I'm sure many of you have done this area on your own, so would you give me some step-by-step information on the best way/s to handle this. I've done some research, but it's always good to get first hand guide-lines.

Hi Trapsma! We are looking for the same information. We are traveling on the Norwegian Jewel (June 10 sailing date). I was thinking of renting a car (around $70US through Hertz) and driving around to some nearby towns. What are you thinking? Are you on a cruise, too?

It is not a bad idea to rent a car and explore the area. Here some destinations:

- Rostock has a nice city center, but do not spend too much time there.

- You may drive up to Fischland. Beautiful coastline a the pretty village Ahrenshoop.

- Wismar is a quaint town.

- Güstrow is also interesting and has a nice castle.

- Bad Doberan is an interesting town with a great cathedral.

- Schwerin is a somewhat longer drive (1:15), but rewards you with a spectacular castle.

Decide what you do depending on weather conditions. You might also spend a bright day in Warnemünde at the beach.

Thanks, Traveller1959! Great suggestions!

Hi,

The public transportation is Germany is outstanding - clean, efficient, on-time and easily accessible. That rate is expensive for a car rental. When I was in Warnemunde, the train station was 5 minutes from my ship. You take the train into small towns and the surrounding area. It is a beautiful area and you will find many remnants of the Communist era. As one who grew up in the Cold War and lived in Germany when there was an East and West Germany, it is amazing to see the former East Germany.

Best Regards,
Julia

Hi Julia,
Thank you for your response. It is great to hear from someone who lived there AND has taken a ship to the area. Since I am thinking about the prices for a group of 4 (traveling with my family), it would seem like going around on Public Transportation to places like Schwerin or Fischland would be more than renting a car. Do you think public transportation would cost less than $25US per person to go RT to one of these destinations (with perhaps stops along the way in places like Wismar)?
Cheers,
Naomi

Hello, Eyedigress. I did see some good info on tripadvisor.com. One couple wandered around to a number of towns even taking the Molly train ride along the coast. She said it was great. Carnival offers this tour, but I'm planning to do all the ports on my own except St.Petersburg, using probably DenRus for that one. Racing into Berlin on a 2 hour train ride one way, just doesn't appeal to me, especially with a lovely sea area so close. Actually, I have a German friend who has a summer cottage not too far from the area, and she mentioned Warnemunde had a great beach, which I later saw on another web site.

We'll most likely be using the train around the Warnemunde area, although the tourist information bureau in Rostock mentioned a ferry from Warnemunde to Rostock. However, the train seems to be the best bet. Apparently there is a trolly from the train station into Rostock.

My granddaughter and I will be on the Splendor, arriving in Germany on August 21st. There's not a whole lot of time in any of the ports, but just enough for a little independent adventure.

Keep me posted for any more ideas.

I forgot...thank you,Julia,for your information about the trains. It's good to know, since that will most likely be our mode of transportation.

Sandra

You may want to go to viamichelin.com and use their driving directions feature. It will give you an estimate for tolls and fuel cost associated with the vehicle you select. Great tool to compare train vs. car cost.

Thanks Julia, Trapsma and Smackover!
Very helpful advice. I'll see if it makes more sense to do trains or rental car (great recommendation about TripAdvisor for more info, too!)

Cheers and happy sailing!

This is a nice Port. We did the Molli, (lots of fun, kids loved it!) the fantastic cathedral at Bad Doberan and ended the day at the beach with coffee, strudel and a dip in the sea. You don't really need a rental car. It was quite amazing to be in the former East Germany. Although Rostock is very interesting, it's a full day and you won't have time to see much else.

Thanks, Maztoz77. I think I'll take your advise and head directly for Bad Doberan and the Molli - then back to Warnemunde for some beach time; my granddaughter will like that. Is the area tourist friendly, as far as heading non German speaking tourists in the correct directions?