From Russia with love

Greetings from St. Petersburg,

Arcadia arrived alongside the new passengers terminal this morning at 0700 hours. This is the first time I have been to the new terminal and I am very impressed. It works a treat and it means that our passengers do not have to be exposed to the elements as they proceed through passport control. The terminal is finished in the finest of materials and is most impressive in all areas. There is so much to see on this Baltic Cruise. We are only half way through today - another whole week to go.

St. Petersburg is considered the 'Jewel in the Baltic Crown' and Russia's most European City. This was Csar Peter the Great's 'Window to the West'. The grandeur of the Italian and French-designed baroque and neo-classical buildings, many of which are reflected in the City's waterways, is rivalled only the riches of its priceless art treasures - nearly 3 million of them in the fabled Hermitage Museum alone! St Petersburg is often referred to as the Venice of the North and when you visit here you can see why. I have been here many times and there is still so much to see. It is very different now that it was in my first visit in 1984 when the quayside was lined with armed guards on our arrival. Apparently they are to build another five of these posh new Cruise Terminals so they are really gearing up for more Cruise ships to call.

I have just returned from the Terminal where we were seeing off our evening excursions, with passengers all dressed up for the Ballet -at The Conservatoire Theatre, others were going to an evening at the Hermitage where they will enjoy a concert with the Hermitage Academy of Music ( with a glass of champagne served in the upper landing!). There is also a Russian Folklore Evening where you will be captivated by the flamboyant dance of the St. Petersburg Cossacks of Don River ( No relation to my knowledge).

We will be here overnight and sail at 1800 hours tomorrow. I do hope you enjoy these photos - all good fun here with the Arcadia team. You will recognise the faces.............

After a wet afternoon the sun did come out and BLUE SKIES for Arcadia....

P&O Cruises - the shiver in your spine and it is with you all the way.........................

Carl and Dan assisting on the dockside. Dan says Hi to Auntie Janet!

Lots of apartment blocks in the background. No more trip hazard Quaysides - everything is new and in perfect condition.

The Three Musketeers.

Arcadia - happy to be tied up for a couple of days!

An endless number of Immigration booths for passport control. The whole place is sparkling.

Some local shops to browse on your way out to the coaches.

Anyone for a Russian Doll? I do have a set of Father Christmas' at home............

Room for everyone in the passenger terminal.

Daniel Thorpe is our Assistant Food and Beverage Manager and our Wedding Coordinator - many of you will remember Dan from his famous storing programme on the Grand Voyage.
Before joining P&O Cruises Dan ran a Hotel in Bournemouth at the posh end of the beach!

Which way now Carl?

The Tour Coach boarding area - tip top!

Passengers coming out the side entrance of the Terminal on the way to their evening excursion.

The P&O Cruises house flag - at home anywhere in the world.........it should be - we were founded in 1837! There is a lot of heritage attached to this company!

An nice shot of the coaches lined up and ready to go. Arcadia's iconic glass lift towers in the background.

There was an exchange of plaques today at 1100 hours in the Piano Bar.

L to R - Helen Barnett, Deputy Cruise Director, Captain Georgy Moiseev from 'Passenger Port St. Petersburg Marine Facade', Commodore Steve Burgoine - Master of Arcadia, Mr Konstantin Guzev, our Ship's Agent from Inflot Worldwide, Sheldon Fernandes, Front of House Manager.

Many of you will know our wonderful Butler Asok, who is pictured here delivering a fantastic flower arrangement to one of our VIP guests (wish I could tell you who!!).

I must sign off now as my vintage Volga is waiting........

Best wishes meantime,

James.

The real issue is value not price.