Cruise To Copenhagen
Copenhagen was named Europe's "Leading Cruise Destination" in 2006 by the World Travel Awards for the third year running. It also awarded the city the title "World's Leading Cruise Port" in 2005. Why the popularity? Factors include the spectacular sightseeing, modern efficiency, lack of red tape, friendliness of the locals and universality of spoken English.
The city counted 280 cruise ship arrivals in 2006 with 399,000 cruise passengers; of those passengers, 43 percent were Americans. And 104 ships used Copenhagen as a turn-around port.
Copenhagen Airport opened a dedicated check-in terminal last April exclusively for cruise passengers. They may check in their baggage early, giving them extra hours for sightseeing or shopping before their flight.
The port boasts two major cruise piers, the Langelinie Pier and the Freeport Terminal; some ships occasionally dock at the Nordre Toldbod. From Langelinie Pier, bus number 26 from the pier to the city center leaves every 20 minutes. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes and costs about $2.50. A taxi to the city center costs about $12 to $15 and takes approximately five to 10 minutes. The "fun" option is the waterbus, which departs hourly. A one-day ticket costs about $6.50, with hop-on-and-off privileges.
From Freeport Terminal, shuttle buses usually wait right outside the vessels. A taxi to the city center costs about $16 to $25 and takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Copenhagen Must-See Attractions
The top tourist attraction is the sculpture of the tale-spinner's Little Mermaid, which sits at Copenhagen's harbor. Take a waterbus tour from there to see how the canals and waterways lend an open feeling to the city. Also visit the Nyhavn section, where colorful 17th-century buildings line the harbor.
The famed Tivoli Gardens features amusement park rides, upscale restaurants, theater and concert performances amid immaculate, gorgeous gardens. Hans Christian Andersen's Wonderful World displays simplistic scenes of several of the fairy tales for little ones.
Denmark boasts the world's oldest monarchy, and cruise guests shouldn't miss the Amalienborg Palace, the Royal Couple's winter residence. The 17th-century Rosenborg Palace offers a way to see how former royals lived and displays the fabulous collection of crown jewels.
Guests should leave time for a leisurely stroll along Stroget, Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street, lined with eateries, boutiques and department stores. Other popular attractions include the Museum of Danish Resistance (which will appeal to anyone interested in World War II; free appointments must be prearranged through henrik.lunkbak@natmus.dk) and Carlsberg Brewery.
Shops featuring amber used in jewelry are ubiquitous, but the House of Amer is one of the largest and oldest. Royal Copenhagen is the spot for porcelain collectibles, while Georg Jensen features stunning contemporary silver designs in jewelry and house gifts.
Among the major cruise lines visiting Copenhagen are: Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Orient Lines, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Sea Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn Cruises and Silversea Cruises.
For more information visit: www.cruisecopenhagen.com.
