Travelanni
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Thanks, TravelAnni!
One last question: if I purchase train tix online, how do I receive them? Email, snail mail, digital tix, some other way?
Hi, thanks for your appreciation.
You just print the ticket out at home. When your order has been accepted the instructions to print the ticket will appear. Couldn't be simpler. But remember to have with you on the train the same ID which you nominated when ordering.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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I have been reading from recent Baltic cruisers that there is bridge construction on the road to Berlin, requiring buses to take a detour.
Does anyone know when the construction will be completed? How much time does the bus detour add to the bus trip from Warnemunde?
Any information will be appreciated.
Hi, according to my local friends this is not a bridge construction but a weight limit on a bridge. The detour which this causes for heavy vehicles has been in effect for some time. This being the case I imagine that the tours have been taking this detour without anyone noticing as to a stranger it would be simply part of the route. In any case the tour companies will take ANY detour, possible hold-up etc. into consideration when timing their tours and advise accordingly so the time you are given for the journey will be the time it takes.
Anni
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Anni,
I just read somewhere that the Princess ships have been docking in the "industrial" port rather than the Warnemunde passenger port, which is quite a distance from the Warnemunde train station. How do I verify this is true? If it is, do you recommend taking a taxi to the train station or is there some other means of getting into Warnemunde?
Thanks again for all your information! We're looking forward to seeing Schwerin and catching some of the Warnemunde Week festivities!
Hi, thank you for your appreciation.
The Warnemünde Cruise Ship Terminal can only take a maximum of two large and one small cruise ships at one time so if there are more the larger ships go to the Port of Rostock commercial area on the other side of the river. It is a matter of luck if your Princess ship will dock there or not but the web site quoted by Sauer Kraut will tell you.
The berths in the Warnemünde cruise terminal are numbered P1-4, P7 and P8; the berths in the commercial port are LP31 and LP41.
I had a quick look and the only Princess ship which I can find docking over there was Regal on 05/05 but better to check.
If you are on LP31 or LP41 most ships run a shuttle bus into the City, there is also a public bus service from the dock gate to the nearest rail station but it is not very frequent.There are always taxis waiting in the car park.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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Travelanni,
My whole family wants to thank you for your help in planning our cruise stops in Kiel and Warnemunde. Per your advice we took a train (despite the strike) into Hamburg to see the Miniatur Wunderland and rented a car in Warnemunde.
Hamburg was having the port celebration and it was wonderful to be there that day (although so busy!). Driving to Schwerin and Wismar was very nice. We had wonderful crepes in Wismar for lunch. As you said driving was very easy in the area.
You live in a very nice area of Germany!
Jaye
Travelanni,I wanted to thank you again for all your help and information. Without it, I wouldn't have been able to see a different, less traveled side of Germany that most cruisers don't get to see.
Schwerin was as pretty as the pictures. Its something of a shame that more non-Germans don't get to see more than a bus seat view of Berlin passing them by on their day in Germany.
Hi,
Thank you both very much for your appreciation and for taking the trouble to give feedback. I spend quite a lot of time on this forum, reading the questions (often the same ones over and over again :() researching answers (they do not all come off the top of my head :rolleyes:) and typing replies, but it makes it all really worthwhile to hear that I have helped someone to enjoy my little part of the world .
Yes, I do live in a beautiful part of Germany and only wish more people could experience it. I live here by choice, having spent the best part of the last twenty years travelling all over the world. I know that one day I must return to Australia but it will not be easy to leave.
Once again, my sincere thanks. :)
Anni
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We are wondering if it would be feasible to spend a couple of days in Germany following a cruise that ends in Copenhagen? I wonder which Germany location would be most easily reached? We would prefer to spent some time in a historic or quaint village a opposed to Berlin. Is it better to travel by train, plane or should we drive (would be able to with a Canadian license?). I am concerned that if we drive we would get lost!
Hi, just another alternative.
There is an excellent 2 hourly train service between Copenhagen Hbf and Hamburg Hbf. The travel time is 4hrs 45mins and the train, which is specially designed to do so, actually goes on the ferry between Rodby in Denmark and Puttgarten in Germany. The passengers board the ferry on the train and then leave the train for the crossing, just as you would with a car. I believe that it is one of the last, if not the very last, place in Europe where this happens.
It is then easy to explore NE Germany, both Baltic and North Sea coasts and even have a day in Berlin by train using Hamburg as a base.
Several Airlines fly direct from Hamburg to Canada.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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Hi TravelAnni,
Thank you for pointing me in this direction from another thread. I will be in Kiel on Sunday, June 14, 2015 from 0700 to 1700.
-Does the train schedule you outlined previously in this thread still apply?
-Since we are traveling on a weekend, we only need to purchase a day ticket which should cover us before 0900, correct?
-Should we purchase our ticket ahead of time online or wait until we arrive at the station? I'm from the US and a little nervous about purchasing tickets from a machine using my credit card which may or may not have the right chip required in Europe.
Thank you again!
Winnie
Hi Winnie, The simple answer to all your questions is, Yes!
- The train schedule has not changed and is valid 7 days a week.
- Your ticket is valid from 3am on the weekend.
- On-line purchase is simple and, as you say, avoids the worry of whether or not your card will work in the machine. The ticket prices have risen a little since last year, around 1€ per person more.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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Hi Anni -
Thanks so much for the wealth of information on this thread and your website! I haven't found much about the Warnemunde area other than your information, so I really appreciate you putting it out there.
We dock in Warnemunde on Fri., July 10 from 7:00-21:00. Thanks to your info, we've decided to stay in the area and not take the long trip to Berlin. We're debating two options: stay in Warnemunde and enjoy Regatta Week, or take trains to see the castle in Schwerin and the villages of Wismar and Bad Doberan. So I have two questions:
1. Warnemunde Week - are there any events or festivities open to the public? We enjoy catching local festivals, so that would be a great way to spend the day! I've looked through the website (http://www.warnemuender-woche.com/Programm) but it's unclear when and where the activities are, and how much it costs.
2. If we decide to check out Schwerin, Wismar, and Bad Doberan, do you think it's feasible to connect them all by train, something like this?
1-ticket to Rostock (because we're heading out before 9:00)
+1-Lander ticket, use for 9:07 train to Schwerin (1hr)
use Lander ticket to Wismar (30min; 11:46, 12:46)
use Lander ticket to Bad Doberan (45min; 13:42, 14:42, 15:42)
use Lander ticket to Warnemunde (1hr; 16:30, 16:45, 17:00, 17:30 etc.)
(I'm looking at the bahn.de website for these routes)
We're comfortable navigating public transportation in other countries and we're fairly "fast-paced" tourists. According to the train schedules, it looks like we could even squeeze in Lubeck, but I think I saw somewhere on this thread that's too much?
Let me know what you think of those two options. Thanks again for your help!
Hi, thank you so much for your appreciation. You have done your research well, it is only left for me to add a couple of points.
1. Warnemünde Woche is mostly about the Yachting Regatta but some other events, such as the beach sports and the street markets are happening all week. Unfortunately the really fun things, (parades, dragonboat races, washtub Derby, etc) are held on the first and last weekends Most events are open ie. they are held in public places like the beach so no tickets or entry fees etc. With your late sailing time you would probably have time to take a walk through the town and at least get the atmosphere should you decide to go with your second itinerary.
2. Firstly, Lübeck is a day trip in itself from Warnemünde unless you have a car; by train you would not have time to do justice to any of the places on your itinerary.
Your plans for Schwerin, Wismar and Bad Doberan will work but please note that the Lander ticket is not valid on the bus from Bad Doberan, only the RB, RE and S trains.
If you have any other questions please ask but I am sure that you have it all in hand, enjoy!
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
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Anni,
Thank you for the very helpful information about the rental cars in Kiel and Rostock.
I have a couple questions about touring on our port day in Rostock.
1. We are traveling with another couple who have never been to Berlin and might like to go there for the day on Friday, July 17th. (Yes, I know it's crazy!) We lived there for several years and are happy to take this couple there, but are concerned somewhat by afternoon traffic. Where I live in the U.S., on Friday afternoons in the summer, there is a mass exodus to the beaches and the highways are often a parking lot. Do the inhabitants of Berlin head to the Baltic beaches on Fridays too and should we expect the same kind of traffic out of Berlin on a Friday afternoon? How long would you think this drive would take? (Googlemaps and the Michelin Travel Planner give me times ranging from 2.5 - 3 hours.) Our ship leaves at 8pm, so I was thinking we'd leave Berlin around 3pm.
2. Should we decide to stay closer to Rostock, I was thinking of a driving trip to Schwerin and, hopefully, Ludwigslust. We have an interest in military history, so would appreciate seeing the memorial described in your website. We also have an interest in Cold War history and I was wondering if a visit to the Stasi Prison in Rostock is worthwhile. Have you ever been there and, if so, what are your thoughts on it?
Thank you for any advice you can give on these questions.
Hi, thank you for your appreciation.
Re Berlin. The roads do get pretty congested around Berlin in the afternoons but not especially on Fridays, Sunday is the time to avoid. If you can clear the city by 4pm then you should be OK unless, of course, there is an accident or other blockage of the highway. The tour buses always have a 'plan B' and listen to local radio which constantly updates traffic conditions so if you understand German that is the way to go.
Re Schwerin and Ludwigslust. With a car it is very easy to do both in the one day and still have time for Rostock. As your ship docks so early I would advise the furthest place first ie Ludwigslust as the memorial sites are open all the time, whereas in Schwerin the Castle etc. does not open until 10am.
Re Stasi Prison. I have visited the Documentation Centre/Prison and found it extremely interesting even though at that time everything was in German only. Since my visit many of the information panels have been translated into English and an Audio Guide is also available. As closing time is not until 6pm. it could be fitted in on the way back from Schwerin.
http://coldwarsites.net/country/germany/former-stasi-pre-trial-prison-rostock/
On a personal note - I was interested that you lived for many years in Berlin. Was this with the Military? I was an English Military Brat way back in the 50's and love the city.
If you do decide to visit Ludwigslust it would be my pleasure to show you around. This is not an offer of a guided tour but just a desire to meet fellow CC members and to help you enjoy the beautiful, interesting area where I choose to live. An extension of my role on this forum really. If you would like to meet please contact me on anniellis13@gmail.com
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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I've read a lot about freighter travel, Anni. It sounds like it would be a fun and interesting way to travel.
I have a couple of questions regarding car rental for our upcoming cruise. I am on the HAL Eurodam and my itinerary shows us in Kiel on Wednesday, July 8th and in Rostock (not Warnemuende) on Friday, July 17th. We would like to rent cars in both of those places to go sightseeing. (We lived in Germany for many years and are comfortable with driving there.)
1. I think I have found offices for Europcar and Sixt at the Kiel Cruise Terminal (Ostseekai). The addresses given are:
Europcar - Duesternbrooker Weg 24105 Kiel
Sixt - Kiel Cruise Center Ostseekai (only for cruise passengers)
Are these companies actually at the terminal and if so, how do I locate them?
2. Checking for car rental offices in Rostock, I have found:
Europcar "Rostock Till 12PM" at Warnowufer 32
Sixt Rostock City - Grubenstr. 27-29
Sixt Rostock Lutten Klein - Trellerborger Str. 9
Sixt Rostock Opposite Train Station - Gerhardt-Hauptmann-Str. 13
Are any of these near where our ship will dock? If so, which is the closest and where is it located in relation to our dock? (I'm not actually sure where our ship docks in Rostock.)
I want to waste as little time as possible getting to/from a car rental office in Kiel and Rostock, so I appreciate any advice you can give me about this. Thank you.
Hi, Most car-hire companies nowadays realise that cruisers hire cars and are providing facilities exclusively for cruise ship passengers at the terminals.
However, you have the misfortune :rolleyes: to be docking in Rostock on one of the only two days when we have five ships in port together so your berth is LP41 in the Commercial Port of Rostock, some 10klms downriver from the City on the opposite side to Warnemünde. The map at http://www.rostock-port.de/en/cruise-shipping/passenger-information.html shows the position of the Port in relation to both Warnemünde and the City.
Both Europcar and Sixt have pick-up/drop-off facilities at Warnemünde Cruise Terminal and I imagine that they provide a service to the Port especially with two big ships in on that day. It would be worth while contacting them.
If neither firm delivers to the Port, Sixt have a depot at the Hauptbahnhof (main station) and most cruise ships docking at LP41 offer a shuttle service to the station so if your ship offers the shuttle that would be the easiest option. The Europcar depot is in the city and the quickest way would be by taxi.
Kiel is much easier. Sixt have a desk in the Terminal and the pick-up/drop-off is right there. The Europcar depot is a very short walk away but they may also have pick-up/drop-off facilities at the terminal.
I have used both companies here in Germany and really the only difference between the two would be which offers the easier pick-up/drop-off option for you.
Hope this helps,
Happy cruising :)
Anni
www.travelanni.webs.com
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G'day Anni. I hope you had a wonderful holiday.
I just finished reading this WHOLE thread and have been reading your website too. I'm full of questions and can't wait to have you posting again.
Hi, I did have a fantastic time, thanks. Warm, sunny weather after Biscay, three very pleasant fellow passengers and, as usual, a great crew; plus the bonus of a BBQ and party involving everyone (officers, crew and passengers) to celebrate May Day. A very good time was had by all :D
Freighter cruising is not for everyone but I have been enjoying this way of travel for over 11 years now and (subject to passing the medicals) will continue as long as possible.
On the ships which I use there is no doctor on board and no elevator although the accommodation and public space is spread over six decks so the company has a cut off age of 75yrs but after that will consider experienced passengers who are in good enough health to pass a medical. Fingers crossed for a few more yet ;)
The train journey home was a different matter as there was the usual chaos in Italy and I ran into the rail strike in Germany but made it after a forced, but pleasant, stop-over in Switzerland.
So I am back posting now and look forward to helping cruisers enjoy this part of the world.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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If you go to Schwerin, does it matter if you stop at Schwerin Banhoff or Schwerin Mette? It seems like the Mette station would be closer to Schwerin castle and therefore less time to walk to it.
And, when you go from Schwein to Wismar, does it matter which train station you choose for Wismar? When i went to the bahn website, there were several options for Wismar.
Hi, in Schwerin the choice is yours. The distance to walk is pretty much the same but the Hbf is a modern station with lifts, a cafe and a pleasant walk beside a small lake to the centre of town viewing some beautiful buildings across the lake. The Hbf is also the main station where the train makes a longer stop and there are always other people getting off and on, you cannot miss your stop.
Mitte, however, is simply two platforms in a deep cutting, not even a ticket machine. The walk into town is across the shoppping centre car-park, through a large indoor shopping mall and down the main shopping street.
Mitte is only 2 mins from the Hbf and there are usually not many people to get off so you have to be ready as soon as the train leaves the Hbf. One cruiser reported that, as they were not aware you must push a button to open the doors and there was no one else getting off in Mitte, the train started again before they got off and they were stranded at the next station for an hour waiting for a train back into Schwerin. Better to be safe than sorry.
I use Mitte when going shopping but never with visitors as I don't think it is a very nice introduction to Schwerin.
Wismar only has one train train station, Wismar (Meckl) Bahnhof, the other options are bus stops.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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I just got conformation from Princess that the cruise is departing from LP31. I've already purchased a train pass from Hamburg Hbf, stopping in Rostok HBF, then transferring to Warnemunde.
Do I still want to take the transfer to Warnemunde?
If so, Could someone let me know how I'd get to LP31 from the train station?
HI, LP31 is not in Warnemünde, it is in the commercial port on the opposite side of the river. Some cruise lines have a shuttle running to LP31/LP41 but otherwise the best way is by taxi from Rostock Hbf. Your train ticket is still OK and the price would have been the same to either Rostock or Warnemünde.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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I've read a lot of recs here for Lubeck, Wismar, and Schwerin. I don't plan to trek to Berlin from Warneumunde. Would it be better access to Lubeck from Kiel or forgo Lubeck and go directly to Hamburg? I am open to anything, so throw me your recs, please!
Hi, this subject was discussed recently on the following threads
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2191461
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1855404
There is also an older thread with a lot of information from when someone asked the same question
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1858859
Still well worth reading as nothing much has changed.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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Hi everyone, just to apologise in advance for not answering queries during the next 3 weeks. I am off on a cargo ship again and so will not have internet access until after 8th. May.
3 European ports and 8 blissful sea-days :D, Hamburg to Genoa. My idea of heaven!
I am sure that someone else will answer NE Germany questions in my absence.
During my research for the trip I came across this very useful website.
It is very comprehensive and seems to cover the whole world! I checked out our local prices and they were pretty accurate. Hope it comes in useful.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Califonria cruiser
I looked at Anni's website and that was a wealth of knowledge so now it is just the decision time for routing....
I made a ressie to rent a car from Rostock on a Friday in July at 8am and then will return 6:30pm.
I was thinking of driving to Gustrow (just see the Palace from the outside, then to Ludwiglust to see the gardens and exterior mostly, then to Schwerin for outside, inside, lunch, etc Afterwards maybe a stop at Wismar.
Is that crazy? Will there be traffic in that order?
Another idea was to go to Wismar first and then to Schwerin and then back.
Any thoughts?
We love castles/cool medieval architecture, etc. so Wismar sounded amazing, Schwerin on the island seemed like a must do for us.
Jenn
Hi Jenn, sounds like a good tour but maybe a tad ambitious :cool:
If you miss anything out in the planning it would have to be Güstrow as, of the four places, it is the least interesting.
The traffic will make no difference to the order in which you do the tour so I would be inclined to start with the furthest point, ie Ludwigslust (about 1.5 hours drive on main roads) and work back. Next drive to Schwerin, about (45 mins on minor roads) for lunch etc as planned and then to Wismar (about 35 mins) which means that you finish at the nearest place to your destination, Warnemünde. (about 45 mins).
If you do decide to come to Ludwigslust I would love to meet you and show you around. If you would like to do this please contact me on anniellis13@gmail.com I am not a 'guide' but I just love to show off my beautiful home town.
Happy planning :)
Anni
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Thanks to Anna for the helpful info on the complications of getting to Berlin by train. HAL lists such a trip for $200 pp. I wonder if they will do it.-, and would it be worth it? You also mentioned the possibility of car rental. How strenuous and expensive would that be? And how long would it take? Ich kann Deutsch sprechen und verstehen und hab ehe unter den Einheimischer zu reisen als unter viele PAXen im Autobus. Vor sechsig Jahren habe ich zwei Jahren in Deutschland verbracht, aber leide hab ich auch viele Deutsch Vegessen.
It's good to have some info from someone who lives there. Many thanks.
conrad
Hi, thank you for your appreciation and congratulations on your excellent German. Although I have lived here for many years I am not a native speaker (I am an Aussie) and whilst speaking, understanding and reading fairly well, to my shame :o, writing good German has always defeated me!
I cannot tell you how much car rental costs but these companies have special pick-up and drop-off facilities at the terminal for cruise ship passengers only and do on-line quotes in English.
https://www.europcar.com/location/ge...al-warnemuende
http://www.sixt.com/car-rental/germa...nde-cruise-ctr
https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/locat...il&eoag=RLGN70
Travel time by road is around two and a half hours, mostly on the autobahn.
I would not recommend a ship's excursion to Berlin by train. As of last year the chartered trains were still using old DB rolling stock, compartment type without A/C :eek:
The coach transfers offered by the bigger private tour companies (SPB, Alla etc) are much more comfortable and better value. The journey time, ship to city centre, is around three hours including a 15-30min rest stop.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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NB. the fares on the trains and buses in the Rostock district have risen slightly for 2015.
Please see my web site, page - Tickets-Deutsche Bahn/Local, for details.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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I found some discussions in other threads and past years of DIY trains from Warnemunde to Berlin. 10 minute walk to station, it said, for 7:00 a.m. train, 2 hours thirty minutes to Berlin Hauptbahnhof; train back in time for sailing; total round trip under $50 on web from German railway. Some concern about construction and repairs.
Is this still possible? We are on HAL Eurodam with arrival in Warnemunde Sept. 5, 6:00 a.m., depart 8:00 p.m. Ship excursion, train only, $200 pp.
conrad
After 4th May to DIY to Berlin in your time frame is just about impossible due to track work, revised timetables and trains replaced by buses. For this reason I have removed all the train times to Berlin from my web site and advise looking at the official DB site.
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
On weekends the s-bahn to Rostock departs Warnemünde at 6:03 and half hourly up to 8:33. Trains on which the cheap fares are available (RE trains) depart Rostock at 6:34, 8:34 etc through the day so obviously the first possible train from Rostock would be the 8:34 arriving Berlin at 11:12. Total travel time is 3 hours 9 minutes +10 mins walk to the station and about 10 mins to change trains in Rostock.
For the return journey there are no RE trains between 12:44 and 16:44 the latter of which does not arrive in Rostock until 19:23, too late to get back to Warnemünde for 19:30 on board.
There are other trains; ICE and IC combined with buses but the cost of the return jouney would be upwards of 100 euros pp.
The major tour companies will, I imagine, be offering transfer only by coach. The other alternative is car rental.
Sorry to disappoint.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
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Bummer! It looks like Rostock is it for Holland America. Does that change your advice?
Any guesses how can I get a rental car from Rostock area?
Jenn
Hi Jenn, bad luck. Holland America calls here 12 times this year, with 3 different ships but only berths on LP41 once - Eurodam on 17/7 :( There will be 5 ships here that day, three at the Cruise Terminal and two over in the Port.
I am not sure if the rental companies do pickup etc at the docks but it might be worth an e-mail to ask.
Both Europcar and Sixt have pickup points at the main rail station in Rostock.
How to get to Rostock Hbf (main station) 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. (This would be my choice, at least on the way out in the morning ;))
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 main station .
The bus stop is on the main road about 50m from the dock gate. Bus #45 runs every half hour at 5mins past and 35mins past the hour, Monday to Friday. On Saturday and Sunday #45 runs hourly from 8:35
Return from Lütten Klein - Monday to Friday at 3mins past and 33 mins past the hour, last bus 20:03 (NB there is no bus at 19:33) . Saturday and Sunday at 3 mins past the hour, last bus 19:03.
Lütten Klein is a bus/train interchange and the buses stop right in the train station. The Rostock platform is through the subway. The s-bahn departs every 15 mins, every day.
Tickets can be bought from the machine on the bus.
The advice on what you can do is pretty much the same. The rail station is on the outskirts of Rostock so there is no real problem with a car from there. Still a good way to see the area if you want flexibility.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
http://www.travelanni.webs.com
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I have purchased online the SH group ticket to get from Kiel to Hamburg on a Saturday in May. We may be very tight on time to catch the train and need to either do the bus or a taxi from the ship to the station. I have seen conflicting info on whether or not this will cover the bus to (and from ) the cruise terminal to the train station. Does anyone know if it does? If it doesn't do you need exact fare for the bus? We are a family of four. Thanks for any info!
Hi,
The SH Group Ticket does not cover travel on the buses in Kiel but it does cover travel on all trains (S- and U-bahn), buses and ferries in Hamburg.
If you are tight for time I would suggest that a taxi would be a better option from the ship to the station. The extra cost would be preferable to missing a train and having to waste an hour and for a family of four maybe the cost would not be so different anyhow, I'm not sure.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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Anni-
Thanks for your prompt response. It sounds like the steps will be manageable. Glad you noted that it's a single ticket good for 2 persons. I'm pretty sure we'll take the train but we will wait and buy the ticket at the station just to keep our options open.
It's very much appreciated that you offer your assistance!
Carol and Hasan
Thank you for your appreciation.
I, and the other 'locals' on this forum, do this because we like to help people enjoy our part of the world and your appreciation, or even just to know that a reply has been read, makes it all worth while.
Thanks again :)
Anni
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Thanks Anni! I will reserve a car in Warnemunde per your advice. It will be nice to have the flexibility. Knowing that parking is usually OK is good. I had reserved a car in Kiel but decided to take the train instead. We are going into Hamburg to see Miniatur Wunderland there.
Hi,
Thank you for your appreciation.
Wise choice re the car ;) The traffic in the centre of Hamburg can be horrendous and I certainly would not want to try and park near the Wunderland.
Quickest way to the Wunderland from the main station is to take the U3 to the stop 'Baumwall', from there you can see the Wunderland on the other side of the canal.
If, after your visit, you have enough time :rolleyes:, you could walk along the river front promenade to the next station, 'Langdungsbrücken'. This is one of the most popular tourist areas in Hamburg. Old museum ships, cafes, souvenir shops, historical buildings and places to sit and just watch the life on the busy river.
From 'Langdungsbrücken' you have a choice of trains (S1, S2, S3 or U3) all of which go back to the Hauptbahnhof.
I hope you enjoy my favourite city.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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Anni-
We will be disembarking the Regal Princess in Warnemude on May 5th (7 am arrival) and have plenty of time to catch our flight from Berlin Tegal at 7:00 pm. Rather than purchasing $99 transfers from Princess, we are investigating the train to Berlin followed by the bus X9 or TXL. I have questions regarding the ease of handling luggage and also about purchasing train tickets.
Initially I thought it was easy to get from the ship to the Warnemunde train station but I remember reading one of your earlier postings regarding there being stairs to negotiate. We travel pretty light and can easily walk with our luggage but stairs aren't so easy. Please advise what the current situation is with stairs and possible alternatives. I assume it's necessary to go both up the stairs and down the stairs. Are there a lot? If we take a taxi to Rostock to avoid the stairs, are the taxis metered or is there a flat rate?
From looking at the DB Bahn website, it looks like we can buy two Quer-durchs-Land-Tickets for all day train travel for 52 euro. Do we need to do this online in advance or can we wait until we get to the rail station in Warnemunde (or Rostock depending on what we decide)? Are the ticket offices staffed or are there only automatic machines? If we don't have to buy tickets in advance, we have more freedom to change our plans should we decide it's easier to take the ship transfer.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Carol and Hasan
Hi,
The stairs are down into and up out from the subway under the train lines. Two flights of about six shallow steps at each end.
All taxis in the Rostock area are metered and all taxis charge the same fares.
http://www.hansetaxi-rostock.de/en/fares.html
The Quer-durchs-Land ticket @ 52 euros is one ticket for two persons travelling together. It can be bought on-line in advance or either from a ticket office or a machine on the day. There are manned ticket offices on both stations.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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We are a family of four wanting to do this same excursion. I am comfortable driving in Germany. I am thinking of renting a car in Warnemunde rather than taking the train. Any thoughts on car vs train for visiting both sights?
If you are comfortable driving in Germany then that is definitely the way to go as it makes much better use of your time. No getting to-and-from stations which are usually a bit of a walk from the town centres, waiting for connections, stress about missing trains etc.
Car rental is easy from Warnemünde. Using Europcar, Sixt or Hertz you can order on-line and the car will be waiting when your ship docks.
https://www.europcar.com/location/ge...al-warnemuende
http://www.sixt.com/car-rental/germa...nde-cruise-ctr
https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/locat...il&eoag=RLGN70
By car from Warnemünde it would be possible to see both Schwerin and Wismar, explore the many lakes in the Schwerin area and visit Bad Doberan en route. There are many other small castles and interesting sites in the area which are not accessible by public transport.
As long as you do not go into Rostock you can drive the whole day on minor roads with very little traffic. Parking in Schwerin and Wismar is not usually problem. Other places which are open to the public usually have their own car parking facilities.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
http://www.travelanni.webs.com
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Copenhagen (& Baltic Cruise) with young kids
in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea
Posted · Edited by Travelanni