The Star Princess docks at Gdynia, which is a
large industrial port. Virtually everyone continues on to Gdansk (Danzig
to German speakers) by cruise bus or public train. The dock is about 2
miles from the train station. On disembarking, walk 100 meters to the
right to catch one of the many local taxis. A full taxi with four
passengers should cost about 16-20 Zlotys (about $5-$6 US should be
enough) from the dock to the station. Some taxi drivers will be happy to
offer a day tour, but we did not price this.
On entering the Gdynia main station (“Glowny”), get some zlotys from the
ATM at the far end of the ticket booths. The train to Gdansk costs 4
zlotys (about $1.25) each way (2.80 zlotys per segment if you get off at
the seaside resort of Sopot or the famous cathedral at Oliwa). Gdansk
train tickets are sold at the small “SKM” booth around the corner from the
main ticket booths (the SKM line is small and sells its tickets separately
from the major inter-city train lines). There are about 12 stops between
Gdynia and Gdansk, and the trip takes almost an hour.
Once in Gdansk, take the pedestrian underpass east under the boulevard in
front of the station, then walk a few minutes farther east to the St.
Catherine’s, St. Bridget’s, and St. Nicholas churches. Of these, the
latter is the best preserved but least famous. We were there for mass on
Sunday, and it was jammed – the first time a cathedral came alive for us.
From there continue east and south to the river, which has a nice walk to
Mariaka Street (for cheap amber) and the nearby main street (for the city
hall and St. Mary’s cathedral). The city hall has a nice but small museum,
and the cathedral has 400 steps to a beautiful view from the top of the
tower for 3 zlotys ($1). Gdansk was completely destroyed in WWII, but it
has been rebuilt in the old style and is a walker’s paradise, just like
Tallinn.
Amber jewelry is beautifully set and wonderfully cheap here, and if you
did not buy your fill in town, more is available from dockside vendors
when you return to the ship (they take zlotys, dollars, and euros – learn
your exchange rates and bargain).
If you leave Gdansk by the 2pm train, you will get to Oliwa (on your way
back to the ship) in time for the famous 3pm organ recital (free-will
offering). At the Oliwa station, zig-zag west and north, cross the large
boulevard, and keep the Oliwa park fence on your right for about a mile as
you walk farther west and north to the cathedral entrance. After the
recital you can walk and picnic in the park on your way back to the
station. Trains leave about every 15 minutes. The seaside resort of Sopot
is another stop on the same train line, but we have never been there.