Cruising from Kiel: Your Gateway to the Baltic Sea and Beyond
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    Cruising from Kiel: Your Gateway to the Baltic Sea and Beyond

    Katharina WesselKW
    Katharina Wessel

    Table of contents

    Cruising from Kiel - Your Gateway to the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe

    Kiel, the capital city of Schleswig-Holstein, has become one of Germany's most popular cruise ports. With its perfect location on the Baltic Sea, Kiel offers ideal conditions for starting your sea voyage. Major cruise lines such as AIDA, TUI Cruises, and MSC use Kiel as a departure point for fascinating cruises to the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia, and beyond. In this article, we've compiled all the important information and tips for your cruise from Kiel.

    The Port of Kiel

    The heart of every cruise from Kiel is, of course, the port itself. Here's some important information about the Port of Kiel:

    • Capacity: Up to 7 cruise ships simultaneously
    • Passenger processing: Over 2.2 million passengers per year
    • Location: Directly in the city center, just a few minutes' walk from the main train station

    The modern Ostseekai Terminal offers all necessary facilities for a smooth start to your cruise, from efficient check-in counters to comfortable waiting areas.

    Cruise Lines Departing from Kiel

    Kiel is a popular starting port for many renowned cruise companies. Here's an overview of the main cruise lines and their offerings:

    1. AIDA Cruises

      • Known for: German-speaking cruises, modern ambiance
      • Popular ships: AIDAnova, AIDAprima

    2. TUI Cruises

      • Known for: "Mein Schiff" fleet, feel-good concept
      • Popular ships: Mein Schiff 1, Mein Schiff 4

    3. MSC Cruises

      • Known for: International atmosphere, large ships
      • Popular ships: MSC Euribia, MSC Grandiosa

    4. Costa Cruises

      • Known for: Italian flair, family-friendly
      • Popular ships: Costa Diadema, Costa Fascinosa

    Fascinating Itineraries from Kiel

    From Kiel, you can embark on a variety of exciting destinations. Here's an overview of popular routes:

    1. Baltic Sea Cruises

      • Highlights: Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, St. Petersburg
      • Best travel time: May to September

    2. Scandinavia and Norway

      • Highlights: Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen, Geirangerfjord
      • Best travel time: June to August

    3. United Kingdom and Ireland

      • Highlights: London, Edinburgh, Dublin
      • Best travel time: April to October

    4. Iceland and Greenland

      • Highlights: Reykjavik, Akureyri, Ilulissat
      • Best travel time: July to August

    Getting to Kiel

    A stress-free arrival is the perfect start to your cruise. Kiel offers various options to comfortably reach the cruise terminal:

    1. By Car

      • Via the A7 and A215 highways
      • Parking available at the cruise terminal (advance booking recommended)

    2. By Train

      • ICE/IC connections to Kiel Main Station
      • Short walk or shuttle to the terminal

    3. By Plane

      • Nearest airport: Hamburg (HAM), approx. 100 km away
      • Shuttle service or train connection to Kiel Main Station

    Attractions in Kiel

    Use the time before or after your cruise to explore charming Kiel. Here are some highlights:

    1. Kiel Line (Kiellinie)

      • Popular promenade along the Kiel Fjord
      • Perfect for a stroll and fresh fish sandwiches

    2. U-Boat U-995

      • Technical museum on the beach of Laboe
      • Insight into the history of the German Navy

    3. Holstenstraße

      • Kiel's main shopping street
      • Many shops and cafes

    4. Kiel Town Hall

      • Impressive building in the style of Brick Gothic
      • Observation platform with a view over the city

    5. Maritime Museum

      • Extensive collection on maritime history
      • Interactive exhibitions for all ages

    Tips for Your Cruise from Kiel

    1. Plan Your Arrival

      • Arrive the day before for a relaxed start
      • Use the shuttle service for stress-free travel to the terminal

    2. Parking

      • Book your parking space online in advance
      • Also compare parking options in the city center with shuttle service

    3. Embarkation

      • Observe the specified check-in times
      • Keep all travel documents handy

    4. Try Local Specialties

      • Enjoy fresh Kiel sprats
      • Try an original Kiel beer in one of the numerous pubs

    5. Weather

      • Pack for cooler days at sea
      • Bring a rain jacket and sunscreen, as Baltic Sea weather can be changeable

    Conclusion

    A cruise from Kiel offers you the perfect mix of maritime charm, modern ships, and fascinating routes. Whether you want to discover the beauty of the Baltic Sea, marvel at the fjords of Norway, or explore the metropolises of Northern Europe - Kiel is your ideal starting point. Take the opportunity to explore the charming capital of Schleswig-Holstein before or after your cruise.

    Plan your next cruise from Kiel now and let yourself be inspired by the variety of possibilities. We wish you a wonderful journey and always a hand's breadth of water under the keel!

    Find the best cruise deals for trips from Kiel here.