:

• Sunset Cruise: This is a 90-minute boat cruise that departs in the late afternoon and offers stunning views of the sunset over the dam. The cruise includes a complimentary drink and snack, as well as live music and entertainment.
• Lunchtime Cruise: This is a 60-minute boat cruise that departs at midday and includes a light lunch and a complimentary drink. The cruise offers beautiful views of the dam and the surrounding mountains.
• Private Charter: Harties Boat Company also offers private charters for special events such as weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. The company has a range of boats available for charter, from small intimate boats to larger party boats.

In addition to these boat cruises, Harties Boat Company also offers a variety of food and drink options on board, including a fully stocked bar and a range of snack and meal options.

Overall, Harties Boat Company is a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing way to explore the Hartbeespoort Dam. The company has a strong commitment to safety and customer service, and their experienced crew ensures that every guest has a great experience on board.

Booking info

No1 Waterfront

No1 Waterfront Luxury Yacht Cruises operates a 44ft catamaran boat that is named De Jagter and has been providing cruises to clients for more than 6 years. It is a family-owned company that places an emphasis on providing a warm experience and making customers feel the utmost level of comfort.

The yacht has a capacity of up to 12 people and lends itself to an intimate experience with smaller groups. This also makes it easier to afford booking out the whole boat, compared to the larger vessels.

The yacht  features plenty of seating space, spacious decks for sunbathing, two marine toilets, music of your choice, shaded seating and pre-arranged stocked bar. The experienced and friendly crew is always on hand to make the trip a wonderful experience.

Their signature experience is a magnificent two hour sunset cruise with sundowners and snacks

This particular cruise operator has received rave reviews across Google and social media, being lauded primarily for their excellent customer service.

One review even comments that she did not make it onto the boat on time to join their friends and No1 Waterfront was kind enough to bring her on-board the cruise boat on a smaller life-boat.

The excellent scenery coupled with the excellent customer service make this one a good cruise company to use for your cruise.

If you want to explore Harties in different and perhaps more “in touch with the environment” type of way, why not try the airboat?

Airboat cruises are a unique and thrilling way to explore waterways, particularly in areas with shallow waters and vegetation that traditional boats can’t access. Here are some things that make airboat cruises good:

Airboats are quiet compared to other motorized boats, so they don’t disturb the wildlife and won’t scare the birds away.

The Unique Experience: The sensation of gliding over the water with the wind blowing in your face, and the sound of the propeller creates a unique and thrilling experience that is hard to replicate with other modes of transport.

Airboat Africa offers cruises in Hartbeespoort of both the dam and the Crocodile River. These can be experienced as separate packages or as a combo with the prices listed below.

Crocodile River – 30 minutes – R395

Harties Explorer – 60 minutes – R495

Crocodile + Harties – 90 minutes – R795

Overall, airboat cruises are an exhilarating way to experience the outdoors and get close to nature. They offer a unique perspective of waterways and are perfect for anyone looking for a bit of adventure while exploring the great outdoors.

It’s not all individuals when it comes to boat cruises. Sometimes you might be feeling like a boss and want to rent a whole boat to yourself and your own group.

That is where Pary Boat comes in.

If you want to whole boat to yourself, the price for a cruise is R4500. This gets you the party boat for a three hour cruise, with the option to add additional hours.

Party Boat runs two cruises,  a morning cruise which runs from 11:00 to 14:00, and a sunset cruise which runs from 15:00 to 18:00.

The Harties Party Boat is a great venue for Corporate Events, Product Launches, Year End Functions, Anniversaries and Parties of any nature. The boat can hold up to 90 persons for a cruise and onboard there is a well-stocked cash bar as well as the option of a catered cruise.

The cruise service works just like others and you can go on as an individual or a small group and join other passengers. For that there is a minimum passenger requirement of 20 people for the cruise to depart.

Harbeespoort Online Boat Cruise

Hartbeespoort online is an accommodation booking agency that specialises in accommodation packages with some of the guest houses in Hartbeespoort.

Well, being that the dam is the number 1 attraction to the town of Hartbeespoort, boat cruises are logically in high demand among their clients so the offer boat cruise packages too and have become quite popular as a service provider.

They offer a 1 hour cruise in a shaded boat with an onboard sound system. The amazing boat cruise will allow you to see the dam and surrounding mountains.

Their boat can accommodate up to 8 passengers for a slow cruise on the dam. You are allowed to bring your own drinks onboard and the price per passenger is

R240 for adults

R100 for children under the age of 13

They have been in business for over 5 years and have a whopping 140 reviews on Google with an average score of 4.3

In conclusion, taking a boat cruise at Hartbeespoort Dam is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the area. With so many options available, visitors can choose a boat cruise that suits their interests and preferences. From exploring the dam’s tranquil waters to getting up close with wildlife, there’s something for everyone.

We hope that this article has given you an insight into the best boat cruises available at Hartbeespoort Dam, and that it helps you plan your next visit to this stunning location.

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• Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

Moscow: question for those who have gone from St Petersburg

By Wayfairers , August 22, 2019 in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

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I have read many of the threads that discuss whether or not Moscow is worth the expense and long day, especially when there are only 2 days in port.  I realize there are two strong opinions from people with one side saying it is worth it and the other side says stay in St Petersburg. We have decided to go Moscow on day 1 of our visit. 

So, those who have done the long trip to Moscow....did you go with the cruise ship or a private guide?   If a private guide, who and would you recommend them?  Did you take the train both ways or fly one direction?  

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On 8/22/2019 at 9:28 AM, Wayfairers said: I have read many of the threads that discuss whether or not Moscow is worth the expense and long day, especially when there are only 2 days in port.  I realize there are two strong opinions from people with one side saying it is worth it and the other side says stay in St Petersburg. We have decided to go Moscow on day 1 of our visit.    So, those who have done the long trip to Moscow....did you go with the cruise ship or a private guide?   If a private guide, who and would you recommend them?  Did you take the train both ways or fly one direction?  

Been to Moscow several times. We have used the Sapsan both ways and have also flown both ways - never a combo of the train/plane. We enjoyed the Sapsan more than the flight. We have NOT travelled to Moscow when arriving by cruise ship so have no comment on your particular situation regarding a one day tour with only 2 days in St. Pete.  Good luck - hope the visit meets your expectations.

Thanks for the info.  Good to know you enjoyed the train more than the plane - I would expect we would too as flying is typically more hassle than taking the train.  

We decided to book the trip to Moscow with the cruise ship after learning that if we miss the train or plane we don’t get a refund in addition to missing Moscow.  And, I’ve had friends who’s ship missed the St Petersburg stop due to weather.

Moscow is a great city but I would rather spend all two days in St Petersburg. Some years ago we had almost a week there and still it doesn’t seem enough. We also had one day in Moscow and the journey arranged by the local travel agency was well organized and comfortable. In a view of time restrictions of the journey (we spent almost 8 hours on the train and just 6-7 hours in the city) one day in Moscow still felt a little rushed. Anyway, enjoy planning your trip and hope you have a great time in Russia!

Just make sure the day you are going to Moscow, it is not one of their holidays or even a day before a holiday.

Moscow is an amazing city but it is frustrating when Red Square is closed for parades, etc.... It is hard to determine when they close it but it is definitely closed for their holidays. When it is closed - you can only walk around the exterior of the square and look in.

Thanks!   I will check.  We are in Moscow May 16.  I know May 9 is a holiday. 

AngelDisney

I have 2 days in St. Petersburg and am thinking about this possibility. I think it’s hard to do this with 2 days. The first day will take longer time to go ashore because of the immigration process. The second day is not possible due to the early all abroad time. It seems that it’s only worth doing it if there are 3 days in St. Petersburg especially when a full day of touring in Moscow is preferred. 

1 hour ago, AngelDisney said: I have 2 days in St. Petersburg and am thinking about this possibility. I think it’s hard to do this with 2 days. The first day will take longer time to go ashore because of the immigration process. The second day is not possible due to the early all abroad time. It seems that it’s only worth doing it if there are 3 days in St. Petersburg especially when a full day of touring in Moscow is preferred. 

For 2 days - spend the time in St. Petersburg. There is so much to see there. Save this for a 2nd trip.

When we were in St. Petersburg we were also very interested in visiting Moscow. We were already in Russia why not visit as much places as we could, right? We used Anastasia Travel for our St. Petersburg tour and also asked them to include Moscow. They were very helpful and were very much willing to arrange a day trip to Moscow for us but they suggested we just stay in St. Petersburg since we only had 2 days. They were kind enough to explain that we would just waste time and money if me push through with the Moscow trip. We would spend more time on the train instead of using the time to explore and enjoy the sights. They were actually correct and we ended up enjoying a wonderful 2-day tour in St. Petersburg. I guess we'll have to go back to see Moscow and make sure to stay longer! 

angie7911922

When we went to St Petersburg we had the same dilemma. We decided not to go to Moscow and didn’t regret it one bit. There is so much to see! If you spend the 2 days in St Petersburg you can go and see Peterhof Palace on one of the days. We were on a Princess cruise and like flowslow, we booked our private tours with Katharina from Anastasia Travel.   This way we used our time to the fullest to see as much as possible at our pace with a personal guide. (We are not fond of the big group tours from the cruise lines).

9 hours ago, angie7911922 said: When we went to St Petersburg we had the same dilemma. We decided not to go to Moscow and didn’t regret it one bit. There is so much to see! If you spend the 2 days in St Petersburg you can go and see Peterhof Palace on one of the days. We were on a Princess cruise and like flowslow, we booked our private tours with Katharina from Anastasia Travel.   This way we used our time to the fullest to see as much as possible at our pace with a personal guide. (We are not fond of the big group tours from the cruise lines).

We have two days and decided only staying in SPB for both days. We are thinking of forming a private tour with other cruisers on another forum as the CC roll call for that cruise is so quiet. We are looking into Anastasia Travel as well. Very excited to go!

On 9/1/2019 at 8:09 PM, AngelDisney said: We have two days and decided only staying in SPB for both days. We are thinking of forming a private tour with other cruisers on another forum as the CC roll call for that cruise is so quiet. We are looking into Anastasia Travel as well. Very excited to go!

Great idea to form a small group!! Have a fantastic time and I am sure you wont regret that decision!! 

luvtravel88

I'm not sure about customs when coming in on a cruise ship. We were told that if we wanted to leave the ship, we would have to be on a tour, either a ships tour or private tour. I know we had to show our tour tickets at customs to be allowed to go further. We chose Alla tours and they were fantastic. We were docked in St. Petersburg for 3 days and we did go to Moscow on the Capsan train on the 2nd day. It was a VERY long day. We had to meet our group at 6:00am and were on the train at 7:00am. We arrived back at to our cabin at 1:30am the next day. It was a wonderful day and we're so glad we went but if we were in St. Petersburg for only 2 days, I probably wouldn't spend a day in Moscow. It is a 4 hour train ride each way, and if you need to be back to the ship to depart, it may not leave you much time in Moscow. The 8 hours we spent there, wasn't nearly enough. Traffic is horrible and we ended up getting off our bus and taking the subway to Red Square. Those 8 hours allowed us a tour of Red Square, which was phenomenal as well as a quick walk through GUM department store and a ride on the subway with several stops to see the mosaics, sculptures and chandeliers that are in the corridors of the subway stops.

But.....there is so much to see in St. Petersburg , the 2 days we spent there, were a whirl.

Whatever you decide to do, be sure you're in line to get off the ship before the ship arrives in port. We were in line an hour early and there were still about 20 people ahead of us. We found that the cruise ship allowed their tour groups to get off the ship first, so when we got to customs, the lines were outrageous. It took us about an hour in line and we were late starting our tour. I had organized the tour with Alla and had advertised it on our cruise forum here at Cruise Critic. There were 12 of us and we met up on the ship each morning and went through customs together so we all met the tour bus at the same time. That was very helpful!

The lines the first day were the worst and days 2 and 3 went much more quickly. Also, everyone was getting off the ship at the same time on Day 1, but tours met and left at different times on Days 2 and 3.

16 minutes ago, luvtravel88 said: . Whatever you decide to do, be sure you're in line to get off the ship before the ship arrives in port. We were in line an hour early and there were still about 20 people ahead of us. We found that the cruise ship allowed their tour groups to get off the ship first, so when we got to customs, the lines were outrageous. It took us about an hour in line and we were late starting our tour. ! The lines the first day were the worst and days 2 and 3 went much more quickly. Also, everyone was getting off the ship at the same time on Day 1, but tours met and left at different times on Days 2 and 3.

This is one of the reasons that we decided to use the cruise ship to go to Moscow our first day in St Petersburg. 

25 minutes ago, Wayfairers said: This is one of the reasons that we decided to use the cruise ship to go to Moscow our first day in St Petersburg. 

I believe that the ship tours to Moscow go via air, right?

Yes, as others have noted, there is MUCH to see in Saint Petersburg and in spending a week there one will barely scratch the surface - the same is true for Moscow.

It sounds like you want to get a "taste" of both cities - don't allow anyone to "throw water" on your plans as you best know what you want to do. You can always return for an extended visit.  😉

4 hours ago, dogs4fun said: I believe that the ship tours to Moscow go via air, right? Yes, as others have noted, there is MUCH to see in Saint Petersburg and in spending a week there one will barely scratch the surface - the same is true for Moscow. It sounds like you want to get a "taste" of both cities - don't allow anyone to "throw water" on your plans as you best know what you want to do. You can always return for an extended visit.  😉

No, our ship tour is going by train there and back unless I misread something.  You are right...we just want a taste of both cities.  In fact, that is what we get from all cruise port stops - just a taste.  We are never there long enough to the see the area completely.

2 hours ago, Wayfairers said: No, our ship tour is going by train there and back unless I misread something.  

Interesting - I thought that the ship tours flew to Moscow when in port for only 2 days. Hope you will post upon return and let us know how it went.

16 hours ago, dogs4fun said: Interesting - I thought that the ship tours flew to Moscow when in port for only 2 days. Hope you will post upon return and let us know how it went.

Double checked and it says we go to Moscow on the high speed train.   Come back the same way.   From all I’ve read it takes a little longer (ship to Moscow sites) to fly than to take the train.  

I've been thinking about that - and I might be wrong, but it seems to me an SPB-Moscow combo over a 3-day cruise is one of the few remaining cases where obtaining a full-fledged Russian visa actually makes sense (especially for families/groups and especially if one is willing to do some DIY trip planning). 

Just to make sure, though - for those staying on the ship, is there some kind of curfew, or are you able to come and go as you please?

4 minutes ago, napoxoguk said: I've been thinking about that - and I might be wrong, but it seems to me an SPB-Moscow combo over a 3-day cruise is one of the few remaining cases where obtaining a full-fledged Russian visa actually makes sense (especially for families/groups and especially if one is willing to do some DIY trip planning).    Just to make sure, though - for those staying on the ship, is there some kind of curfew, or are you able to come and go as you please?  

If you have a Russian visa there is no curfew - you may come and go as you wish. In fact, if you so choose, you can spend the entire time in the city (staying at a hotel in either Moscow or St. Petersburg) rather than returning to your ship each evening - but ONLY if you have a visa.

6 minutes ago, dogs4fun said: If you have a Russian visa there is no curfew - you may come and go as you wish. In fact, if you so choose, you can spend the entire time in the city (staying at a hotel in either Moscow or St. Petersburg) rather than returning to your ship each evening - but ONLY if you have a visa.

That is what my research shows too.  A quick google search showed the tourist visas for US citizens are $160.  I’m willing to pay for a tour rather than get the visa.  We’ve gotten most of the visas that are a pain to get and I’m tired of doing that. 

2 minutes ago, Wayfairers said: I’m willing to pay for a tour rather than get the visa

I understand. Ru visa process can be expensive and time consuming, especially if you live far away from one of the visa centers.

I'm just trying to come up with a reasonably conservative number - what can one realistically expect to pay for a mad 1-day Moscow dash if they go DIY.

For a regular SPB-only itinerary, visa doesn't seem to make sense - not only price-wise, but also from the standpoint of convenience - all the local operators have their itineraries down to a science.

With Moscow, though, it's not so clear-cut.

I found that most of the tour operators will give you a tour but no guarantee that you make it to Moscow because you will miss the train if debarkation is too slow.  I found one tour that offers a 2 day tour with a flight to Moscow day 1 and train back and St Petersburg day 2.   Seriously considered them.   I briefly thought about getting a visa and spending the night in Moscow but never priced everything out. If you look into that I would love to see what you find. Probably not for us though because I want to see some of both cities.  

2 hours ago, napoxoguk said: I understand. Ru visa process can be expensive and time consuming, especially if you live far away from one of the visa centers. I'm just trying to come up with a reasonably conservative number - what can one realistically expect to pay for a mad 1-day Moscow dash if they go DIY.

I have visited Russia multiple times. I received my latest 3 year visa in May and here are the associated costs:

Single/Double/Multiple entry visa, consular fee = $198

Visa Center Processing fee = $50

Total = $248   (this is your total if you apply in person at one of the 4 consulates located in the USA - since I don't live near a Russian consulate, I must use the more costly mail option)

SO ... here is what I actually paid:

Multiple entry visa, consular fee = $198

Visa Center Processing fee by mail = $120

Return shipping/handling fee = $35

Total = $353

Totally worth the fee as I spend multiple weeks in Russia yearly and prefer DIY - personally, I would not consider a visa if it was a one time visit via cruise.

So, for DIY, added to the visa expense, one must add the cost of the sapsan train (or flight), Moscow transportation (metro is great), food & associated entrance fees to the Kremlin (and whatever else one has the time/desire to visit).

FYI: There is a HOHO in both Moscow & St. Petersburg.

Okay, I think the diy budget might be something like ₽20,000 (about $300) per person. This includes:

Train tickets: ₽9000 (5+4); Kremlin+armory: 1700 (1000+700)

Boat ride:600

Meals: 3000 (1500 per casual meal)

Contingencies (Uber ride if needed, etc): 2500. 

It's based on a number of assumptions, so real-life mileage will vary - please let me know if you identify some glaring omissions or errors.

Assumptions:

Done on day 2 of three.

Good weather (lots of outside/walking time)

Earliest Sapsan to Moscow, overnight double decker from Moscow (no hotel stays)

Train tickets purchased at least 30 days in advance, economy for Sapsan and economy plus for the double decker (includes a bottle of water and a piece of gingerbread).

All group members are adults

Done on a day when the Kremlin, Red Sq, and other Moscow attractions are actually open.

Boat ride via watertrams-radisson.ru (the cheapest option with English audio guide)

Sample itinerary:

leave SPB on Sapsan 743a (5:30am), sleep on the train.

Arrive Moscow 9am

DIY Metro tour until 11am

Kremlin excursion (cathedral Sq, DIY) 11:30

Armory excursion (audioguide) 12:30 

Quick lunch (at GUM stolovaya or fast food chains at Manezhnaya sq) : 2 to 3pm.

Walk to Zaryadye boat pier via Alexander's garden, Red Sq, Zaryadye. Boats leave every 30 minutes. Route: Zaryadye- Gorky Park - luzhniki- Ukraina - turnaround - sparrow hills - Gorky Park. Time on board: 2 hrs. 

Gorky Park/muzeon (5:30 to 7:30). 

Head back (metro) towards red sq for evening walk/dinner (tverskaya-kamergersky-b.dmitrovka-metropol-nikolskaya area)

Need to be back at the train station by 10:30 to catch the 006aa train departing at 10:50. 

Back to SPB at 6:47 am.

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• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

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Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

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• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
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See photo of the meeting point