Reid777

I am planning a trip to Poland and Denmark for a group of 30 adults and seniors for next fall. In researching, I found a 4 Day Polferries guided ferry tour from Swinoujscie, Poland that stops in Ystad, Copenhagen, and Oslo (via DSDF ferry). It is called "Scandinavia in the Pill." I would appreciate any additional information and opinions on this excursion and on the ferries. Also, we would like not to return to Poland, but spend 2 more days in Copenhagen before returning to the States - would that be allowed? Thank You in advance for your replies.

Eschew

If you are going all the way from the US just to take that 4 day tour plus a couple of days in Copenhagen, I wouldn't bother with it, especially with the long 8-10 hour flight time to get there and the same to get back; and with seniors? You will probably have to change plane to get to the ferry terminal in Sweden.

First off, Polfwerries operates ferries. They transport trucks, cars, cargo and passengers. Yes, they have overnight cabins, but they are ferries, it is not the same as a cruise ship. There is a dining room and a disco for entertainment.

I take a peek at the itinerary, the so call 4-day tour is really 3 nights and 3 days.

Day 1 is departure at 9 pm from the terminal. 10:30 pm party at the ferry's disco. That's it for day 1.

There is a bus tour on day 2 in Ystad.

Day 3 is scenic cruising and a tour of Oslo.

Day 4 is arrival at Copenhagen, no activities listed but you get back on the ferry later on to travel back to Ystad.

On that itinerary, for the Poland portion, it is zero. The ferry goes starts and ends in Sweden with stops in Norway and Denmark.

If you don;t mind me asking, what is the purpose of this trip? What is the real destination?

To plan a trip like this for 30 people, it is not a do it yourself project. You have to get flights, then hotel rooms, transportation (from airport to hotel, hotel to terminal etc) meals ... I wouldn't do it.

My recommendation is get a real travel agent (from a larger agency), sit down and tell them what you are looking for, where you wanted to go, what you wanted to see, how much time you have, and what is your per person budget.

Reid777

Thanks for the input. This is the 6th European trip I have planned for this group. We are all family and friends, many of Polish heritage. Although some are seniors, all are in excellent health and very active. we have been on overnight ferries before. We know they are not cruise ships, but have been clean and a great way to get from one point to another. I do use a local travel agent to help me with bookings, buses, etc., but only after the itinerary is chosen. What I was thinking of doing was to fly into Krakow, spend 3 nights there, hire a bus to drive us to Warsaw for 2 nights, fly to Szczecin (looks like flights are very reasonable), and hire a bus to drive us to the port at Swinoujscie to catch the 21:00 ferry. Upon returning to Copenhagen, we would spend 2 additional nights there before returning home, not return to Ystad or Swinoujscie.
I would welcome any advice you have, as this is in the early planning stage and can certainly be changed.

janisj

I think you will get more 'eyes'/responses if you re-post on the Europe forum. Lots of folks w/ knowledge of Poland, Denmark, etc.

Eschew

Reid777, that sounded a whole more exciting than the 4 day tour on the ferries! We have taken many ferries before and have seen Polferries in Sweden and Norway, but unfortunately, have not been on any of their 3 ships.

If your intention is to use the ferry to get to Copenhagen from where you were and meanwhile take in some sights along the way, then it would be a great fit. The places that they listed to visit sounds fine for Ystad and Oslo. Looking at the list and the time allotment,m it would be quite rushed. Since it is pre-arranged, I guess you can't ask to skip certain places and add others. With a group of 30, you might as well organize your own bus tour with a private guide and just book the passage on the ferries.

Post on the Europe forum is a good suggestion by janisj. I guess you posted here because you wanted opinions on the Polferries.

That sounds liek a great trip. Can we join your tour?

Reid777

Your suggestions are appreciated, and I am definitely looking into that option. I always give past participants up till the first of the year to commit....after that, if there is any available space...it's first-come, first serve...will keep you posted!!!