Travelanni
-
Posts
1,056 -
Joined
Content Type
Forums
Store
Blogs
Downloads
Events
Gallery
Posts posted by Travelanni
-
-
Although this information has also been posted on another thread the subject probably needs one to itself as it seems to cause a lot of confusion, mainly due to the way in which cruise companies advertise the Baltic Ports of Call.
In every other Port of Call the ship docks directly in or within one hour of the City but Berlin is over 200 klms inland from Rostock/Warnemünde, the nearest port.
Rostock/Warnemünde is one place. Warnemünde is a seaside suburb of the City of Rostock and the site of the Cruise Terminal which can accommodate two large and one small cruise ships at the same time. When there are more ships due on one day then one or more must berth in the commercial Port of Rostock on the other side of the river.
Berths P1-4, P7 and P8 are in Warnemünde. Berths LP41 and LP31 are in the Port of Rostock.
In Warnemünde the ships dock right alongside the train station and the local train direct to Rostock Hbf (main station) from where you can catch trains to other places within easy reach but from the Port of Rostock you need to take the shuttle service run by some cruise lines, a taxi or bus/train to reach Rostock Hbf.
From either Warnemünde or the Port of Rostock the travel time to Berlin by private car or a tour company's chartered train or coach is roughly the same, 2-3 hours. If using public transport the trip from Warnemünde is slightly shorter, 3-4 hours than from the Port of Rostock, 4hours plus, as it is more direct.
The ICE express train no longer runs direct from Warnemünde, you still need to catch the local train to Rostock and the departure is too early for cruise passengers, 6:03am. The only direct train, the InterConnex departs in the afternoon.
The RE regional train service departs every two hours from Rostock Hbf. but the timetable does not fit well with the schedules of most ships and valuable time is wasted at both ends of the day.
Berlin is 200klms from the sea! For shipping lines to advertise it as either a port of call or departure is blatant false advertising! Cruises advertised with Berlin as the port of departure actually sail from the Cruise Terminal in Warnemünde. Cruise companies do offer a transfer from the airport in Berlin to the ship but as an extra cost (highly inflated), not as part of the fare. However, many passengers are using this as a start/finish port, flying into/out of Berlin and spending a few days there prior/post cruise. A much better alternative to a rushed (and expensive) day trip from Rostock/Warnemünde.
I hope this helps to clear the confusion a little. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
I'm having trouble deciding between the Princess and RC Baltic itineraries:
One is: Copenhagen, Oslo, Aarhus, Berlin (Warnemunde), Talinn, St. Petersburg (2 days), Helsinki, Stockholm and Copenhagen
The other is: Copenhagen, Berlin (Rostock), Klaipeda, Visby, Helskinki, St. Petersburg (3 days), Talinn, Stockholm (overnight - ends in Stockholm, not Copenhagen.
I'm aware that the Princess stop is an hour away in Nynashamn; with RC we will have more time in Stockholm.
Is either Rostock or Warnemunde any easier/faster to get into Berlin?
Also, the first one has 2 sea days, the second only one.
Many thanks.
Hi, just to correct a few misconceptions about Rostock/Warnemünde
Rostock/Warnemünde is one place, the nearest port to Berlin but approximately 200 klms away!
Warnemünde is a seaside suburb of Rostock and the site of the Cruise Terminal which can accommodate two large and one small cruise ships at the same time. When there are more ships due on one day then one or more must berth in the commercial Port of Rostock on the other side of the river. If your berth is P1-4, P7 or P8 then it is in Warnemünde. Berths LP41 or LP31 are in the Port of Rostock.
Quote 'Is either Rostock or Warnemunde any easier/faster to get into Berlin?'
From either berth the travel time by car, a tour company's chartered train or coach is roughly the same. If using public transport the trip from Warnemünde is slightly shorter as it is more direct. In Warnemünde the ships dock right alongside the train station and the local train direct to Rostock Hbf (main station) from where you can catch trains to other places within easy reach but from the Port of Rostock you need to take the shuttle service run by some cruise lines, a taxi or bus/train to reach Rostock Hbf.
Quote 'From memory there is an express train straight thru that you can do on your own. An alternative is a connection in Rostock.'
The ICE express train no longer runs direct from Warnemünde, you still need to catch the local train to Rostock and the departure is too early for cruise passengers, 6:03am. The only direct train, the InterConnex departs in the afternoon.
The RE regional train service departs every two hours from Rostock Hbf. but the timetable does not fit well with the schedules of most ships and valulable time is wasted at both ends of the day.
Quote 'If you want to get to Berlin, there is a similar cruise that sails out of Berlin.'
Berlin is 200klms from the sea! For shipping lines to advertise it as either a port of call or departure is blatant false advertising! All so-called departures from Berlin actually leave from the Cruise Terminal in Warnemünde. However, many passengers are using this as a start/finish port, flying into Berlin and spending a few days there prior/post cruise. A much better alternative to a rushed (and expensive) day trip.
For things to do in and around Rostock/Warnemünde please see my web site. Should you decide to go to Berlin independently there have been several threads on the subject, just search for Berlin.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
Hello folks. Just need some advice on what to do once in Kiel. What are the major attractions of this port? And what about transportation from the port to the city center? Is it doable onfoot? If not, is public transportation available? Thanks.
Hi, Last year friends of mine took the following day out from their ship. Even the ladies loved it!
A very nice ferry ride from Kiel towards the Baltic is Laboe, a small, charming seaside town with a nice beach. But the main interest here is the Laboe Naval Memorial . Started in 1927 and completed in 1936 as a monument to the World l war dead of the Kaiserliche Marine.
After Germany's surrender in May 1945, the Marine-Ehrenmal was taken over by the British occupation forces. However, it was not destroyed because, as the British Military Administration stated, the memorial "does not glorify war and the spirit of aggression, but belongs to those whose intention is a personal tribute to the seamen who died for their country.”
In 1954 it was returned to the German Naval Association and rededicated to commemorate the sailors of all nationalities who died during the World Wars.
The monument consists of a 72-metre high tower with an observation deck 85 m above sea level. Underneath is the Hall of Remembrance, a very special place to people of many nationalities (including myself) who lost family at sea during a war.
www.deutscher-marinebund.de/geschichte_me.htm
Part of the complex is a naval museum and the grounds feature various artifacts including the World War II-era German Submarine U-955, the only remaining type VII U- boat, which is open to the public.
Traditionally every ship passing the Memorial (and there are dozens every day going to and from the Canal) dips its flag in salute as this is the only memorial in the world to commemorate ALL sailors of ALL nations.
However it is by no means a grim place. The setting is beautiful and both the exterior and interior architecture is unusual and interesting. The view from the observation platform is stunning. The little town is very pleasant with a lovely beach, shops,cafes and restaurants. The short walk from the ferry terminal is along the seafront or you can take the 'Baderbahn', a small 'road train' which is certainly not just for the kids.
There is a regular ferry service between the 'Seegarten' pier next to the cruise terminal and Laboe. The ride takes an hour through the sheltered waters of the fijord. Timetables and fares at
If you are interested in shipping and the workings of the Kiel Canal locks, with bus number 11 you can reach the Schleusenstraße where there is a public viewing platform. A free ferry runs continuously across the canal. Near the ferry landing on the opposite side is the Schleusenmuseum (Locks Museum) with the locks, and the Tiessenkai. A short walk away is the Kiel-Holtenau Lighthouse overlooking the fijord, which is not only of historical significance but also a favourite place for weddings. More information and ideas can be found at
http://www.kiel-sailing-city.de/en/s...ound-tour.html
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
-
We are on the Constellation, sailing July 20. Our first port day is Rostock. Most of the information I have found has ships docking in Warnemunde. Can we travel between the two cities and spend the day? We have a long day there because of the trips to Berlin but we have chosen not to go there. Should we try to venture out to other sites and if so, is that easy to do? Does anyone have suggestions for this long day, starting in Rostock?
Hi,
Warnemünde a suburb of the City of Rostock and the site of the Cruise Terminal. The Port of Rostock or Uberseehafen, where your ship will berth at LP41, is the commercial dock area on the other side of the River which is used when there are more than two large cruise ships in port on the same day. For a good overview of the two berths in relation to one another see the map at
http://www.rostock-port.de/en/cruise-shipping/passenger-information.html
Everything which you can do from the Cruise Terminal in Warnemünde is possible starting from the Port of Rostock, it is just a little bit more complicated and takes slightly more time.
Some ships run a shuttle service from the Uberseehafen to either Rostock City Centre or to Warnemünde. If you intend to travel further afield, eg Schwerin or Wismar, it is better to go straight into Rostock and then follow the directions on my web site.
To get into Rostock City from the Port of Rostock, berths LP41 or LP31.
Shuttle service - if one is offered by your ship.
Taxi - the quickest way and not very expensive, especially when shared between several people. There are always taxis at the berth.
Bus and train - there is a bus service to the nearest train station, Lütten Klein, where you can pick up the s-bahn into Rostock Hbf (main station). This is the same train you would have taken had your ship been berthed in Warnemünde. Obviously you can also take the train in the other direction to Warnemünde. The bus stop is on the main road about 50m from the dock gate, on the same side. The ride to Lütten Klein takes about 15mins.
Bus #45 departs-
Monday to Friday - every half hour from 7am.
Saturday - every hour from 8:30am
Sunday - every hour from 8:57am
Return from Lütten Klein -
Monday to Friday - 22 and 52 mins past the hour, last bus 7:52pm
Saturday - at 21 mins past the hour, last bus 7:21pm
Sunday - 35 mins past the hour, last bus 7:35pm.
The buses stop right alongside the train platform and are timed to connect with the s-bahn to Rostock which departs every 15 mins, every day.
Tickets can be bought from the machine on the bus.
Hope this helps you to plan your day.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
-
Do not rely on anyone in Europe accepting US dollars or any currency other than that of their own country (Russia - Roubles (RUB), Britain - Pounds (GBP) , Denmark - Krone (DKK), Sweden - Krona (SEK), Norway - Krone (NOK), rest of Europe - Euros (EUR) ). Many places catering to tourists or close to borders do accept other currencies but using the local currency adds to the travel experience and is certainly more courteous.
The first part of the sentence should, of course, read 'Do not rely on anyone in Europe or Scandinavia' etc. and further down 'rest of Europe plus Finland and Estonia'
Sorry for the slips and apologies from this European to my Scandinavian friends and neighbours.
Anni, :)
-
This is a totally unrelated travel or cruise question but I was wondering if you can help. My dad was stationed years ago (back in the 70s) in Bamberg. While there he drank a particular type of beer that he loved. I've been searching the internet and even asked 'Siri' but I can't find it. I know I'm spelling it wrong probably even pronouncing it wrong but it's called "cumebakka." That's how I would spell it at least. Maybe if I attempt phonetically..."que-umm-bakka." He said it was cheap and strong. I would love to surprise him with a case. Any information or ideas to what the actual name might be would be appreciated. Thanks!
Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app
Hi' date=' Going by where he was stationed, I think the beer which your father enjoyed so much came from the Kulmbacher Brewery in Southern Bavaria.
They produce dozens of different beers, some of which are even available in the US and some which are only available in the local area of the brewery.
I am sure that you would be able to get Kulmbacher in NE Germany though not the whole range.
You can read more about the different Kulmbacher beers at
http://www.ratebeer.com/brewers/kulmbacher-kommunbrau/6922/
maybe your father can recognise the name of the one he liked.
Hope you find it, :)
Anni[/size']
-
Thanks Travelanni, one more question--if we are in port from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., could we also squeeze in a stop in Bad Domeran (in addition to Wismar and Schwerin)? Or is that putting too much on the itinerary for one day?
Hi, given your time in port you could squeeze in a visit to Bad Doberan but I would not advise it for a couple or reasons. The earliest you can hope to arrive in Schwerin 10:03 and you need at least 3 hours in each for Schwerin and Wismar. Taking into account the time taken to travel between the two and to return to Warnemünde for on-board (which I am presuming to be 9:30pm) that is around 8 hours. Although there is very little in Bad Doberan itself except for the Molli and the Minster, one hour would not be enough - barely giving enough time to walk to and from the station. There would not be enough time to experience the Molli and the Minster closes at 6pm.
In my opinion it would be better concentrate on Schwerin and Wismar, getting back with a little time in hand to have a stroll around Warnemünde where everything is still open and you are within 5mins walk back to the ship.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
-
This is my understanding ....someone correct me if I'm wrong. With just about any CC you can get a pin for cash advances (at a high interest rate and fees when you use it this way). The pin technology they have overseas (and with the Andrews Federal Credit Union CC) is for a security layer and does not trigger a cash advance.
I'm still trying to determine if the Barclay's Access Card has a pin (seen references that it does) and that the pin is for security and will not treat a transaction it is used for as a cash advance. In other words that it is like the Andews Credit Union card which is both chip and sign and chip and pin, defaulting to chip and pin when the merchant (or kiosk) has no way of getting a signature.
As a European to whom American visitors have complained many times about not being able to use their magnetic strip or chip and signature cards in some situations I have been following this, and previous threads on the same subject, with interest.
It seems that there is a lot of confusion, firstly as to why we have the chip and PIN technology and secondly how and where it works.
It is simply, as quoted, an extra layer of security designed to combat credit card fraud and is now in use in the majority of developed countries.
The PIN (Personal Identification Number), like the signature, is a way of ensuring that the card is being used by the person to whom it belongs. However, unlike the signature, it does not require a human to use their, sometimes imperfect, judgement and compare signatures. The PIN is known only to the card-holder and verified by technology. This is a much more secure verification both for the card-holder and the vendor. Many vendors have machines which accept both types of card but as the signature cards become less common so do these machines and vendors who will not accept cards without a PIN are not being unfriendly or difficult, they are just moving with the general trend in Europe and most of the rest of the world to make card fraud more difficult. Machines where there is no human presence, ticket machines, gas pumps etc. do not accept cards without a PIN.
The security is enhanced by the fact that the PIN is not 'given out' as stated in the advice of one bank, it is known only to you and punched into the machine by you. Your card never leaves your sight. In fact many vendors in Europe insist that you put the card in the machine, punch in the PIN and remove the card, they never handle it.
I cannot comment on the way fees etc. are handled by American banks as all banks have different rules but, going by the comments of regular travellers, having a credit or debit card with a PIN for larger purchases and withdrawing a small amount of cash from an ATM for incidentals like restrooms etc. is the way to go.
Do not rely on anyone in Europe accepting US dollars or any currency other than that of their own country (Russia - Roubles (RUB), Britain - Pounds (GBP) , Denmark - Krone (DKK), Sweden - Krona (SEK), Norway - Krone (NOK), rest of Europe - Euros (EUR) ). Many places catering to tourists or close to borders do accept other currencies but using the local currency adds to the travel experience and is certainly more courteous.
I hope that this helps.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
-
Travelanni,
Thanks so much for all your valuable information. After reading your posts and website we purchased the Mecklenburg - Vorpommern Länder Ticket for our July 8th stop. We will be on the Holland America Rotterdam docking in Warnemunde. We have decided to visit Schwerin and Wismar. Where do I find the train's timetables? (I'm sure you mentioned it but I can't seem to find it.) Thanks.
Also, how often does the local train run from Warnemunde to Rostock? I know we will have to purchase a separate ticket to get there before using the Lander ticket?
Thanks again.
Hi, thank you for your appreciation.
Train timetables in English can be found at
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
However, I have listed the times of the trains between Rostock-Schwerin and Wismar-Rostock on the appropriate pages of my web site. Between Schwerin and Wismar there is an hourly service departing Schwerin Hbf at 46 mins past the hour. The service Wismar to Schwerin is hourly but slightly more erratic, you would need to look up the exact times but most people find that the best use of the available time is to travel Rostock-Schwerin-Wismar-Rostock.
Trains between Warnemünde and Rostock run every 7 or 8 mins up to 7:48, every 15 mins after 8:03. You only need to puchase a separate ticket for the part of the journey before 9:00.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
-
It seems like that the track repairs that we have talked about is finished.
The fastest connections is now the ICE that takes the trip in just under 2 hours.
There is only missing the 7 kilometres between Nassenheide and Oranienburg that will be done in 2016.
This sounds like great news - until you look at the timetable!
Weekdays - one ICE in each direction. Dep Rostock 6:33. Dep Berlin 17:24.
Saturday - one ICE to Berlin. Dep Rostock 8:33 Nothing from Berlin.
Sunday - one ICE to Rostock. Dep Berlin 19:24. Nothing from Rostock.
Insider information is that there is very little chance of more ICE trains. The present weekday service was designed for the business commuter and there is not enough demand for express trains at any other time of day as the majority of passengers are not travelling from Rostock but from the intermediate stations .
There is a possibility that an IC service (more stops than an ICE but slightly faster than an RE) will be introduced in the future when the upgrades are finally completed. We shall see!
So that still leaves the RE, travel time 2hrs 38mins, as the only real possibility for cruise ship passengers although the timetable does not mesh very well with the arrival and departure times of most ships.
-
Ill be in Hamburg the first Sunday in October and was curious if shops will be open? Are most things open on Sunday?
In Germany shops are closed on Sundays. There are some exceptions, e.g. the shops inside main train stations and airports. There are also a few Sundays a year when shops can be open. The dates are decided locally and this year in Hamburg shops will be open on July 6th, September 28th and November 2nd.
Tourist attractions, museums, restaurants and places of entertainment can open on Sundays. Most are open seven days a week in the high season but if they are closed on one day it will usually be Monday.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
-
i am looking for suggestions on what to do in helsinki.
Try this thread:-
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1606720
There are at least three 'locals' regularly answering questions here. We found some very good tips and advice although, unfortunately, we missed this port due to bad weather in SPB.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
-
During the televised Olympics this winter there was much discussion about internet security hacks in Russia. I'll be spending three days in St. Petersburg on Azamara Journey and want to know if anyone who has traveled here has any suggestions? I plan to use the Wi-Fi provided on the ship. I turn off my cell phone in Europe and only communicate via email back to the states, but I have lots of personal data in my email should it be hacked. Is the issue a real one that I need to be concerned with? If so, how best should I guard against any evil hackers trying to get my personal data? :confused: Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I was advised by an IT professional to open a gmail.com account and add the address of my usual e-mail account to it. (settings > accounts and imports > check mail from other accounts)
He assured me that the only thing a hacker could access was the current imports from the usual account but not the account itself.
This setting can be disabled after your holiday but activated again anytime.
Not sure how correct this advice is but used it anyhow.
Anni :)
-
Thanks to both of you for your appreciation.
John, not 'butting in' at all. That is what this forum is all about - helping each other enjoy our cruises. Even though Lynette could open my file I'm sure someone else found your format useful. I knew pdf was the way to go but have neither the software nor the tech know-how to do it. Carry on 'lurking' and, when you are ready, your questions will be most welcome.
Lynette, glad you could open the file. I hope that knowing a little of the church's history adds to your pleasure.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
Anni
Thank you SO MUCH for the info on the church and Mass times. I'm sure we can make the 10:30 in Rostock. We enjoy going to Mass in the foreign countries we travel to. We've been in Spain, Italy and Germany. It is just like attending Mass in Latin as we did in our youth, pre-Vatican II. Your directions should help us walk right to it!!
I couldn't open the attachment.... we don't have Microsoft Office, but that tis okay. We will look around when we are there.
Thank you again for your info
Lynette
Hi Lynette, thank you for your appreciation.
Sorry about the attachment. I have tried again with it in plain text format. Hope you can now open it.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
Anni
I just realized that we are in Warnemunde on a Sunday. As we are Catholic, we would like at find a Catholic church to attend Mass either there, or Rostock, as we plan to go there as well. Would you possibly know if there is a church close to where we could walk, and what time services might be??
Thanks,
Lynette
Hi Lynette, there is no Catholic church in Warnemünde but two in Rostock. The Christus-Kirche is quite near to the main station. It is about a 10-15 min walk but you could also take a tram, your train ticket covers this.
Services are:- 9am Mass and 10.30am Family Worship.
To walk - from the main, northern or city, entrance to the station turn left into Goethe Strasse. When you reach Goethe Platz cross over the dual carriageway, there is a convenient crossing with lights, turn left and almost immediately on the right you will find a pedestrian lane leading into a street called Borenweg. The church is on Häktweg, second street on the right. I think it is signposted.
By tram - from the train take the stairs down two levels to tram platform B. NOT the side marked City, this would take you in the wrong direction. Take tram #4 and get off at Goethe Platz. From there follow the directions above to walk to the church.
From the church it is an easy walk into the city. Go back to main road, cross over, turn left and follow the main road until you see the Kröpeliner Tor (high red brick tower) on your right. This is the start of the pedestrian area of the city.
Attached is a bit of interesting information about the Church and its predecessor. The memorial mentioned in the last sentence can be found on the left-hand side of the pedestrian square in front of the Kröpeliner Tor, under the chestnut trees.
To me, the Christus Kirche, though modern, has a lovely feeling of tranquility. I hope you enjoy the service as much as I used to. If it is still the same priest, he speaks English very well.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
Hello Anni, can you please tell me if you know of any tour companies that go to Schwerin, Wismar, Stralsund, and Rostock?:rolleyes:
Hi, most people do these cities DIY as they are all so easy. For information on how to do this see my web site.
Ships companies do tours but they are usually short and expensive.
'Friends of Dave' do full day tours of Schwerin/ Wismar and shorter tours of Rostock/Warnemünde using public transport. I do not have any personal experience of them but they get very good reviews. There may be others but I do not have any information on them, sorry.
I do not know of anyone going to Stralsund but it is very easy to DIY.
Maybe other cruisers could help with their experiences!
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
Oops, hit the wrong button, see next post.
-
Doing a Baltic cruise soon that goes to Warnemunde, and I'll be going to Berlin. I contacted City Discovery, and they say I can only do their hop-on-hop-off buses by signing up online. But I'd like to look for a bus there and buy the ticket right then and there. Not sure until I get there if I want to do that or not. So Anni do you know if there are any other companies with HOHO buses that you can book right there? Seems like on previous trips I was able to do that in other cities.
Hi, there are several companies which do hop-on-hop-off but this is, in my opinion, not the most time-effective way to get around as they do not run very frequently and often the route between the places you want to see is not direct, which wastes time. Most have a stop right outside the main train station (Berlin Hbf) and you can buy a ticket on the spot. Try City Tours in your search engine.
The public transport service is a better way to get around as you can plan more direct routes; it is more versatile, you can use buses, trams, s-bahn and u-bahn; the cost is a lot less €6.70 for a day ticket as opposed to around €20 and the services more frequent. Double decker buses #100 and #200 cover most of the tourist spots. Of course there is no commentary but on some of the Ho-Ho's that is not very good either.
Just as a matter of interest, how do you intend to travel to Berlin?
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
-
Everyone will have to complete an immigration slip, similar to those given out on many international flights. Not to be confused with visas. Those slips are freely available from Guest Relations on-board, to avoid delay complete them before you go ashore. You need just the one - you don't need one for each time you go ashore.
JB :)
Hi John, I know this was the case right up to our leaving on our cruise on Legend of the Seas in May but when we arrived in SPB there were no immigration forms available. Panic! But we were told that the rules had changed and they were no longer required. There was a bit of disbelief and apprehension but we just had to go along with what we were being told and sure enough all that was required at immigration was a passport and a tour ticket. Sigh of relief!
So it appears the rules have changed and immigration forms are no longer required.
Cheers
Anni.
-
Thank you so much everyone for all the replays. Anni, how long does the boat trip take if we just stay on the boat?
Hi, the round trip is advertised at 100mins, just over an hour and a half.
There are some lovely, and unusual, views of Rostock itself from the boat.
Tea, coffee, alcohol and soft drinks, light snacks and full meals are all available on board.
To get a good, out-side seat you have to be in the queue early.
You can find the timetable at
http://www.blaue-flotte.de/Fahrplan_und_Preise_15.html
in German only but easy to follow.
For more on what to do and see in Warnemünde :-
or Post #117, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1963750
or the Warnemünde page of my web site.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
Is it easy to find the ferry? This sounds like a nice option. This is our first port, so we don't want to stress about anything.
Hi, the boat ride either to or from Rostock is a nice option but I would just point out that THIS IS NOT A FERRY. It is a river tour boat run by a private company on which the local transport ticket is NOT valid.
The main purpose is a cruise up the river from Warnemünde to Rostock and back again viewing some pretty scenery, the modern docks on one side and the old docks and shipyards on the other. The commentary is in German and most of the passengers are German tourists staying in Warnemünde who do the round trip. However, the boat does stop in Rostock and you can make the one-way trip. The cost for the round trip is 14 euro (if you stay on-board), or 10 euro one way.
As most of the passengers are doing the round-trip it is sometimes difficult to get on in Rostock, depends on how many get off.
The last scheduled departure from Rostock is 3:15 pm which does leave time to get the train if the boat is full.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
While in Warnemunde we want to spend the day visiting quaint towns within 1-2 hrs of Warnemunde to get the true flavor of Germany. We enjoy walking around, possibly taking a self-guided walking tour, stop in a cafe for a coffee, enjoy the local architecture & people, pop in a boutique or local craftsman shop, have a stein in a beer garden, and enjoy a true German meal. Anyone have suggestions for which town(s) to visit besides Rostock? Thanks
There are several towns which will 'fill your bill' for a day out from Warnemünde. For details and directions on how to get there please see my web site (address below) or browse this thread. On several other threads questions have been answered and/or visitors have given their experiences, try any thread with Rostock, Schwerin, Wismar, Stralsund or Lübeck in the title.
If you have more specific questions on any of these towns please do not hesitate to ask.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
-
I will be visiting Warnemunde soon and have read a port review on hear where it says you can walk from the ship into Warnemunde town, but it said "You can walk from the terminal straight into town. (Wheelchair users: note that there is an underpass -- with steps and no lift -- under the railway.)", does anyone know if this means I will not be able to go to town with my family?
MeHeartCruising has interpreted the aerial photo absolutely correctly, you can walk into town with a wheelchair.
On leaving the ship turn right along the waterfront in the normal way but instead of turning into the lane to the left signed 'Bahnhof' which would take you to the underpass, carry on along the pier. About 50m further on (past the motor-home park) there is a ramp and gate in the fence leading to the car park. Cross the car park to the road, turn left and follow the road until you reach the junction with the main pedestrian route from the station. It only takes an extra 5 mins or so.
The only time this route may be closed is when a small cruise ship is occupying berths 1-4, in 2014 that will happen on 22/06, 27/07, 31/07, 4/08, 23/08. On these dates it might be advisable to take a taxi as the alternative is a longish walk to the next station, Warnemünde Werft, where the underpass does not have steps. Hopefully Warnemünde is high on the list for a station up-grade and the removal of the underpass which is now obsolete as the trains no longer travel beyond the station. The locals have been campaigning for years, we can only keep our fingers crossed.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
Rostock / Warnemünde confusion.
in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea
Posted
Hi Alex,
I agree. You never see cruises which have Hamburg as a port of call advertised as 'Berlin' although the distance by road or rail is nearly the same (Hamburg - Berlin 290klms, Warnemünde - Berlin 230 klms). The cruise lines advertise the port as Hamburg with excursions to Berlin. Where is the difference ?
They seem determined to ignore Rostock/Warnemünde as a destination in itself and imply that the only thing to do when docked there is to go to Berlin with a ship's tour. Could this be because with more publicity, on CC and otherwise, about the interesting things to see and do in the area around Rostock/Warnemünde more passengers are choosing not to go to Berlin at all; or if they do go to Berlin they choose to do so with a private tour company rather than using the ships tours. It would be interesting to see the stats! Just from my experience talking to passengers I would guess that the percentage using ships tours to Berlin has declined over the past five years.
Anni