Viking Homelands

Explore this remarkably restored Polish city and learn about its rich history on this enlightening excursion. One of the wealthiest cities in the Hanseatic League, Gdańsk was extensively damaged during World War II, but its restoration has been phoenix-like. You will visit Long Market, one of the city’s most attractive streets, and pass beneath Green Gate, a former royal residence. View the 15th-century Artus Court, a merchant’s palace, and the fascinating Gdańsk treadwheel crane, a 14th-century human-powered device that helped the medieval port load and unload cargo. En route back to your ship, pass Solidarity Square and see the famous Gate No. 2 of the Gdańsk Lenin Shipyard, where protesting shipyard workers were shot by the Communist regime in 1970. A monument here commemorates their sacrifice.

Hear the stories behind some of the events of World War II on a sobering visit to the Stutthof concentration camp. A local guide will accompany you to the camp, located approximately 40 miles east of Gdańsk and today preserved as an educational site. Stutthof was the first camp built outside German borders. Though it was established in 1939, the idea to expand camps into the Gdańsk region of Poland—then known as the “Free City of Danzig”—had been conceived three years earlier. During your visit, you will learn that very soon after the outbreak of war, “undesirable Polish elements” were sent here. Over the course of the war, prisoners from all the occupied territories were brought to Stutthof. You can see the prisoners’ barracks and pause to reflect at the camp memorial.

Step into the world of the Teutonic Knights, the famed medieval German military order, as you visit Malbork Castle. When it was completed in 1406, Malbork was the world’s largest brick castle; remarkably, it remains so today and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a scenic 40-mile drive with a local guide through the Polish countryside, arrive at Malbork Castle. Set on the Nogat River, more than 3,000 “brothers-in-arms” once resided in its barracks. See their shadows cast in the array of iron warriors in the courtyard and view the castle's still-solid ramparts. Inside, the vaulted halls hold displays of armor, ceramics, sculptures and spectacular Baltic amber. After your guided tour of the castle, you will have time to browse the castle’s gift shop, before returning to your ship by motor coach.

Discover the history of Baltic amber at Gdańsk’s Amber Museum and see highlights of the historic old town on foot. Pass the famous Gdańsk Shipyard and head to the old town, admiring its Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture. This region contains the largest known deposit of amber, believed to be around 40 million years old. The amber road, an ancient trade route for these semiprecious stones, is deeply rooted in history. At the Amber Museum, learn how this refined gemstone is created, the history of the trade routes and amber’s medicinal uses. The set out on foot to explore medieval Long Market Street, home to the historic town hall and Artus Court. See Neptune’s Fountain and St. Mary’s Church, which took more than 159 years to build and features beautifully decorated chapels. Browse old town shops before returning to your ship.

Enter the world of the Teutonic Knights with a visit to Malbork Castle and tour the remarkable old town of Gdańsk. Embark on a 40-mile drive with your guide through the scenic Polish countryside. Upon arrival at Malbork Castle, marvel at its breadth and setting on the Nogat River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the world’s largest brick castle upon its completion in 1406—and remains so today. Outside, marvel at the array of iron warriors and still-solid ramparts; inside, see the grand exhibition halls adorned with armor and sculptures. Next, return to Gdańsk, where you will savor a traditional Polish meal before visiting the old town, a picturesque cluster of colorful town houses and magnificent churches. Join a short tour, then enjoy free time to explore independently. En route to your ship, pass the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970.

Learn the stories behind some of the events of World War II and tour the fascinating old town of Gdańsk. A local guide will accompany you to Stutthof Concentration Camp, located approximately 40 miles from Gdańsk, preserved today as an educational site. Established in 1939, Stutthof was the first camp built outside German borders. You can see the prisoners’ barracks and pause at the camp memorial. Later, return to Gdańsk for a meal at a local restaurant before visiting the old town, a remarkable mix of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture. Set out on a guided walk past the Golden Gate (once a passage through medieval walls), admire Neptune’s Fountain and see the Town Hall and Artus Court. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore old town independently. En route to your ship, pass the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Stroll through Gdańsk on a city walk, take a Polish cooking class, visit a jeweler’s shop and sample Goldwasser. Following your city walk, attend our Polish cooking workshop and try making your own pierogi. These delightful pockets of unleavened dough are filled with either a savory or sweet filling before being cooked in boiling water. Enjoy the fruits of your labor served with a glass of compote, a traditional Polish beverage. Call on a local amber shop to observe a specialist as he prepares these ancient, semiprecious stones used in the art of jewelry making since the Stone Age. Visit a restaurant and try some Goldwasser, a strong root and herbal liqueur that has been produced in Gdańsk since at least 1598. The most prominent characteristic of this beverage is the small flakes of 22 or 23 karat gold suspended in it. Receive a memento of your visit before returning to your ship.

Travel to the European Solidarity Center, then visit the old town of Gdańsk and take a boat trip past the shipyard. The Solidarity Center celebrates the movement and the victory that was achieved peacefully thanks to the power of people uniting together. The center opened in 2014 and quickly gained international recognition, picking up the prestigious Council of Europe Museum prize in 2016. The building is centered around a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of Solidarity and the opposition, which led to the democratic transformation of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. A viewing terrace on the roof allows visitors to look out over the remains of the Lenin Shipyards, where the Solidarity movement was born. Following the tour of the center, you will head to old town for a tour and some free time before heading back to the ship by boat.

Embark on a scenic cruise along the Elblag Canal, one of Europe’s most historically significant waterways. Journey by motor coach to board a vessel at the Elblag-Ostroda canal system—built in the 19th century, this manmade route connects the Masurian Lakes and the Vistula Lagoon. This project took over 40 years to complete, with Polish engineers tackling the elevation challenges through a system of railroad tracks and inclined planes. These planes turn passing ships into railroad cars to cross over the grassy portions of the journey, as though they were fully amphibious vehicles. This brilliant solution was universally hailed as one of Europe’s most impressive engineering wonders. Glide through the waterways and over knolls, then head back to Gdánsk for a meal at a local restaurant before choosing to join your guide for a walk or explore independently.

See the spiritual side of Gdańsk with visits to the city’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese co-cathedrals. Completed in 1502, St. Mary’s Cathedral is a late Gothic-style church and one of the world’s largest brick churches. Originally a Catholic church, it was also used by the city’s Lutheran congregation from 1536 to 1572. Admire its red brick exterior and massive bell tower, which reaches more than 260 feet in height. Step inside among the 27 star-shaped columns that support the vaulted ceiling 100 feet above you, and gaze at the richly colored Madonna of Gdańsk sculpture and intricately carved and gold-painted polyptych that looms behind the main altar. After free time to explore, continue to Oliwa Cathedral. Finished in 1594, it is Poland’s longest church. Here, you will be treated to a 20-minute concerto played on the church’s great organ, which dates to the 18th century.

Attend an intimate performance of Chopin compositions in a cultural venue. Born in 1810 in Warsaw, Frédéric Chopin is one of history’s great composers. He demonstrated true originality at the piano and became a beloved figure in Polish culture. His unique blend of romantic imagination, classical perfection and true Polish spirit still captivates music lovers around the world. Join your guide for a short drive to the neo-Gothic red-brick Polish Baltic Philharmonic. Upon arrival, take your seat in the Chamber Music Hall and settle in for an intimate concert of arias, classical music and other famed Chopin melodies, as well as other great masters that followed in his footsteps. Get caught up in the rousing performances by a renowned Polish pianist and the accompanying violin virtuoso. After the concert, you will return to your ship.

Head to Westerplatte, the site where World War II began, and immerse yourself in stories of courage and resilience. Led by a knowledgeable guide, explore the ruins of barracks and concrete bunkers still standing as powerful symbols of Polish resistance, and admire the towering Monument to the Defenders of Westerplatte, a tribute to the heroic stand of its garrison. Your guide will then lead you to a vast and immersive museum exhibition that brings the events of World War II to life. Listen to detailed commentary, discover eyewitness accounts, personal artifacts and interactive displays that reveal the human stories behind the conflict. Learn about battles fought, acts of extraordinary courage and the resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardships. After your insightful tour, return to your motor coach and back to your awaiting ship.

Discover charming Sopot, Poland’s summer capital, during a guided walk and ascend the Olivia Star observation deck. Enjoy a guided walk along Sopot’s wooden pier, which stretches 1,700 feet and ranks among the largest in Europe. Learn about its origins dating back to the 19th century, commissioned by Napoleon’s physician, Jean-Georges Haffner. Delve into the town’s rich history as a prominent spa and vacation destination, characterized by its original structures that reflect its elegant heritage. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the area at your leisure. Afterward, board your motor coach to Olivia Star and ascend to the observation deck on the 32nd floor. From this stunning vantage point, marvel at the city’s landmarks, including Gdańsk Bay, Orłowski Cliff and Oliwa Cathedral. Relax with light refreshments as you soak in the breathtaking scenery, then return to your ship.