Korsakov, Russia

July 21, 2015 -- Korsakov (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Russia (6:00AM~6:00PM)

Weather: Clear

Temperature: 17.0 C

Our ship anchored off the port of Korsakov at around 5:20AM, and tender boats began service for the day. One big issue for this port was the Russian visa, which would be a pain if apply for it independently. Unlike traveling to St. Petersburg, where many tour options set up would include the needed visa, there were none that we could find available here for this port. The only way that we could avoid the complication was to join the ship excursion which we did. We rarely participate in ship excursions, unless it's absolutely necessary. This was one of those circumstances and the other time was when we were in Tunisia for safely reasons. Princess was being very careful about the visa situation. When we checked in at the pier in Yokohama, they made sure everyone understands that if you do not have a visa, and not on a Princess tour, you will have to remain on the ship that day.  

But... that's in St. Petersburg, miles away!

Weather turned out to be better than expected. This must be a good fishing ground because there were many fishing boats around us that morning. There was also a Japanese Coast Guard vessel next to Princess.

Loved this yogurt from Hokkaido, had one every morning.

Our excursion was scheduled to leave ship at 12:15, so we had the whole morning to relax and enjoy breakfast and lunch before getting off the ship. Many passengers decided to stay on board but the ship never felt crowded. We saw the Russian immigration officers enjoying their lunch at the buffet also that day. They were on the ship to check our passports when we were getting on the tenders.

The shoreline of Korsakov.

Checking out tonight's menu

When we signed up for the excursion, we were on the waiting list but they finally added more groups, so we were one of the last groups leaving the ship that day.

It was about a 10-minute ride on the tender on choppy water. We were able to be on the top deck of the tender going on shore but they would not let anyone up there on our way back.

We were snapping pictures while on the tender and were not aware of the 'no photos' sign posted near the pier. Too late!

Getting on the tour bus for the day.

It was hot inside the bus, fortunately the AC finally started to work as we drove along. The ride to Shakhalin took about 45 minutes, passing through some remote and underdeveloped areas.

A welcome sign at the pier.

Church of St. Nicholas

First stop, Church of St. Nicholas, which is a wooden church built with roundwood logs. 

The roof is topped with the iconic gold onion domes and Orthodox crosses. Very pretty!

Inside the church

This is a small church but very well decorated.

Our next stop was a shopping stop at a 'mall' with restroom facilities. 

But there were only three vendors selling handicrafts and souvenirs set up on the second floor.

We were here for about 20 minutes.

This was outside the building which is right next to a highway.

Looked like a newly developed area.

Victory Square and Square of Glory

Then we stopped at Victory Square and Square of Glory that were dedicated to Russia's triumph over Japan and its reclaim of the island. Also to honor the Soviet soldiers who died during Sakhalin's liberation of 1945.

Love locks

The total time here was about 15 minutes.

Sakhalin Regional Museum

It was very crowded here at the Sakhalin Regional Museum where we stayed for about 40 minutes.

The building reminiscent of a pagoda, was erected during the Karafuto period. It has a collection of arts, natural history and archaeology of the island and its people.

Our guide for the day, a college student, first day at work. He really tried and had his scripts close by. By the way, he speaks Mandarin fluently which startled me a bit.

Some of the displays inside the museum.

From the display, one can easily see the many cultures that influenced this area.

Looks Mongolian

Passing by the obelisk near Lenin Square which we did not make a stop.

Our final stop for the day--at a city mall for 25 minutes. We spent 20 minutes just looking for the restrooms which didn't leave us much time to look around. I did walk around the food court upstairs which looked interesting. I would have loved to go inside that supermarket on the first floor though.

Exterior of the City Mall.

Ready to take our 45-minute ride back to the pier.

Taking the last two tenders back to the ship.

The Russian immigration officers checked our passports once again as we get back on the ship. If I remember correctly, they actually collected our passports then and later on that evening our room steward gave us back our passports and Japanese immigration forms to fill out once again.

Beautiful sunset as we leave Korsakov.

Yes, the excursion was a little expensive, $99 for just a few hours of rushing through the city, but I had no regrets for signing up. Definitely it's not as amazing as St. Petersburg, but we got to see this part of Russian Far East, the other side of Russia, which is not an everyday opportunity. For those who are still considering if they should go on shore, I'd say go ahead. You have spent much money on a cruise anyway, why miss this unusual experience for just a hundred dollar?

Triology of Lamb chop, braised veal breast, and chicken kebap