Cruise
Baltic Sea cruises connect major port cities, islands and smaller coastal towns. When choosing a trip, the departure port, actual time in port, distance from the pier and possible itinerary changes matter more than simply counting the destinations listed.
Which Baltic ports are right for your trip?
Common departure and port-of-call cities include Kiel, Warnemünde, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga. Depending on the route, island ports such as Rønne on Bornholm or Visby on Gotland may also be included. Not every trip visits the same countries, and individual ports may be omitted because of weather, traffic or operational decisions.
Kreuzfahrtschiff 'Delphin Renaissance'
Photo: © Peer Schmidt-Walther
It is worth checking how long the ship stays in port when choosing a trip. A longer stop is more suitable for an independent visit to the city or an excursion into the surrounding area. For short port calls, carefully factor in distances, transfers and a buffer for returning to the ship.
Preparing for departure from Germany
If departing from Kiel or Warnemünde, check the exact terminal. The railway station, car park, hotel and pier are not necessarily close to one another. If travelling by train or plane, allow extra time for delays, luggage and the final leg to the ship.
Staying overnight before boarding can reduce the risk of missing your departure after a long journey. The same applies to the return trip: disembarkation and luggage collection take time, so tight train or flight connections may be unwise.
Shore excursions in the Baltic
Some piers are close to the city centre, while others require a shuttle, public transport or an organised transfer. Before each shore visit, confirm the berth, the latest time to return and the requirements for reboarding. For independently planned excursions, allowing enough of a buffer is more important than trying to fit in as much as possible.
Travel documents should also be checked to see which transfers and excursions are included in the price. Cabin category, meals, gratuities, extra services and cancellation terms can significantly affect the total cost. Check current entry requirements and cruise line rules separately before departure.
