Kiel / Hamburg
 

coming in on a cruise...Hamburg is a jewel but for 1 / 2 day is it worth it or should I just stay in Kiel.?

With just 1/2 day you should rather go to Lübeck. I guess it may be even offered as a trip by the cruise company?
Kiel is somewhat dull, I'm afraid.

http://www.luebeck-tourism.de/

Is Hamburg further away than Lubeck..?

The train ride from Kiel to Hamburg takes 1:06 (direct ICE) and to Lübeck 1:08 (RE).

Lübeck is a small, compact medieval town which can easily be visited in a few hours.

Hamburg is a large city, so within a few hours, you have to focus on a few attractions. If the weather is fine, a boat trip is very recommendable.

Even if you have just half a day, I would recommend the train ride either to Hamburg or to Lübeck. The trains are dependable.

I am afraid there is not much to see in Kiel.

thank you traveller