british isle cruise or the one that stops in germany

[Dznypal]

we are finally in the planning stages of booking a cruise since just before the virus hit

we have 2 in mind the british isles

or the one that has a stop in germany--my DH wants to go there--

the stop is in kiel which I understand that hamburg is where most of the tours go

but checking under port adventures I dont see any tours for kiel or hamburg
would these be added later--the cruise is not until next sept but Id like some sort of idea of tours
or is it a port where you can just book what you want on your own

any other tips or advice on either of these 2 would be very helpful

thanks

 

[Marc D]

I suspect it will be a first stop for DCL in Kiel. When they add a new port, it is common for them not to publicize the port excursions until a few days before the first guests start to book them. It was the case on our BI cruise when they stopped in Portland for the first time. You can be assured that DCL will offer port excursions at all ports.

 

[auntlynne]

Do an internet search for Shore Excursions Kiel to see what is typically offered by vendors (Cruise ships usually offer similar). I did see a tour to Hamburg.

 

[Flossbolna]

Why does your DH want to go to Germany? I am asking because Kiel and Hamburg will not offer the type of experience many people think of when they hear Germany. Germany is a quite large country with big regional differences. If you think of Epcot’s Germany pavilion - this is a pretty good representation of southern Germany. I personally love Hamburg, but it’s not that charming medieval houses town. It’s a true city with a massive working port. More similar to Boston than Epcot’s Germany.

It’s also not the WWII history Germany that Berlin is where you trip over history with every step.

It’s also about a one hour drive, so I would estimate that in a shore excursion you will spend at least three hours in transit there and back.

I actually think that Kiel and surroundings do have things to offer. There is a charming open air museum with old preserved farm houses nearby, so I personally would look into maybe renting a car and exploring the area there instead of going to Hamburg.

And if you want to see the medieval charming Germany I would suggest to add a couple of days before or after the cruise. Most airlines will let you purchase an open jaw ticket to Europe without paying more (so fly into one place, home from another) and just buy transport to/from your cruise port from/to Germany. Both Munich and Nuremberg would get you into Bavaria where you find the Epcot Germany, Berlin is where the big history is at, Cologne and Frankfurt take you the Rhine with its vineyards and castles.

 

[mousefan73]

Kiel to Hamburg has trains hourly. 1:15 each way. IMO if you have a long port stay- DIY