I am going on a Baltic cruise this summer and have just found out that we have to purchase a visa (60.00US) to set foot on Polish soil. We dock at Gdynia for the day after having just been to Russia and Estonia.Combined with the cost of an excursion offered by the Ship (plus the hassle of getting the visa) it will cost around $115.00US per person for a
tour that lasts six hours and visits Gdansk and Sopot. Are these places must-sees? Any informed opinions would be most appreciated.Thanks!

Gdansk is not less interesting than Krakow, which get many more visitors.

Gdansk is worth to be seen. Sopot on the other hand is a popular summer resort, where you could have a nice night-time. However, doing it all in six hours might not be worth.

Both places are nice, and agree with Krakow comment. Gdansk had a lot of war damage compared to Krakow but its repairs have been done very well and harbour walk and main pedestrian street are both very pleasant to wander down. They are both much nicer places than Warsaw. 6 hrs stuck on a boat in Gdynia would not appeal so I would do it.

I was unaware that a visa is now necessary for travel to Poland. As a US citizen, I was told none was needed. (Your comment of the cost in US dollars for the visa has me assuming you are from the US??). Last June, I travelled briefly from Germany to Poland and had to show nothing but my passport.

I think citizens of Canada, Australia and NZ need a visa for Poland.

Yes as a Canadian we definitely need a visa for Poland. We have decided that it really isn't worth the hassle and expense for six hours and will just have a lazy day on the boat reading,sunning or excersising in the gym.