Below are some brief comments about all the ports on our recent fourteen day Holland America cruise on the Rotterdam. All of the ports were new experiences for us with the exception of Copenhagen.

Kalundborg, Denmark

The crew explained that this was an unusual port of call for the ship.  Based on my pre-cruise research, that did not surprise me as I found very little information.  A shuttle to town was available at a cost (it was complimentary for Club Orange passengers).  You could walk to town if you wanted.  We took the shuttle as we had Club Orange.  It was a short ride to town center.  The town itself is very small, clean and pretty.  That being said, not much to do but wander.  From the harbor to the shopping street, the focal point is Our Lady’s Church which you can use as a compass since you can see it from everywhere.   Would I seek out this port, no.  That said it was a relaxing very hours in port.

Warnemunde, Germany

This was a long day in port for the ship.  Warnemunde itself is a very cute seaside resort town.  Completely walkable from the ship with restaurants and shopping.  Nearby by a very short train is Rostock which is a popular day trip and a Hanseatic small city on the Baltic Coast.  We did an independent small group tour for a walking tour of both cities inclusive of the train to/from.  It was very nice and we explored Warnemunde a little more after the tour.  Many people took much longer excursions to places like Lubeck and Berlin.  Too far and required too much travel time for us.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn was one of the three ports we were most excited to visit.  It did not disappoint.   The cruise pier is within walking distance to the old town of Tallinn, maybe 15 minutes or so.  The old town is so magically well preserved.  Find a few specific locations in the old town as must do stops; otherwise, just wonder and explore.  It is so worth it.  We also took the tram to Kadriorg Palace which is lovely and away from the crowds.

Helsinki, Finland

The ship docks a ways from the City center and it is not walkable.  Shuttles were available for purchase.  This was a ship based tour for us which included some of the major sites around Helsinki and a Finnish tasting lunch in an old traditional restaurant.  The free time was limited and therefore we were really unable to explore much except for what they took us to.  Of note, the Church of the Rock is indeed very interesting.  Touristy but kind of worth it.  Helsinki deserves a better exploration than we gave it.

Stockholm, Sweden

This is the second port we were most excited to visit.  The sail in and out of the archipelago is lengthy and so worth it.  The ship slows as it comes closer to Stockholm and the scenery is beautiful.  We docked within walking distance of Gamla Stan (about 25 minutes and a flat walk).  Gamla Stan is the old town and very compact with loads to see and do.  We chose to explore the old town and it is the type of place that around every corner was equally as beautiful as the prior one but different at the same time.  There is a magic to it so do not rush it.  Instead slow down and experience it.

Visby, Sweden

On the Island of Gotland, this small port town is simply lovely.  The gardens, the church ruins, the seaside and the narrow hilly winding village streets make for a very pretty day in port.  It felt a bit frozen in time (in a good way).  There was a shuttle to town although you could walk if you wanted to do so.  Right at the city harbour (where the shuttle lets you off) is a gelato shop, Glassmagasinet.  Yes gelato in Sweden…fantastic.  Give it try, you will not be disappointed.

Gdansk, Poland

This was our third port we were very excited to experience. We actually docked in Gydnia, one of the tri-cities (the other two are Sopot and Gdansk) in an industrial port but could walk right off but there is nothing right there.  A paid shuttle to the center of Gydnia was available.  Those who took it were sorely disappointed as there is not much there.  We hired a private guide for the day (very affordable) who picked us up at the port, drive us to Gdansk with a brief stop in Sopot and Oliwa Cathedral for their glorious pipe organ concert.  Gdansk itself is a postcard Baltic seaside city with a rich and tragic past that our guide brought to life.  Must mention the food, eat local everyone.  Our lunch was ordered by our guide to include a multitude of local dishes and it was delicious.

Kiel, Germany

You dock in the city itself.  We chose a tour ship that was a walking tour of the city with a local brewery for a tasting and a pretzel.  Many of not most passengers took tours outside of Kiel to Hamburg and other cities.  After the walking tour, I can see the allure of that.  Not that interesting or exciting of a city.  Rather, it’s a standard modern city you can find anywhere outside of the small historic center.  The brewery was fun with lots of beer and a warm soft pretzel the side of my head.  After the walking tour, we ventured past where the ship was docked to walk up the water side boardwalk that is dotted with food stalls along the way.  It was a nice calm day after days of busy ports.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The ship docked much closer to town then expected (a stone’s throw from the Kastellet.  That was a pleasant surprise as we could avoid the transportation into town.  Our only plan was to explore Rosenborg Castle which was in walking distance.   We spent a few days in Copenhagen before and after two weeks of go go go, we kept this day light.  Plus, it was not the best weather day with on and off rain showers.  Nonetheless, Copenhagen has so much to offer even on a day visit.  A highly walkable city with great food and history.

All in all, these ports where a welcome addition to our travels.  They were highly accessible, clean, easy to navigate and filled with a history that is notably and palpably different and unique from the Mediterranean, British Isles and even Norway.  Strongly suggest adding them to your list of places to go.  We will certainly be back.

Each port has its own dedicated post with much more information but I thought a brief synopsis might be helpful.