Not really answering the question but just to say we are on the same cruise!! We are from Cornwall and so far you are the only other "West Country" folk we have seen that are going on this cruise. We are booked with the ship for the St Petersburg tours so can't answer your question. Hope we ALL have a great time.

I assume that you do speak passable Russian? Ships dock in an industrial port, no cabs are allowed in, it is a 2mile walk to the port gate, or there is a rusty looking green bus that shuttles the ship employees around that you can try and catch (again you need to speak russian to explain where you want to go). At the gate, there may be a few small Trabant taxis waiting, explain in Russian where you want to go, agree a price and you can get there. If you do not have tickets booked expect long queues at the main attractions like the Hermitage. At the main attractions few people speak english, in restaurants even fewer still. Whilst I congratualte you on going through the process of getting a visa, I do suggest you arrange a private tour with a registered Russian guide who will take you where you want to go to, especially with someone with limited mobility. DenRus, Red October and Alla are the most highly recommended ones.