Germany

Honduras has three main cruise ports: Roatán (Coxen Hole), Mahogany Bay, and Puerto Cortés. Roatán and Mahogany Bay are located on the island of Roatán, about 6 miles apart, which is the most popular cruise destination in Honduras, known for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots. Puerto Cortés is located on mainland Honduras and is less frequented by major cruise lines. Instead, smaller, expedition-style cruises and regional operators call here. While many major cruise lines call to the island of Roatán, Mahogany Bay specifically is owned by Carnival Corporation, so it is primarily served by Carnival Corporation brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line. It features a private beach and various amenities for cruise passengers. Puerto Cortés, located on the mainland, serves as a gateway to explore the cultural and natural attractions of Honduras. Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide. Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide.  Kiel, a prominent port city in northern Germany, is a popular stop on many Baltic cruise itineraries. American cruise lines such as Celebrity, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean frequently include Kiel in their routes. I visited here aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam. Related: Check out my video review of Zuiderdam. The Port of Kiel features several cruise terminals, with Ostseekai being the primary terminal for large cruise ships. I really like this port because it’s so close to the city center. The city makes visiting easy for tourists, by marking colored lines on the sidewalks right outside from the cruise terminal, making it simple to get where you’re going. Kiel has a population of around 250,000 and serves as the capital of Schleswig-Holstein. It was heavily bombed during World War II, and much of the city was rebuilt in the post-war period. Because of its proximity to the bigger and more well known city of Hamburg, this cruise port is sometimes billed as “Kiel/Hamburg”.  Relaxing at a quaint café on a cobblestone street, surrounded by the rich history and vibrant architecture of this beautiful town. The distance between Hamburg and Kiel is approximately 55 miles, so about an 1 hour and 15 minutes by car. I looked at Hamburg excursions and sites, but personally didn’t see much more there that looked more interesting than what is available in Kiel, so I opted to stay in Kiel and explore the city by foot.  From Kiel Cruise Port to the City Center The cruise port is located about half-a-mile from Kiel’s city center. It makes it easy to access on foot, and as noted above, the marked lines on the sidewalk make getting from terminal to city center a breeze. Even at a leisurely pace, you can get there in about 15 minutes. For those with mobility limitations, taxis are available, with fares typically ranging from $8-$12 USD. Public transportation, including buses and trams, offer an efficient and affordable option, costing about $3 USD per ride. Ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Kiel, providing another convenient way to reach the city center or wherever it is you wish to explore.  Enjoying the tranquil beauty of the lakeside, where nature and calm moments come together perfectly. Top Things to do in Kiel European cruise excursions tend to be quite expensive and somewhat limited. If you’re looking for things to do in Kiel, here are some of the top choices. You’ll likely find them offered as official cruise line excursions, or you can venture out and explore them on your own. Just make sure you’re aware first of the pros and cons (and risks) of independent excursions.  Exploring the City Center If you’re like me and want to save money and just explore the free sites within walking distance from the port, Kiel is a great city in which to do this. Here are some of the best things to see.  St. Nikolai Church St. Nikolai Church, located in the city center, is about 0.6 miles from the cruise port, a 15-minute walk. The church, originally built in the 13th century, is one of the oldest buildings in Kiel. The church features impressive Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and historical artifacts, and there is no entrance fee to visit the church. Outside the church stands “The Spirit Fighter” statue, a monument to the struggle of the human spirit. Kiel Town Hall and Tower Kiel Town Hall, a landmark building, is located about right by St. Nikolai Church; about a five-minute walk. The town hall, built in the early 20th century, features a distinctive tower with an observation deck. Entry to the tower costs around $5 USD. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of Kiel and the surrounding area. The town hall itself is an architectural gem, with its grand facade and ornate interior. Guided tours are available, offering insights into the building’s history and significance. Hiroshimapark Hiroshima Park in Kiel is a tranquil urban park located near the city center. It is established as a symbol of peace and friendship between Kiel and its sister city, Hiroshima, Japan. The park features lush greenery, serene walking paths, and peaceful water elements. It offers a relaxing retreat (and great photo opp!) for cruisers and it’s en route from the cruise port to St. Nikolai Church and Kiel Hall.  Woolworth and TK Maxx I love oddities and unconventional attractions when cruising, and let me tell you, I shrieked in delight when I stumbled upon two of them, side by side, while walking from the Kiel cruise terminal to the city center. First, is a Woolworth’s store, which I thought no longer existed and brought back so much childhood nostalgia (and also made me feel old for even remembering a time when Woolworth’s existed in the US). Next to it is a TK Maxx… yes, you read that right — TK Maxx. Not TJ Maxx, although it looked like the exact same logo. My curiosity made me look this up, and I learned thatT K Maxx is the brand name used for the retail stores in Germany (and