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Petropavlovsk Kamtschatka Russia Cruise Port Guide
Location:
This is a tender port. Tenders drop you off in the center of town,
The port of Petropavlovsk does not require a visa for in transit cruise guests who want to go ashore on tours or individually. However "clearing" the ship can take hours, so be prepared.
Printable map to take along.
Cruise calendar for this port.
Watch a destination video.
Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers
Monthly Climate Averages for Petropavlovsk Kamtschatka Russia
Sightseeing:
Established in 1740, Petropavlovsk is one of the oldest settlements in the Russian Far East. Today it has a population of about a quarter-million people, most of whom are active in the fishing industry, which provides most of the Kamchatka Peninsula's livelihood. Spend the day exploring the huge statue of Lenin, several dachas, a Russian Orthodox church built out of logs, local monuments and the Petropavlovsk Museum.
With a population of about 240,000 people, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is an important port as well as a center of industry, science and adventure tourism.
Thoroughly Russian in feel and appearance, with beautiful snow-capped mountains as a backdrop.
The town was named for Bering’s ships, the Svyatoy Pyotr (St Peter) and Svyatoy Pavel (St Paul). It became the tsars’ major Pacific sea port and was used as the base for explorations that turned up the Aleutian Islands and USA.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
The few roads mean that many attractions, such as the famous Lake Kurilskoe or Valley of the Geysers, are reached by expensive helicopter rides. Foggy conditions are common in Petropavlovsk, often grounding helicopter rides and even boat trips.
Limited infrastructure, high transport costs and necessary permits make going on some sort of a preplanned tour quite practical.
Nearby Places:
Shopping and Food
With time to spare, the best thing to do is have a wander around the historic center – the only part of Petropavlovsk with beach access. There are cafés serving beer and tea close to the beach.
Currency:
The official currency of Russia is the ruble, which is divided into one hundred kopeks. It is illegal to pay in foreign currency. ATM's are many.
Most upscale establishments will accept credit cards.
Communication:
Russian is the official language, English only spoken in upscale places and by the younger educated.
Email and Internet access is offered cheaply in a number of Internet cafés.
Emergency numbers Police 02; Ambulance 03; Fire 01
Opening Hours and Holidays:
Most shops open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm or later.
Holidays in Russia
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