starrenee1

There is a excursion from our ship to Berlin. I presume it's a bus ride or train ride, 3 hrs. each way. Anyone that has done this, and has any pro's and con's, please give us some insight on whether to take this excursion.

HappyTrvlr

I suggest that you post this on the Cruise Forum. Most here are independent travelers.

doug_stallings

The "pro" is that you get to spend a few hours in Berlin, but the "con" is that you are probably traveling for at least as many hours as you are in Berlin.

You don't have to take a ship's excursion to get into the city from Rostock or Warnemunde. You can do the train trip on your own (this trip is likely by coach, though it can be marginally faster to go into the city by car than by train).

If you do this on your own, then just make sure you know when you have to be back and verify on the Deutsche Bahn web site that there are trains that will get you there.

If given the choice, I'd pick a transfer alone rather than a guided tour, so you can pick a couple of things you really want to see and then just see them. (Be aware, however, that if you want to see Museum Island, there can be VERY long lines in the summer season.)

DAX

I've taken the train ride from Belin to Rostock/Wanemunde and back, quite a boring 3 hour ride. If you are not spending at least one night in Berlin, it's not worth the journey. Just enjoy Rostock and the beach resort town of Warnemunde. It's a good size beach town with plenty of nice tourist shops and restaurants to enjoy. In warm weather, the beach is also lively with many kite surfer somersaulting in the air.

quokka

Berlin is a widespread city and cannot be seen in 5 hours, and that's all you'd have. The rest of the precious day is wasted for the transfer.

There are other options which are closer to Warnemünde, reachable in less time and smaller, i.e. easier to cover in a few hours: the Hanseatic port cities of Wismar and Stralsund, both UNESCO world heritage, or Schwerin with its dozen lakes, old town and palace.

Leburta

I have taken one of the Baltic cruises that included Berlin. My husband wanted desperately to see the city and was willing to endure the long round trip train ride. The ship's tour included lunch, so after the lunch and round trip train ride, there was really not much time for touring. We can say we've done a city tour of Berlin, but not that we've seen much. If given a choice again, I would not do it.

adrienne

A friend did the Berlin excursion and I thought she was nuts but she said she and her travel companions enjoyed themselves and was glad she did it. I would not do this excursion. I think there are some small towns near the port. Check what your cruise ship offers.

Woyzeck

I'd recommend against it. You can spend your time better at a closer location. The transit time is too much to justify such a short and superficial visit to such a large and sprawling city. Save Berlin for another trip when you can spend a little more time there.

I mean, if this is your last time in Europe forever and for some reason you have to have been there, by all means. But in terms of your time and your enjoyment, I imagine it could easily be spent in any of the locations suggested above.

DAX

Quokka: I wonder if you have visited Wismar and Stralsund in recent times? If you have, I would appreciate hearing your experience there. I had wanted to visit Stralsund but after reading and researching, I came to the conclusion that it just didn't have much to offer as far as tourism, I hope I am wrong perhaps it has a vibrant atmosphere in some aspects?

quokka

I have not yet been to Stralsund, unfortunately, but it is still high on my list. But I spent one and a half days in Wismar and loved the place, it is like turning back time - and still pleasantly untouristy. In case anyone is interested, here is what I did there: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/f86bd/1921/

Not sure what you mean by a "vibrant atmosphere", DAX - surely these towns are neither buzzing hotspots of mass tourism (luckily) nor have any big city feel. To me the most important aspects are history, well-preserved architecture and art, the townscape by the port, that's what Wismar offers in abundance, and I'd expect to find just as much in Stralsund.

Dukey1

Those somewhat SMALL towns near the cruise ship ports are NOT Berlin and are never going to offer anything near the actual Berlin experience.

However, having been to both places I would advise against doing this so-called "excursion" unless you are absolutely desperate to see a small part of the city of Berlin. I agree that otherwise it is not worth 6 hours of travel.

quokka

Of course these small towns are not Berlin. However, seeing the circumstances, having just one rushed day, a smaller place which is easier to reach is the better choice.

Besides, these towns have what Berlin does NOT offer: authentic historical centres, real medieval architecture and old world feeling with cobblestone alleys and everything.

DAX

Thanks for sharing Quokka, I read your VT.

I was just wondering if there was any area that was renovated/regentrified to create a "vibrant" hub where the locals to gather. An attractive area that breathes new life versus draby old east germany. I get the impression that the cities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are the forgotten step children in terms of rebuilding.

I remember going to Dresden in 1991 which was very interesting in terms of history, art and DDR architecture but it was nowhere near as vibrant as it is now. I also enjoyed seeing the wonderful changes in Leipzig, not sure if it's buzzing with tourists but it is certainly buzzing with a new life and business for the locals.