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A cobblestone street in a quaint town lined with brick buildings and small shops. People are seen walking and biking along the street.
Cruise Ports, Denmark, Europe

Discovering Denmark: What You Need to Know about Ronne

Ronne, the largest town on the island of Bornholm in Denmark, is a notable stop on many Baltic cruise itineraries. American cruise lines such as Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean often include Ronne in their routes. I visited here on a Holland America Line sailing aboard Zuiderdam. It was our third port of call in Denmark, after visiting the country’s much more populated cities of Copenhagen and Aarhus. Related: Check out my video review of Zuiderdam. The town features a modern cruise terminal at the Port of Røenne, which provides easy access to local attractions, and the city provides cruisers with a free shuttle from the cruise port area to a location just down the hill from St. Nicolas’ Church (more on that in a moment). After walking up the hill, and exploring the church, cruisers can walk just a few more scenic blocks to get to the city center of Bornholm. Known for its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, Ronne offers a quaint and relaxing experience. With a population of about 13,000, it maintains a small-town feel while offering various cultural and historical sites. From Ronne Cruise Port to the City Center The cruise port is located about one mile from Ronne’s city center. It makes it easily accessible on foot, although as noted above, the city provides a free shuttle for cruisers. If you prefer to walk, however, a leisurely walk will take you about 20 minutes. For those with mobility limitations or preferring quicker transport, taxis are available, with fares typically ranging from $10-15 USD. Ride-sharing services like Uber are not currently available in Ronne.  Top Things to do in Rönne European cruise excursions tend to be quite expensive and somewhat limited. If you’re looking for things to do in Ronne, here are some of the top choices. You’ll likely find some of these 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. If you plan to stay in Ronne, my recommendation is to save money on transportation and excursions and just walk around and enjoy all that this area has to offer on foot. While I really enjoyed Ronne, and found it a relaxing port of call and great one to walk around leisurely and explore, there isn’t as much to do here as there are at many other Baltic cruise ports.  St. Nicolas’ Church The church of St. Nicolas, also known as Sankt Nicolai Kirke, is a historical and religious site in Rönne. It is located about 1 mile from the cruise port. It is a 20-minute walk, but I strongly encourage cruisers to take advantage of the free shuttle from the cruise terminal, which drops off right at the foot of a hill that leads up to the church. The church dates back to the 13th century and showcases beautiful architecture and historical artifacts. There is no entrance fee to visit the church. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can explore the church, attend services, and learn about its history through informational plaques and exhibits.  Erichsens Gåard Erichsens Gåard is a well-preserved 19th-century merchant’s house that offers a glimpse into the past. Located about 2 miles from the cruise terminal, it’s a bit St. Nicolas’ Church in Ronne is a striking landmark with its stark white exterior and black accents. Bornholm Museum The Bornholm Museum, located in the heart of Ronne, is about one mile from the cruise port, or just blocks from the cruise shuttle drop-off point. The museum offers comprehensive exhibits on the island’s history, culture, and art including artifacts from prehistoric times, Viking artifacts, and interactive displays. Admission costs around $10 USD. It’s a great place to learn about Bornholm’s unique heritage.  Ronne Theater Ronne Theater is remarkable for standing as Denmark’s oldest theater. It’s a cultural landmark located about one mile from the cruise port, or just a short walk from the cruise shuttle drop-off point. The theater is known for its classical architecture. It stands in the midst of the city center, which is a great location to grab coffee at a cafe, or lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants, many of which have outdoor seating. Hjorth’s Factory Hjorths Fabrik, or Hjorth’s Factory, is a working ceramics museum where visitors can see pottery being made. It is located about a mile from the port or blocks from the shuttle drop point, and admission costs around $8 USD. The museum offers an in-depth look at the ceramic production process and showcases a variety of pottery pieces. Visitors can participate in workshops, watch live demonstrations, and shop for unique handmade ceramics as souvenirs. Language and Currency The official language of Ronne and the entire country of Denmark is Danish, although many residents also speak English, especially in tourist areas. During our visit, all of the vendors we interacted with were fluent in English. The official currency in Ronne and throughout Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK). Most vendors do not accept US currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, and in most European locations, tap-to-pay or contactless payment is becoming very common and quite convenient. A tap-to-pay credit card, or contactless card, allows users to make payments quickly and securely. One may simply tap the card against a contactless-enabled payment terminal. It eliminates the need to swipe or insert the card and enter a PIN. Ronne Cruise Port Ship Schedule The Ronne, Denmark cruise ship schedule can be found on Cruisemapper.   Exploring the scenic streets of Rönne. Ronne Time Zone Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for Americans on European cruises with substantial time zone differences, and itineraries may result in time changes during the cruise. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when planning your stop at the port,

A historic building complex with a prominent clock tower and red brick structures under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A seagull is flying in the sky, adding a touch of movement to the serene scene.
Cruise Ports, Europe, Germany

Discover Kiel: Journey from Cruise Port to Stunning City Center

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

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