Why go to Rostock (Warnemunde)?
History buffs will enjoy exploring Rostock and Warnemunde and getting a feel for its culture and traditions
If you plan to travel to Berlin, keep in mind that it's several hours away
Though many bypass Rostock and head straight to Berlin, this port town has plenty to offer
Rostock (Warnemunde) Cruise Port Facilities?
If you don't go on a tour to Berlin, into Rostock, or into town when docked at Warnemunde, check out Karl's at Pier 7, located at the cruise port. A converted onion warehouse, this rustic souvenir store is decorated with a maritime theme, including seashells, fishing nets and wooden boats. While there, stock up on sea-related knick-knacks and tasteful gifts, ranging from German sausage, wines and liquors to items made from orange Sanddorn berries -- a local specialty. Karl himself owns northern Germany's largest strawberry farm, and, in season, you can feast on the berries for a small fee -- or try the strawberry cakes.
Good to Know?
When more than one cruise ship is in port at Warnemunde, the Am Strom (the waterfront area immediately surrounding the port) can get crowded with tourists, so keep a close eye on children and personal belongings.
Getting Around?
On Foot: Walking is the best way to navigate Warnemunde and Rostock -- once you've arrived in the center by shuttle or taxi.
By Car: Both cruise terminals have dial-up rental car systems.
By Taxi: Taxis wait outside when a large ship is in port -- which happens during most summer days.
By Bike: Bicycles can be hired from Holiday und Meer at Warnemunde Railway Station, and there are plenty of marked cycle trails. Buy a RostockCard for 12 euros (about $13.50) for public transport, entrance to some museums and reduced admission to others, discounts in stores and fixed prices in participating restaurants.
Getting to Berlin under your own steam in one day isn't practical because the train ride can take up to five hours, and trains run on specific schedules that might conflict with your ship's
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
Germany uses the euro. U.S. dollars are not accepted in stores, although most major credit cards are. See www.xe.com or www.oanda.com for currency-exchange rates. You can find ATMs in Warnemunde center and in Rostock. In Warnemunde, take small denominations of euro notes if you plan to buy from street vendors and fried fish stalls, of which there are many. Banks are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Language?
German is the official language. People involved in the tourist trade speak some English, but less so than in more established German tourist destinations.
Where You're Docked?
Ships dock at both Rostock and Warnemunde. Warnemunde has two berths and is the most convenient to cruisers because you can walk from the terminal straight into town and to the beach. (Wheelchair users: Note that there is an underpass -- with steps and no lift -- under the railway.) To get from Warnemunde to Rostock, simply take the train to Rostock Hbf (nine stops from the cruise port) and walk into town or take the tram (from the lower level of the station at Rostock) to Neuer Friedhof. Tickets and maps are available at the ticket station at Pier 7 at the port.
Rostock port is farther up the river away from the town centers of both Rostock and Warnemunde. If your ship is not offering a shuttle to Warnemunde, take the No. 45 bus from the port to Luetten Klein, followed by a 10-minute train trip on the local S-Bahn to Warnemunde, or opt to travel the entire route via taxi for around 25 euros. Most ships docked in Rostock run shuttles into Rostock town center, a trip of about 10 minutes. Or take bus No. 49 into the city center.
