Baltic Sea Cruises The country of Poland is bordered by Lithuania, Belarus, the Ukraine, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany and the Russian Enclave of Kaliningrad.
However, it's important not to forget about one of Poland's most important borders: that which it shares with the Baltic Sea. Many of the coastal cities and towns located along the Baltic Sea are common vacation spots for Polish residents, but they also make incredible destinations for travelers from around the world. | | Cruising the Baltic One fantastic way to see these hotspots along the coast is by embarking on cruises offered by a number of international ocean cruise lines. Listed below are a few that offer itineraries that include calls to the Polish ports Gdansk, Gdynia or Szczecin. | | Where to Visit on a Polish Cruise There are plenty of great destinations that travelers will be able to access thanks to a cruise on the Baltic Sea. Without question, however, the following cities are the most popular spots for those enjoying what Polish cruising is all about. | | Gdynia Founded in the 13th century as little more than a small fishing village, Gdynia expanded rapidly after World War I. In 1921, it became one of the biggest ports on the Baltic Sea, and today, it is an iconic and important destination for both shipping and tourism.
Thanks to its rapid expansion in the 1920s and 1930s, it boasts early 20th-century architecture. Gdynia also offers plenty of incredible attractions ranging from the Plaża Miejska beach to the Dar Pomorza, or Tall Ship Museum. A new Museum of Emigration recently opened on May 19 at a former, from before WWII, Maritime Station offering additional cultural and educational events.
Gdynia is just 20 miles from the city of Gdańsk and even closer to the spa resort destination of Sopot. Together, these three incredible Baltic Sea hotspots form what is known as the Tricity, or Trójmiasto in Polish, and all three are absolutely worth exploring. | | Gdansk For history lovers planning a cruise to Poland, Gdańsk should be a priority on the itinerary. Records reveal that Gdańsk was first founded as a settlement in 997, which means that it boasts more than 1,000 years of history. Countless major historical events started in Gdańsk and changed the shape of the world forever. Founded by Duke Mieszko I of the Piast Dynasty, Gdańsk was where the first battle of World War II took place when the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein attacked the Polish military based in the region. When the first major solidarity movements to end communism began in the late 20th century, it was Gdansk where Lech Walesa led protests in what eventually led to the fall of communism roughly eight years later.
To experience the excitement and heritage that Gdańsk has to offer, attending the St Dominic’s Fair can be phenomenal. As Poland's oldest outdoor trade and entertainment event, one with a history dating all the way back to 1260, the St Dominic’s Fair is a chance to tour the medieval architecture of the Old Town, browse wares provided by more than 1,000 vendors and enjoy a three-week program packed with live music, events for children, special exhibits and a lively atmosphere throughout the entire city.
More than 6 million travelers have visited Gdańsk in recent years, and that should not come as a surprise given all that the city has to offer. From the 16th-century Dutch Mannerist architecture in the Stare Miasto to a museum devoted to amber, known as Baltic Sea Gold, Gdańsk has it all. Shore excursions when cruising the Baltic Sea could include the historic Solidarity Square, the famed lighthouse of Gdańsk and even Malbork Castle, a red brick castle in the Gothic style that was constructed in the 13th century and is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. | | Szczecin Located in Western Poland, Szczecin is the closest seaport to Berlin and is just minutes from the border with Germany. Szczecin boasts a unique history that has had plenty of turbulence, but all the events have combined to give it a fascinating heritage and blend of cultures. Founded in the eighth century on the Odra River and the southern shore of the Bay of Pomerania, Szczecin was the ideal location for a city and was sought after by many nations. It was Polish, Swedish, German and then finally back under Polish rule where it has remained since the end of World War I.
Szczecin is a popular stop for Baltic Sea Cruises because it is a maritime city with a rich history as well as an exciting destination with plenty of modern attractions. Visitors with an eye on the past will want to explore the Pomeranian Dukes Castle, the Palace of Grumbkov where multiple Russian rulers were born and the gorgeous Gothic cathedral called St. Jacob's. Shore excursions can be arranged to kayak through the waterways of the Lower Oder Valley, tour the newly constructed Old Town or take guided walks through the Wały Chrobrego Promenade.
These are just three of Poland's cruise ports, but they represent the best destinations for travelers on a Baltic Sea cruise. From incredible history to authentic Polish cuisine and exceptional attractions, Szczecin, Gdańsk and Gdynia are three incredible spots that visitors won't want to miss. | |
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