Comments to Russian Federation Government Resolution dated May 7th , 2009 № 397, Moscow
Under the Russian legislation ferry passengers do not require visa anymore to visit Russia under following obligatory conditions:

  • Use of ferry to enter/leave Russia
  • The period of stay in Russia should not exceed 72 hours
  • To participate on organized tour program

Cruise (roundtrip) passengers

Passengers without visas purchasing tickets from ST PETER LINE (authorized travel agents or via web-site) have an option to book “City Bus Tour” operated by ST PETER LINE (instead of receiving Russian visa) for their stay in St. Petersburg. The “City Bus Tour” costs EUR 15 and allows passengers to move freely in St. Petersburg within 11 hours starting from 8 am till 7 pm by shuttle buses with ST PETER LINE sign on it.

The buses run according to timetable between the most popular tourist attractions of St.Petersburg and ferry terminal; you may get off the bus every stop you wish.

For shore leave tour ticket, roundtrip ferry ticket and valid passport is required only.


Passengers of ferry wishing to stay in Russia whithin 72 hours

Passengers without visas purchasing tickets from ST PETER LINE (authorized travel agents or via web-site) have an option to book “City Bus Tour” operated by ST PETER LINE (instead of receiving Russian visa) for their stay in St. Petersburg. The “City Bus Tour” costs EUR 15 and allows passengers to move freely in St. Petersburg within 11 hours starting from 8 am till 7 pm by shuttle buses with ST PETER LINE sign on it.

The buses run according to timetable between the most popular tourist attractions of St.Petersburg and ferry terminal; you may use the buses on days of your arrival and departure.

For shore leave tour ticket, return ferry ticket HEL-SPB, valid passport and hotel booking is required.


For more information please review the following article


Preferred Partners





10% discount on all services on board.





m/v "Princess Maria"
Year of built 1981
Years of rebuilt 1990, 1997, 2000, 2009
Full passenger capacity 1638
Vehicle capacity 395 cars
Passenger cabins 606
GRT 34 000 r. t.
Length overall 168,05 m
Moulded beam 29 m
Draft 6,72 m
Max. speed 21,2 knots