FTC Disclosure: Through business relationships with our suppliers, some may provide complimentary or discounted access to their locations and products to provide hands-on experiences to better assist my clients.
In 2019 we took our first Disney Cruise in Europe around the Mediterranean. For every port we booked Disney Port Adventures. Not only were there some interesting options, but also a couple of destinations quite a distance from the actual port.
In a complete turn, for this cruise we have shockingly booked no formal Port Adventures or shore excursions (except for transfer to/from Stockholm.)! Here is some brief insight into our plans. (Wait to see if/how they end up matching reality?!)
Copenhagen - As mentioned, Tivoli Gardens is at the top of the list, as it’s the place that inspired Walt Disney to build Disneyland! Kara definitely wants to get to the Little Mermaid statue. We’ll also find our way to the LEGO Store. (More about this in the Fredericia section.)
Kiel, Germany - Germany isn’t a huge pull for me/us, so we will likely stroll the port area, possibly joining a “show up” walking tour. Luckily one of the cruisers in our Facebook group is a native of this city and has been helping everyone with key details. Per my request, we have a specific bakery we plan to visit! And, Kara reminded me that she/I found something called Royal Donuts in Kiel which makes custom donuts and croissants. Our sweet tooths will definitely get a workout on this stop since none of these items can go back on the ship with us.
Stockholm, Sweden - This is the only port where the ship docks “far away” (roughly 45 minutes) from the city center. During 4th of July weekend(!), we laid out a plan that we know is overly ambitious! We are going to try to get to as many of these as possible:
Noble Prize Museum
Kungsträdgården (park)
Östermalms saluhall (food hall)
a few subway stations (artistically designed)
maybe Eataly Stockholm LOL!
and if there is time NK Stockholm.
Kara’s friend Andy also lives in Stockholm so we hope to meet up with him for lunch.
Fredericia, Denmark - This. This was the port we were both incredibly excited about. Why? It’s the port nearest the world HQ of LEGO and the famous LEGO House. Port Adventures to visit were listed on the website. As it turns out, we aren’t in port long enough to get there or for there to be excursions. None of us knew this until (for Platinum cruisers) after our final payment date and booking window opened!!! (Honestly, I might have canceled the cruise if I could have!) And to add insult to injury, the 11 night cruise after ours is in port longer and does get this as Port Adventure opportunities! So instead we plan to simply stroll around the village of Fredericia. The one thing we are still looking forward to is the effort Fredercia is putting into our visit. It seems very few ships visit here, so the town makes the day into an entire festival for the citizens and guests! We are expecting and hoping for this to be a truly authentic experience!
Oslo, Norway - Just weeks out we determined our plan. As most cruisers take a quick fjord tour, head to the Royal Palace or Opera House, or spend time at Akershus Fortress (a historical jail that’s the inspiration for the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT?!), we have decided to embrace the 9km/5.5 mile Harbor Promenade. I call it the Urban Boardwalk strewn with restaurants, shops, architecture, and gardens marked with guideposts specifically for tourists and every step surrounded by stunning views of the North Sea. And of course I’ve pinpointed a bakery very similar to my fave, The Cake Bake Shop!
Disclaimer: I (Gayle) am a travel agent with Authorized Disney Travel Planner agency - Off to Neverland Travel. Contact me today for a no-obligation quote!
As to Disney artwork, logos, and properties: ©Disney | Ship Registry: The Bahamas | CST# 2090317-40 / Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST37203
Next up… It’s Travel Day