cruise control qashqai 2019

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• Intelligent Cruise Control
• Technology Library

Maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing the driver's workload

Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) measures the distance from the vehicle ahead and controls acceleration and deceleration to automatically maintain a suitable following distance. This distance is adjusted according to the speed of the vehicle ahead, up to the preset speed, and the ICC speed settings set by the driver. ICC reduces the driver's workload during long journeys such as expressway driving or in traffic congestion situations.

The system controls vehicle speed in order to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. Manual accelerator pedal operation is reduced in high speed driving or in traffic congestion, making the journey much easier for the driver.

System operation

When the ICC system detects a preceding vehicle driving in the same lane, the system controls acceleration and deceleration in order to maintain the preset distance between vehicles according to the vehicle's speed, up to the preset speed, and ICC speed range selected by the driver. If the preceding vehicle comes to a stop, the driver's vehicle will come to a standstill (within the limitations of the system) and the ICC system will cancel. In situations when the system may not be able to fully decelerate the vehicle due to the preceding vehicle rapidly decelerating, or a vehicle suddenly merges in front of the vehicle; the ICC system warns the driver with a warning chime and display alert. When the ICC system do not detect a vehicle driving ahead in the same lane, the system maintains the vehicle speed that was set by the driver. On some models such as the Skyline, the ICC system also modulates vehicle speed according to the size of a curve up ahead, utilizing the on-board navigation system information. After clearing the curve, the vehicle resumes the driver's preset speed.

System mechanism

The ICC system controls the acceleration and deceleration based on forward detection from a front-mounted radar sensor or front camera. Detection scope includes detecting a preceding vehicle in the same lane and the distance to it.

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Test Drive: 2019 Nissan Qashqai SL AWD

• Nimble, fuel efficient all-wheel-drive SUV
• Fashionable and functional
• Surprisingly well equipped for the price
• Small font on infotainment screen
• No engine choices
• Some may find performance lethargic

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• STYLING 8 /10
• Safety 8 /10
• PRACTICALITY 8 /10
• USER-FRIENDLINESS 8 /10
• FEATURES 9 /10
• POWER 7 /10
• COMFORT 8 /10
• DRIVING FEEL 8 /10
• FUEL ECONOMY 9 /10
• VALUE 8 /10

Is it possible for a company to have too many SUVs in their lineup? You’d think so, but evidently not. As consumer appetite continues to favour crossovers and SUVs over, well, everything else, it seems having a wide array of options to suit various needs is smart business. Nissan is well positioned for this onslaught with no fewer than six options, ranging from the smaller Kicks and Qashqai, to the mid-size Rogue and Murano, to the larger full-size Pathfinder and Armada.

It just works.

Getting acquainted with a new vehicle on a cold, dark, and snowy night will immediately expose shortcomings and elevate frustration levels, but the Scarlet Amber 2019 Nissan Qashqai revealed itself to be a very worthy winter companion immediately. Unlike many vehicles I’ve experienced, everything was where it should be. Instruments are laid out well and are easy to read while controls for the steering wheel, six-way power seats, heated mirrors, two-stage seat heaters, and SiriusXM were all easy to find and program to suit my comfort and convenience. And it even has knobs and buttons for climate and audio controls! Hooray! Simple but valued pleasures in a world of unnecessary complication. The steering wheel heater button took longer to find though, as it is strangely located down where the hood and gas cap releases reside. But once found it was activated and appreciated. The Bluetooth handsfree phone system connected my phone quickly and seamlessly on the first attempt, so I was on my way in record time feeling relaxed, contented, and confident.

The instrument panel features an easy-to-read 5-inch colour display and the centre stack gets a 7-inch colour touchscreen display that houses NissanConnect featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Maybe it’s macular degeneration brought on by old age, but the font on the infotainment screen seemed a touch smaller than it could or should be. It’s saying something about the vehicle if I’m digging that deep to find gripes.

The bigger-than-Kicks and slightly-smaller-than-Rogue Qashqai comes in three model trims – S, SV, and SL. Front-wheel drive is available on S and SV grades. Qashqai SV and SL grades include Nissan Intelligent Key, a push-button start, and optional Bose audio system with nine speakers – added to the SL trim for 2019. Additional functionality includes a deep centre console that features an integral armrest and storage compartment, including a 12-volt power outlet.

Thanks to intelligent all-wheel drive there will be no spinning of the 19-inch tires off the line. It won’t win any drag races, but acceleration from the 2.0L four-cylinder is programmed to feel adequately peppy and well suited for this application. The beauty of Nissan’s lineup is that if you want more, you can simply take a few steps to another part of the showroom to meet your needs.

The Qashqai lineup features front-wheel drive as standard equipment with an option to upgrade, but AWD is standard on SL trim. All models get the same powerplant rated at 141 hp at 6,000 rpm and 147 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm thanks to Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control) on both intake and exhaust and an 11.2:1 compression ratio. Power gets to the ground via an intelligent all-wheel drive system and an Xtronic (CVT) transmission with both a sport shifter and an Eco mode.

I know what you’re thinking: “CVT? No thanks!” And you would be correct… five years ago. Thankfully the new system is light-years beyond previous iterations. It doesn’t wind up and scream at you while accelerating and power delivery is more smooth and linear than in years past. Plus, the Sport shifter lets you choose “gears” if you want to ensure you’re in the meaty part of the powerband for passing or merging. Fuel economy will vary based on the drivetrain (as well as variables such as weather conditions, proper tire inflation, and driving behaviour), but the SL AWD model with the Xtronic CVT has a rating of 9.1 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 L/100 km on the highway. Observed fuel consumption was slightly more than that, but the weather was poor, I was driving on winter rubber, and I have a heavy right foot. Sorry, mom.

Four-wheel vented disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist bring things to a stop predictably as standard equipment. Steering is precise without being too touchy and is lightly weighted with adequate feel thanks to the power-assisted steering with a Sport setting. The Intelligent Around View Monitor also helps make the Qashqai easier to manoeuvre on tight city streets and park in condo garages where space is limited and obstructions are many.

Other realities of urban living are speed bumps and potholes large enough to swallow a beach ball whole. Traversing or avoiding these challenges at normal speeds were uneventful. Road noise in the cabin, even on winter tires, was nonexistent at slow speeds but did introduce itself on the highway, but only minimally.

My tester also featured Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, lane departure warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention, and high-beam assist. Offering Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) in the Comfort and Convenience Package, the 2019 Qashqai also showcases the new ProPILOT Assist technology. Intended for use in heavy traffic, the system utilizes Steering Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control as a driver assistance feature rather than an autonomous one. Meant to reduce the strain of the driver rather than replacing them, ProPILOT Assist uses its forward-facing camera, radar, sensors, and electronic control module to maintain speed and distance while making steering adjustments to keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane. The technology will also bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The catch? The driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times. So no hopping in the back seat to answer emails or have a nap. The driver’s inputs always take priority and the system won’t operate if the windshield wipers are in the high position, or if the system cannot read the lines on the road.

The only troubling aspect of the vehicle appears to be the name. Called the Rogue Sport south of the 49th parallel, perhaps Canadians are considered more open-minded about these things, so we get the often misspelled, frequently mispronounced name (it’s “cash-kai”). The Qashqai shares the CMF (Common Module Family) platform as the Rogue, but features slightly smaller dimensions. Shorter in length and lower in height, the width is nearly the same in order to ensure accommodations for five passengers and their gear. The 648 L of cargo space jumps to 1,730 L when the second-row seats are folded flat. Cargo space dimensions are one thing, but practical storage is quite another. Sleek exterior styling often seems to dictate a compromised rear cargo area of SUVs these days. Here, storage dimensions are ample, but more importantly, the space is usable and accessible through the wide-opening liftgate.

The Qashqai SL’s interior is well designed. Build materials are pleasing to the eye and of expected quality. It isn’t too drab nor over the top, it just works. It was recently announced that the Nissan Qashqai will get revised front fascia and rear tail lamps for the 2010 model year, along with additional option package content.

The starting price for the entry-level Qashqai is two Canadian pennies under twenty grand while the SL AWD starts at $31,198. Equipped with the $2,100 Platinum Package, which includes an auto-dimming inside mirror, Homelink Universal transceiver, the Bose sound system, LED headlights, and Nissan Connect. Add $300 for premium paint and the as-tested price came in at $35,548 after adding $1,950 freight and delivery charges. With the long laundry list of standard and optional features included at this price point, I can’t imagine what else you could expect to get for the money.

Dustin Woods

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5 Reasons Why Your Cruise Control Stopped Working

• Updated: March 15, 2023

It would be difficult to find a vehicle on the road today without cruise control. This invaluable feature makes driving long distances easier but can also cause trouble when it malfunctions. Understanding the reasons your cruise control stopped working ensures that you can get the problem fixed quickly for a more enjoyable ride. 

While this fault can cause issues with the cruise control system itself, there could also be an effect on the acceleration of your vehicle. That’s why you want to have it looked at as soon as you notice a problem. Let’s take a quick look at the reasons your cruise control may have stopped working.

Reasons Why Your Cruise Control Stopped Working

The most common reason a cruise control stops working is due to a blown fuse or a defective brake pedal switch . It can also be caused by issues with the throttle control system or the ABS. In older cruise control systems, it can be caused by a broken vacuum line.

Here is a more detailed list of the possible reasons your cruise control is not working:

1. Blown Fuse

All electrical systems in the vehicle are controlled by fuses. Your cruise control system is attached to a fuse that can blow if there is a short circuit or fault. Without a good fuse, the cruise control system can’t work at all.

Thankfully, it’s not difficult to find and replace a blown fuse. Look in the owner’s manual to find the fuse that corresponds with the cruise control technology. 

2. Defective Brake Pedal Switch

The brake pedal switch is responsible for turning the brake lights on and off based on the pedal position. Cruise control systems are designed to disengage whenever your brake pedal gets pressed. 

Because the cruise control is wired into the brake pedal switch, any fault can cause it to stop working. When the brake pedal switch malfunctions, the car believes the brakes are engaged, causing the system to turn off automatically. Not only that, but your car’s brake light might also be stuck on, leaving confused drivers in your wake. 

3. Malfunctioning Speed Sensor

Speed sensors are located on every wheel or differential. The purpose of these sensors is to monitor the speed of the wheels to determine if traction control is needed. 

The speed sensors are also part of the cruise control system. When a sensor fails, the cruise control can stop working and the speedometer might act strange as well. 

If there is an issue with a speed sensor, it will often show with an ABS warning light or a check engine light on the dashboard.

RELATED: 3 Symptoms of a Bad ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

4. Electrical Issues

The cruise control system is electronic, with many components working together to make the system operate. If the cruise control fails to work, you want to check the wiring harness and associated connectors for a fault.

You also need to ensure that the voltage source is supplying enough power to the system. Even the smallest fault can cause defects with the cruise control. In many cases, there can be an issue with the cruise control lever or buttons causing the cruise control to not engage.

If your cruise control buttons are located on the steering wheel it could also be caused by a bad clock spring, which is located behind the steering wheel.

Check the system with an OBD2 scanner to look for any trouble codes related to the cruise control.

RELATED: 5 Symptoms of a Broken Clock Spring, Location & Replacement Cost

5. Damaged Vacuum Actuator, Hoses or Cable (Older cruise control)

If you drive an older vehicle with cruise control, you might have an issue with the vacuum actuator or the cable that connects to the throttle. If there has been damage done to the vacuum hoses or the actuator, the cruise control will stop working altogether.

Additionally, the cable linking the actuator to the throttle must be in good shape. If it has been broken, the cruise control will fail. 

What is Cruise Control?

Cruise control is a feature that is used when you are traveling at a consistent speed. Cruise control was first introduced for automobiles in the 1950s. However, it took many years before it became a staple in the modern vehicle.

This electrical system allows you to set a predetermined speed and take your foot off of the gas pedal. If you are on a long drive, there is less fatigue because you don’t have to try to maintain your speed. Cruise control can also benefit fuel economy because the vehicle uses less fuel when traveling steadily. 

In newer cars, you might be able to find adaptive cruise control , which is a smart technology. Adaptive cruise control allows you to travel at a predetermined speed, but it also helps to maintain a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you with the help of sensors. With conventional cruise control, you need to take over when the car in front of you slows down, but that’s not the case with adaptive cruise control. 

There are also vehicles nowadays with not only cruise control, but fully self-driving vehicles . We will most likely see much more of this in the future.

Cruise Control Repair Cost

The cost to repair your cruise control system depends on what caused it to fail. If you need to replace a cruise control or brake switch, you might spend between $125 and $350, including parts and labor. However, the cost to change a fuse is only a few dollars and you can perform the replacement yourself in just a matter of seconds. 

On the other hand, when something major fails, such as the actuator, you could be looking at a much higher repair bill. In some vehicles, the cost to replace a cruise control actuator can cost more than $700. These costs rise if you drive a luxury vehicle or one that is difficult to get parts for. 

It might not seem immediately important for you to fix the broken cruise control, but this defective system can affect other performance aspects. You could start to notice issues with acceleration or have trouble with the speedometer. To play it safe, it’s always best to have the cruise control repaired as soon as you notice a problem.

Is there a fuse for the cruise control?

Yes. If the cruise control is installed from the factory, you should check your car’s owner’s manual for the fuse location. If it’s an aftermarket cruise control, you’ll need to follow the wires to find the fuse.

Does the brake switch affect the cruise control system?

Yes. The brake switch affects the cruise control system. The brake switch sends a signal to the cruise control system to let it know when the brakes are being applied for the engine to know when it should stop accelerating.

Will the cruise control work if the check engine light is on?

The cruise control function will be disabled when the check engine light is on in most car models, even if the cause of the check engine light is not the cruise control itself. This is mainly due to safety reasons.

Can a vacuum leak affect cruise control?

Older vehicles use vacuum to control the throttle for the cruise control, and in this case a vacuum leak can heavily affect the cruise control. However, modern cruise controls are fully electric and in most cases will not be affected by a vacuum leak if the check engine light is not illuminated.

Although many people may think that the cruise control system is unimportant and not worth spending money to repair, the problem can be caused by a faulty part that will affect the engine’s performance or durability. Therefore, it is best not to ignore the problem if your cruise control is not working without first diagnosing the car properly.

If your cruise control still isn’t working after trying all the tips in this article, it’s probably time to take it in for a professional opinion from a mechanic. It may be a more serious problem that requires replacement parts or repairs. In the meantime, drive safe and enjoy the open road!

Learn more:

• Brake Lights Not Working But Tail Lights Are? (How to Fix)
• Tail Lights Not Working But Brake Lights Are? (How to Fix)
• Brake Lights Stay On? (5 Causes & How to Fix it)

Categories: Electric , Troubleshooting

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Nissan Qashqai (2019) Cruise Control Kit Rostra 250-9663

Free Shipping - Lower 48 US States

Fitment Information

• Nissan Qashqai (2019)

Specs & Features

The Rostra Cruise Control kit is designed to add a cruise control system to those vehicles which did not come with one from the factory.  You can set your desired speed by using the Rostra cruise control switch that is steering column mounted.  Once you set your speed, the Rostra cruise control measures engine load and vehicle speed to ensure your car stays cruising at the desired speed.  You can slow down or accelerate from your cruise by using ths switch for ease of use. The cruise controls feature set speed, tap up/tap down (1 mph per tap), coast/reduce speed, resume/accelerate, and controlled resume rate.

While most of our customers install these aftermarket kits themselves, we recommend professional install of this cruise control system.

Rostra has been manufacturing these cruise control units for years, and is an ISO9001 certified company that has proven to be one of the largest manufactures of cruise controls in the United States.

Rostra Cruise Control Features:

• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Warranty from Rostra
• Slow down or accelerate without the pedal
• Increase comfort and reduce fatigue while driving
• Includes full color illustrated installation manual
• Built in an ISO9001 Quality Certified facility

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• Nissan QashQai Forums Nissan Qashqai Technical Forum Electronic systems

cruise control

Cruise control -->.

Post by supertonk » Sun May 12, 2019 8:35 am

Re: cruise control -->

Post by Noddy1875 » Sun May 12, 2019 12:27 pm

Post by Qashowner » Sun May 12, 2019 3:00 pm

Post by supertonk » Sun May 12, 2019 4:48 pm

Noddy1875 wrote: ↑ Sun May 12, 2019 12:27 pm Are you pressing the buttons in the right order ?

Post by DMW » Mon May 13, 2019 5:07 am

Post by MikeGC » Mon May 13, 2019 7:57 am

Post by supertonk » Wed May 15, 2019 8:23 am

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US Army Hints New Missile System Could Reach China and Russia's Doorstep

A visit by the Japanese army to a military base in the United States last week hinted at the possible future deployment of a new American missile system near China and Russia.

Photos shared by the U.S. Air Force's 62nd Airlift Wing showed it hosted a delegation of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. One of the pictures showed the U.S. Army 's latest Mid-Range Capability missile system, also known as the Typhon.

The Army stood up its second Typhon battery at the West Coast base in January. The introduction was part of an ongoing upgrade to the service's long-range precision fires, in response to challenges posed by Russian and Chinese ballistic missile units.

The modernization plan involves developing longer-range systems as well as modifying existing air- and sea-launched missiles for ground launch.

The Typhon fires two types of anti-surface and -air munitions already used by the U.S. Navy : the Tomahawk cruise missile and the Standard Missile 6, with respective ranges of 1,000 and 290 miles.

The Army plans to use the Typhon missile launcher to cover the 310-1,800-mile gap between its short-range Precision Strike Missile and its Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, both of which are still under development.

All three ground-based missile systems will form the Strategic Fires Battalion of the Army's future Multi-Domain Task Force.

The 62nd Airlift Wing's post said the visit "underscores the vital role our teamwork plays in strengthening ties with our Pacific allies and reinforcing our commitment to collaboration and excellence."

In an emailed response to Newsweek , a spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force unit said the delegation led by Lt. Gen. Kazuo Sakai, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force chief of staff, was "to strengthen cooperation between U.S and Japan and see firsthand the capabilities of the U.S. Army and Air Force units stationed here."

Japan 's embassy in Washington, D.C., did not immediately respond to a written request for comment.

The Japanese army's visit appeared to raise the prospect of the Typhon's deployment on the territory of one of the U.S.'s most vital security treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan hosts nearly 55,000 American troops , according to the Pentagon 's latest manpower statistics—more than any other location in the world outside U.S. territory.

During an April visit to South Korea , another long-time U.S. ally, Gen. Charles Flynn, commander of the U.S. Army Pacific, said Typhon launchers would be deployed to the region this year.

Flynn did not go into detail about a location or timeline, but the Army's medium-range capability made its debut outside the U.S. a few days later. That same month, a Typhon launcher was delivered to northern Luzon in the Philippines as part of an annual exercise with the U.S. ally, in a demonstration hailed as a " historic first ."

The missile system's temporary deployment to the edge of the contested South China Sea was heavily criticized by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which accused the U.S. of strengthening "forward deployment at China 's doorstep."

The island of Luzon, near the center of the so-called first island chain , put military targets in southern and eastern China, as well as those in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, within the sights of the Army's Tomahawk missiles.

The Chinese government said the move raised security concerns for Beijing and could increase strategic risk for all sides.

Neither Washington nor Tokyo have announced any plans to host Typhon launchers in Japan. If deployed to Okinawa, the Japanese island that hosts two-thirds of all U.S. forces in the country , the missiles could also reach targets in central China and in the Korean Peninsula.

Efforts to modernize the Army's long-range precision fires can be traced back to 2019, when the U.S. withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty , a bilateral arms control agreement signed with Russia that banned ground-based launchers with ranges from 310-3,420 miles.

Typhon launchers in Japan would affect the military balance with Russia , said Dmitry Stefanovich, a research fellow at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations in Moscow.

Russia has no ground-based long-range precision strike options in the Far East, Stefanovich told Newsweek . "The situation is even more dramatic given the Kuril Islands case and limited routes of passage from the bases of the Russian Pacific Fleet."

Moscow and Tokyo dispute ownership over the Russia-controlled archipelago in the Northern Pacific, which Japan calls the Northern Territories. The two sides have been unable to negotiate a formal peace treaty since the end of World War II.

Russia would likely counter a Typhon deployment in Japan by positioning similar weapons systems in the Far East, Stefanovich said.

In Europe, the U.S. already plans to deploy the Army's long-range fires to Germany in 2026—Tomahawk missiles, the Standard Missile 6, and hypersonic weapons—according to a joint statement by both countries last month.

"This is a signal to the U.S. allies that they can and must develop and deploy similar capabilities, and both Germany and Japan have relevant projects in progress," said Stefanovich, who warned that a long-range missile arms race was heating up.

" Long-range missiles might lead to inadvertent escalation, especially if we speak about dual-capable and fast-flying weapons," he said, referring to a system designed for both nuclear and conventional missions.

Update, 8/13/24, 3 p.m. ET: This article was updated with a comment from the U.S. Air Force's 62nd Airlift Wing.

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• 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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