Travelanni
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Posts posted by Travelanni
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On 2/25/2020 at 5:09 PM, Pacificana said:
Thank you, Anni,
We are actually spending a night before the cruise in Rostok. We will take a shuttle if offered, but if it is not, Is there a way to get to LP41 other than taxi?
Hi, the only other option is by public transport but, as I said previously, there is no direct way to get from Rostock City to LP41 by public transport. There are, however, two possibilities involving train/bus or tram/bus.
1. From your hotel by bus, tram or taxi (depending on which hotel you are staying in) to Rostock Hbf (main station). S-bahn, (direction Warnemünde) to Lütten Klein, change to #45 bus to Seehafen Fähre, short walk to LP41. This bus runs at 30min intervals before 8am and after 1pm, 1hour intervals between 8am and 1pm.
2.From your hotel by tram #s 1,2,3 or 4 to Dierkower Kreuz, change to bus #49 to Seehafen Fähre, short walk to LP41. This bus runs every hour.
Each of these journeys would take over an hour depending on where your hotel is and the timing of connections.
IMHO neither of these options bears comparison to taking a taxi, whatever the cost, at the beginning of a cruise when you have luggage and if you want to avoid the stress of navigating a strange transport system. Drive from hotel to ship will take 15-20mins depending on traffic.
Happy cruising
Anni
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14 hours ago, Pacificana said:
Anni, thank you so much or the information provided; it is very helpful.
Our cruise is leaving on May 30th from LP41. Will it change something for passengers departing from there? Will it make it any easier?
Thanks again,
Hi, thank you for your appreciation.
The reply to your question is, unfortunately, no. LP41 is in the overseas port on the opposite side of the river to the City of Rostock. There is no DIRECT rail or public transport link between the two. Passengers traveling by train from Berlin must alight at the Rostock Hbf. (main station) and continue to LP41 either by taxi or the bus which is provided by some cruise lines. The other alternative is a bus transfer provided by the cruise line direct from Berlin but this is usually an expensive option compared with the train/bus option.
At the moment DB offers a ticket from Berlin to Rostock, when booked on line, at €31.90 pp. and the cost of a taxi is around €30.
Happy cruising
Anni,
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1 hour ago, Anubi said:
Travelanni, can you expand on this? I assume that the main station you mention is the one nearest the cruise terminal. So, right now, the trains are stopping at Warnenunde Werft and a shuttle bus completes the trip to Station Warnemunde where we can walk to the ship. Or does this shuttle bus go directly to the cruise terminal? I'm curious because in my experience, construction NEVER winds up when they say it does. LOL
I agree entirely with your last sentence but we have been assured of the opening date and can only wait and see.
You have the stations right, the one under reconstruction is just called Warnemünde.
The shuttle bus departs from right alongside the platform at Warnemünde Werft, through the town and finishes at Warnemünde station . The temporary footpath from there to the cruise terminal, although flat, is quite a bit longer than it will be when the station is finished as it has to go round the construction site. It should take about 8-10 mins for the average walker but I would not recommend this route with luggage as the bus is usually small and the footpath has what can only be politely termed 'a wide range of surfaces'.
However, the present rail terminus, Warnemünde Werft is about the same walking distance to the cruise terminal as the above, 8-10 mins along a new road with a wide, smoothly paved footpath. You exit the station on the opposite side, through the subway from the arrival platform, no steps just a gentle slope. I would certainly recommend this route if you are walking with luggage.
There is no shuttle bus direct to the cruise terminal at the moment although there have been rumours.............
I hope this is clear, it is quite difficult to explain the present set-up well enough for a stranger to visualise but hopefully all will be back to normal before you arrive.
Nearer to the start of the season in late March, for the benefit of cruise passengers arriving while construction is still under way, I will post revised instructions on how to get from the ship into Warnemünde and to the train station for visiting Rostock and points beyond. Hopefully by then there will be more news on a shuttle bus to the cruise terminal and a firm date for the station reopening.
Happy cruising
Anni
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Hi,
The previous 4 posts show just how confusing some cruise lines information can be so I would like to clarify a few points.
The rail station in Warnemünde is, finally, under reconstruction and due to re-open on 19th May 2020 but even though it is only across the road from the Cruise Terminal, this has nothing whatsoever to do with where the cruise ships berth !
Port Authorities assign berths months, even years, in advance and it depends on what other ships will be in port that day (eg here Aida ships have priority on berth 7), length, draught, dockside facilities required and a host of other details. The Rostock Port Authority publishes the Cruise Ship Schedule (https://www.rostock-port.de/en/cruise-shipping/port-calls/2020-port-calls.) in January each year and this only changes in cases of emergency which is very rare. If you look at the port schedule you will see that berth 8 will be in use right from the beginning of the season, in other words while the station is still under construction ! Some cruise lines seem to have a very loose relationship with the truth in their information to passengers.
Also we, in this city, get a bit miffed when we see the port described as 'Berlin (Warnemünde) or Berlin (Rostock)'. It is not the port OF Berlin, it is the nearest port TO Berlin which is over 200klms inland to the south. A bit like saying 'Moscow (St Petersburg)' or 'Washington (Newport News)'. Hamburg is the same distance from Berlin but no one would ever dream of referring to it as 'Berlin (Hamburg)'
Rostock is a port city of over 200,000 people stretching along the west bank of the River Warnow.
Warnemünde is a beach suburb at the mouth of the river and the site of the Cruise Terminal (berths 1-4, 7 and 8), connected to the City by both road and suburban rail..
Rostock Seaport (berths LP41 and LP31) is the commercial port on the opposite bank of the river about halfway between the City centre and Warnemünde, connected to both by road only.
Anubi is quite right regarding the stations. The one previous is Warnemünde Werft , the rail terminus at present with a shuttle bus to the main station until it reopens. It is only a short walk to berths 7 and 8.
The refurbishment of the station means passengers will be able to travel direct by ICE from Berlin, no changing trains in Rostock main station and the walk to the cruise berths will be barrier free.
Happy cruising
Anni
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4 hours ago, azbirdmom said:
Thank you for providing the link to the port information. We are embarking on the Sky Princess on the 9th of May from Warnemunde. The port schedule shows that we will be at berth LP41 and a search of the port website indicates this is at the "seaport". Would you happen to know the train stop that would be closest to LP41? And would this be a stop in Rostock or Warnemunde? Thank you!
Hi, thank you for your appreciation.
LP41 is in the commercial port on the opposite side of the river to Warnemünde and Rostock. The nearest station is Lütten Klein, on the rail line between Rostock Hbf and Warnemuende and a ten minute bus ride from LP41. This would be a difficult route with luggage and the bus service is only once per hour. Some cruise lines run a special bus from Rostock Hbf (main station) for embarking passengers and their luggage, IMHO the best way to go but failing that I would recommend a taxi. Fare is about 25-30 euros.
For more details on the port please see my web site.
Happy cruising
Anni
www.travelanni.webs.com
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3 hours ago, azbirdmom said:
Thank you for providing the link to the port information. We are embarking on the Sky Princess on the 9th of May from Warnemunde. The port schedule shows that we will be at berth LP41 and a search of the port website indicates this is at the "seaport". Would you happen to know the train stop that would be closest to LP41? And would this be a stop in Rostock or Warnemunde? Thank you!
Hi, thank you for your appreciation.
LP41 is in the commercial port on the opposite side of the river to Warnemünde. The nearest station is Lütten Klein, on the rail line between Rostock Hbf and Warnemünde
and a ten minute bus ride from LP41. This would be a difficult route with luggage and the bus service is only once per hour. Some cruise lines run a special bus from Rostock Hbf (main station) for embarking passengers and their luggage, IMHO the best way to go but failing that I would recommend a taxi. Fare is about 25-30 euros.
For more details on the port please see my web site.
Happy cruising
Anni
travelanni.webs.com
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8 hours ago, shudie said:
I would be interested to hear about this also re bus or train advantage … and yes, taxi sounds easy!
Hi, the difference is time and convenience. The bus takes 34 mins direct, no changes. The train takes 58 mins plus time to change trains in Rostock main station. Fare in either the bus or train is 4euro each way or 8.40euro for a day ticket which covers all pubic transport in the area , all day. Useful if you want to go by bus and return by train and include a quick visit to Rostock.
Happy cruising 😊
Anni
www.travelanni.webs.com
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5 hours ago, Host Bonjour said:
Happy retirement and we are glad you'll be able to spend more time here in our community! When I first moved to these boards from our sister site Independent Traveler, I remember noticing your posts and wishing I'd seen them when I was planning my visit to the region some years ago. I visited Gûstrow, Rostock, and Berlin with some Parisian friends, one of whom was long friends with the person in Germany. Not everyone spoke every language, but enough of us spoke two languages...it was interesting!
I had previously only been to Bavaria and so it was an exciting and unique experience, as can happen when visiting another region in a country with long and rich history. It was beautiful and I received some unforgettable hospitality and have timeless memories, but I could have used you to have informed myself even better back then, so I am glad everyone has you here now. I'm not sure I'd have thought I'd be at the Baltic Sea until...there I was. So wonderful.
Look forward to your continued presence! Thank you Anni. 🙂
5 hours ago, Host Bonjour said:Hi, thank you very much for your welcome back and your appreciation.
When I first visited here 17 years ago I had been to other areas of Germany but never the North East. I was just passing through and stayed for a couple of days to catch up with someone I had met on a cargo ship voyage. I fell in love with the place and the rest, as they say is history. I visited often and then about 10 years ago I decided to stay permanently.
Mecklenburg is not a well known part of Germany but it has a great deal to offer in beauty and history so I enjoy helping visitors, through this forum, to make the most of the short time they have here.
I do'nt plan to go anywhere soon, I'm much too busy in retirement
Anni
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51 minutes ago, dogs4fun said:
Toilets are free in museums and restaurants (provided you are actually eating in said restaurant). We have encountered pay toilets in most of the countries you will be visiting as we tend to DIY. If the toilets are coin operated, you will need local currency - if there is an attendant, euros are usually accepted in Poland. I don't know if euros would be accepted by toilet attendants in Sweden or Denmark.
In a pinch, pop into a restaurant, purchase a coffee/tea & use their toilet.
In Germany most coffee shops etc. will let non customers use their toilets for a small fee - usually 50c. Just ask at the counter. Another tip, use the free toilet on the train - very clean and well maintained, in this region at least.
Anni
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21 hours ago, GRBlizz said:
Thank you for your advice! We are arriving in Warnemunde on 18 April. My husband uses a power chair full time. We do not plan to go to Berlin, but would like to explore some of the nearby towns. Will we be able to do this using the train, or would we have to find a wheelchair accessible van or something?
Hi, thank you for your appreciation.
All our public transport, regional (red) trains and most of the stations in this area are barrier-free. Unfortunately your visit will be just a month before the re-opening of the main station in Warnemünde but Warnemünde Werft where the trains terminate at the moment is only a 10mins walk from the cruise centre along good smooth pavements.
The trains and trams all have wheel-chair areas with good access even for a larger vehicle. Just look for the painted symbol on the side of the appropriate carriage.
Warnemünde Werft, Rostock, Schwerin, Wismar and Stralsund stations and the tram-stops are all wheel-chair friendly. However, although most of the pavements are smooth you will find that a few streets, especially in the older interesting areas, are still cobbled.
I, myself, ride a small disability scooter which for sure does not handle kerbs, cobbles etc. as well as a powered chair and find no difficulty in any of these towns.
Of course hiring a van would give you much more flexibility and a wider range of places to visit but you can see a lot by train.
Happy planning and cruising
Anni
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13 hours ago, cardbucfan said:
Thank you for all the wonderful information!
I have a question and I know the answer is very subjective but I'm hoping you all will give me your opinions.
My friend and I are sailing in August and will be in Warnemunde on a Monday (so Schwerin is closed). We've looked at the Friends of Dave tour and it looks great but neither of us has ever been to Berlin before (and honestly don't know when/if we will). I know that Berlin is far from Warnemunde and I am also aware that it's a great city and really requires more than a 6 hours to "do it". But I'm having a really hard time passing up the opportunity to see it! I love history and typically don't "go back" to places.
Can you all help me with this decision with the pros/cons as you see them?
Thanks in advance!
Hi, my advice to anyone asking this question is - if you have any hope of a few days in Berlin in the future then forget the day trip. If, however, this is your only chance then go for it. I'm working on the principle that anything is better than nothing here
Just a few tips in case you do decide to go.
Do not use a train tour. You will find the reasons for this advice on several posts!
Use a private company rather than a ships tour. Once you are in Berlin the groups are smaller.
Do a private, or semi private, tour if possible. Most standard tours try to please everyone and you end up with an impossible itinerary, driving past the things which interest you and wasting time on the things which do not.
Use the same company you intend to use in St. Petersburg. Not only will you get a discount but you will have established a relationship with them arranging your St. P tour.
Berlin has history covering so many different eras;Imperial, Weimar, National Socialist,DDR; that it is a good idea to choose which really interests you and let the tour people put a tour together covering relevant sights.
BTW you do not say where your cruise starts/finishes but if it is in UK or Northern Europe have you considered a few days in Berlin either pre- or post-cruise. It is sometimes only a little more expensive than a day tour from Warnemünde.
I hope this helps with your planning
Anni
www.travelanni.webs.com
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3 hours ago, fluffybunny22 said:
Is there anywhere in the area where we would be able to get bratwursts? That's really the only thing my in laws want to do while we are in port.
Hi, the quick answer is just about anywhere they sell food. But the traditional, local way to eat bratwurst is served in a bread roll with mustard and/or onions while standing at a street stall. No seating, just high tables on the footpath. There are several of these around the Rostock city centre and in Warnemuende, both free standing stalls and shops which serve through a window straight onto the street. One particularly good one is built, grill and all, on a tricycle and can usually be found in University Square or cruising the surrounding streets.
Enjoy.
Happy planning and cruising,
Anni
www.travelanni.webs.com
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4 hours ago, itsanita said:
I found this on the bahn.com site. A regional day ticket for all of Germany. https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/regional/day-ticket-for-germany.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0060_REGIO-INDEX-QDL-DESKTOP_LZ01
For the 6 of us it would end up being 20 euro a piece unless I am missing something. And I am also assuming that it covers the fast trains to Berlin
However, no seat assignment. We could not stand for the 4 1/2 hours to Berlin, so not sure we could take a chance, even though we are traveling on a Saturday. We are 'seniors'. LOL
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Hi, I have also looked up the deal which you found. As I said in my original reply a Regional Day Ticket is for Regional Trains only, it is not valid on fast, direct trains. Using this ticket the journey from Munich to Berlin would take between 8 and 10 hours and involve 3 - 6 changes of train ! The ICE takes about four and a half hours direct, same train all the way.
You did not give your travel date but I see from your chat with Gnome that you are not yet within the 6 months. However, if you give me your date I will see what I can find. At the moment there is a Super Saver offer which works out at under 10euros each for a party of six including seat reservation on the ICE (Inter City Express) but of course that is a winter special.
Please do not use a third party, most of the time they have no idea how to find the cheaper fares. Rest assured that any advice I give is from experience as I have lived here for over 10 years and in that time have travelled by train all over Europe, always seeking out the best possible deals.
Happy to help you in any way I can.
Anni
PS In future could you please quote the post to which your reply is addressed. Otherwise it is confusing when two people are giving advice.Thank you
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2 hours ago, gnome12 said:
I'm not sure if it works the same way for group travel, but for individual I just ignored the choose return trip and hit the To Offer Selection button. I had no problem booking a one way from Frankfurt airport to Koblenz.
2 hours ago, itsanita said:Thanks so much for taking the time to explain.
My last question is about 'returns'. I have tried to go in to book, but it keeps asking for my return. We will be flying out of Berlin, so our train trip will be one way. How to I choose 'one way'?
Hi, Gnome is right. And the same applies to any type of booking. Good luck.
Anni
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Hi, further to my previous reply re trains Munich to Berlin.
I have just found some better prices available 6 months in advance but they are train specific and seats must be booked separately. It would be worthwhile to look again at https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de//bin/query.exe/en > Booking Information 6 months before your travel date.
I hope I have not confused you too much but they do offer so many variables.
Anni
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1 hour ago, itsanita said:
Anni, Your help is amazing. Thank YOU.
I have a question that I hope you can help me with. We will be traveling by train from Munich to Berlin. there will be 6 adults. I went on your travelanni web site and read you instructions about buying regional train tickets on line. So we could buy 2 tickets, for 3 people each? And the six of us could use those 2 tickets for our travel? Do we get 6 tickets? Or do we share a ticket? Can we buy these ahead of time, or get them at the train station in Munich that morning? If we can get them ahead of time, do we get an email ticket? And can we reserve seats?
I have also read that we can go into https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de//bin/query.exe/en 90 days ahead of our travel day and possibly get cheaper tickets.
Which would you suggest?
Hi, thank you for your appreciation. I will try to answer point by point.
Berlin and Munich are not in the same region so there is no Regional Ticket which covers your journey.
The corresponding ticket which covers the whole of Germany, Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket, is valid only on Regional trains and seats cannot be booked. Using this ticket would probably involve several changes.
You can get discounted tickets 90 days in advance but with your group number you would get the best deal with a Group Saver Fare. For 6 or more people it has considerable savings and super advantages - use of direct ICE trains, booked seats included, available up to 6 months in advance. You can find all the details at https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de//bin/query.exe/en > offers > Group travel in Germany. I am not sure if the number of tickets offered is limited but my advice would be to buy your ticket as early as possible. When you book on-line you generally print the ticket yourself, one for the whole group, and will be sent an e-mail confirmation. You only need the ID of one person in the group, usually the credit card used for payment, but you must be prepared to present that same ID on the train.
Thank you for this query, I had no idea this ticket existed until I did the research so I have learned something new and useful.
Happy planning and cruising
Anni
www.travelanni.webs.com
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10 hours ago, PandasRUs said:
We will be on a Baltic Cruise the middle of September and one of our stops is Warnemude Germany. We are still in the research stage as to what we want to do in the area so no specific plans at this point. My maiden name is Ockel. In Rostock there is a bakery named Cafe Ockel. I think it would be fun to at least stop by for a picture (and probably a snack). My niece discovered this place was there but she was not able to go when she was in Germany a couple of years ago. I would love to be able to take some pictures for the family. Does anyone know about this bakery? Is it easy to get to? What else is there to do in the area?
Thank you.
Hi, what an intriguing request!
I did a bit of research and found that Cafe Ockel is a coffee shop outlet for the wholesale bakery 'Mecklenburg Backstuben' which supplies bread and cakes to many of the shops in Rostock. They are especially known for their celebration cakes, a mouth watering catalogue can be found on their website.
If you put 'Rostock Cafe Ockel into your search engine you should find a nice photo of the cafe. It is situated on the main road about halfway between the Hauptbahnhof (main station) where the trains arrive from Warnemünde and the city centre where there is plenty to do and see (see my website for more details). This is about a 10min walk but there is really nothing interesting in this area. It is probably better to simply break the normal tram trip into the city centre. Take the tram #5 or #6 and get off at the first stop, Leibnitz Platz, cross the street and turn towards the city. The Cafe Ockel is on the corner of the next block.
It is then about another 10 to 15 min walk into the city centre, the last half of the walk is quite interesting, or you can continue on the same number tram. If you buy a day ticket from Warnemünde it will cover all your train and tram trips.
You have sparked my interest and, as it is not far from my apartment, I will be giving Cafe Ockel a try when the weather improves.
Happy cruising and planning
Anni
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1 hour ago, Anubi said:
Can you go back and book the seats later?
Hi, certainly you can book seats later using the 'seat only (no ticket)' option but of course the later you leave it the less choice of seat you will have. Most of the time this is not a problem but there is an indication of how busy DB expects a train to be, shown by the amount of shading on the little figures just to the right of the train details.
Happy planning and cruising
Anni
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40 minutes ago, Desdichado62 said:
I concur with kraut and Viking, good to hear from you again Anni.
A visit to Swedish Germany/Pommern is still on my bucket list.
Thank you, as I said before it is lovely to feel so welcome. We look forward to seeing you.
Anni
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1 hour ago, mjkStirling said:
Thank you for your post. Have booked with CMV and in the port at the end of July. What do you recommend for a couple who are aged 50 and love to explore on foot?
Hi,
You may like to visit one of the several towns in the vicinity and then finish off the day in Warnemünde which is only 5 mins from your ship.
Rostock - 25 mins by train and tram. Bad Doberan - about 45 mins by train or bus. Wismar - about 90 mins by train. Schwerin - about 90 mins by train. Stralsund - about 90 mins by train. With a bit of planning it is possible to combine Rostock with Bad Doberan, Rostock with Schwerin, Wismar with Bad Doberan , Wismar with Schwerin or Stralsund with Rostock. They are all covered by the Mecklenburg Day Ticket.
These towns are flat, compact and very easy to DIY, perfect to explore on foot.
For details on how to get there and a description of each please see my web site.
Whatever you do make sure you leave some time to spend in Warnemünde. It is a little gem!
Happy planning and cruising,
Anni.
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54 minutes ago, LondonTowner said:
I sent an email to the castle, but they never replied. Does anybody happen to know how accessible it is? Thanks.
Hi, the restored Ducal living areas are open to the public and there are lifts to every floor but I do not know how difficult it would be getting around the rooms with a wheelchair for instance. There is plenty of good information about the Castle on https://www.schwerin.com/en/attractions-and-sights/schwerin-castle/
Happy planning and cruising
Anni
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On 1/1/2020 at 2:47 PM, milolii said:
Wow, thanks! So nice of you. We visit 25 of July! We are looking for a tour that goes inside Schwerin Castle? Any thoughts? I think we could do on our own, but really do enjoy a tour as well. Will copy your thread into our roll call.
Hi, Schwerin itself is easy to DIY. Details on how to get there etc. on my web site.
The Castle is also easy to DIY with their excellent audio guides in English. For details https://www.schwerin.com/en/attractions-and-sights/schwerin-castle/
The gardens are beautiful and the park is nice for strolling, especially by the lake.
Happy planning and cruising
Anni
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11 hours ago, cruisen JJ said:
Thank You Travelanni,
When buying tickets for train from Berlin to the cruise port what are the specific terminal names?
Hi, the names of the terminals are Berlin Hbf. and Warnemünde (or Warnemuende if you have no umlaut on your machine).
Tip:- The difference between first and second class is not worth the cost but it is worthwhile to book your seats when buying your ticket. In most cases you will see a seating plan and can choose your seats. Open seating type wagons are best if you have luggage.
For those not familiar with DeutscheBahn you will find the stations well signed. Platforms are divided into sections, A B C etc. indicated by overhead signs. On each platform there is a plan of the layout of every train on that day showing in which section of the platform each numbered wagon will stop so you know where to stand. On board there are good sized overhead racks and also racks for larger luggage at each end of the wagon. It is NOT permissible to have your luggage in the centre aisle. If you are nervous about theft (never heard of it myself) you can use the rack at the end which is visible from your seat. The train terminates in Warnemünde so there is no rush to get off.
Hope this helps you and anyone else planning to travel by train.
Happy planning and cruising
Anni
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Hi, please see my post on thread 'Warnemünde/Rostock 2020' for the latest on the new InterCity train service between Berlin and Warnemünde. This service will start when the station reopens in late May.
Happy planning and cruising
Anni
www.travelanni.webs.com
Warnemünde / Rostock 2020
in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea
Posted
Hi, many thanks for your concern. I am still alive and kicking.
However, I closed the web site in June and stopped using CC as I was due to return to Australia at the beginning of August but COVID put a stop to that. As I had given up my flat etc I had to move back to my friends place in Luwigslust and am now waitIng for the restrictions to be eased so I can return Down Under and rejoin the possessions which I had sent ahead !
I no longer have any connection with the port even if there were cruise ships which I doubt will happen this year. I enjoyed my time with CC and the friends I made over the years but life moves on and I must return to my family.
I will keep an eye on the forum and look forward to reading about Rostock/Warnemünde when things start up again.
My best wishes to you and all the other hard working members who spend their time and efforts to help the cruisers enjoy their shore time.
Take care, travel safe, stay healthy and be happy
Anni 😊