Passage through Pomerania
A cruise from the German Islands of the Baltic Coast to Berlin aboard the MS Victor Hugo
- 16 July 2021
Join us for this wonderful six night voyage from the German Baltic coast along the Oder River, through Poland and Germany, to vibrant Berlin. This is a unique journey to a beautiful area that is still relatively unknown in the UK and for which we have chartered the 90-passenger MS Victor Hugo from our longstanding associates, Croisi Europe.
Our journey takes us to the resorts along the Baltic coast which are deservedly known as the ‘Royal’ resorts. Berlin’s high society loved the fresh summer breezes and the sandy beaches of Usedom, which has the highest number of sunny days in the whole of Germany, and Rugen. The guest houses and hotels, with their typical architecture, have been restored to their original glamour and the attractive landscapes, such as the chalk cliffs on Rugen and the Jasmund National Park on the River Oder are all much admired by nature lovers. Other highlights of the voyage include the historical Hanseatic cities of Stralsund and Greifswald and our call into the Polish city of Szczecin, a lively and historic place which will also be our gateway to the Baltic Sea. Upon reaching Berlin, we will have an afternoon tour to learn more of this endlessly fascinating city with its rich history that can be experienced at every turn.
This is the perfect trip for those who enjoy seeing something different every day as each port of call has its own unique character waiting to be discovered whilst on one of our guided excursions. There will also be plenty of time to relax on board as the vessel gently cruises through some wonderful scenery; let the world slip by from the comfort of the Lounge or the Sun Deck and delight in awe-inspiring panoramic views.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Victor Hugo
For this voyage along the German Baltic coast we have chartered the MS Victor Hugo from our associates at Croisi Europe. Accommodating just 90 guests, this charming vessel offers spacious public areas and comfortable cabins. There is a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board and you will find yourself amongst like-minded fellow guests in an English-speaking environment.
Itinerary
Day 1 London Heathrow to Stralsund, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight to Hamburg. Upon arrival, transfer to Stralsund (approx. four hours) and embark the MS Victor Hugo where the crew will welcome us on board. Meet your fellow travellers at the welcome dinner this evening.
Day 2 Rugen & Stralsund.
This morning we will explore the island of Rugen visiting the seaside towns of Sellin and Binz. Once the height of sophistication, the resorts with their elegant luxury hotels still retain much of their nostalgic charm. We will see Sellin’s Seebrucke (pier), an ornate, turreted pavilion sitting out over the water at the end of a long wooden causeway. The original pier was built in 1906 and has had somewhat of a checkered history since with the current one opening in 1998. At 394 metres, it is the longest pier on the island. At Binz, the largest and most celebrated seaside resort on the island, we will take a walk along the promenade with its classical houses from the turn of the last century. We will then drive to the “Colossus of Prora”. Built by Nazi Germany between 1936 and 1939 as a holiday resort as part of the Strength Through Joy project, it was left unfinished when the construction workers were transferred to the V-Weapons plant at Peenemunde. The complex now has a formal heritage listing as a particularly striking example of Third Reich architecture. Continue north to the Jasmund National Park, the smallest in Germany but certainly no less dramatic for it. See the white chalk cliffs which tower up to 161 metres above the Baltic Sea. Our final stop will be in the town of Putbus. Built in the Classicist style, it is also known as “White Town”. Return to the ship for lunch after which we will take a walking tour through the heart of the old city of Stralsund. Stralsund was a major trading centre of the Hanseatic League in the 14th and 15th centuries. In the 17th and 18th centuries it became part of the Swedish crown, then in 1815 became part of the Kingdom of Prussia and thus an important base for the Prussian Navy. This UNESCO Heritage Site boasts attractively restored buildings including the grandiose Town Hall, and the 13th century St Nicholas’s Church, with its ornate Gothic and Baroque altars and the world’s oldest astronomical clock, which dates from 1394. Return to the ship and cruise towards Greifswald.
Day 3 Greifswald & Usedom.
This morning we will join a guided walking tour of Greifswald. This former Hanseatic city escaped the ravages of World War II and its skyline is defined by three churches: the Langer Nikolas (“Long Nicholas”), Dicke Marie (“Fat Mary”) and Kleine Jakob (“Small Jacob”) which were perfectly captured by the painter Caspar David Friedrich. During lunch on board we will sail towards Wolgast, passing through Peenemunde. On a coastal drive this afternoon we will visit the spa towns of Zinnowitz and Koserow on the island of Usedom, known locally as “Berlin’s bathtub”. Translating as “vacation for the senses”, Zinnowitz is considered one of the most beautiful seaside resorts on the island of Usedom. Continue to Koserow where we will visit the Fisherman’s Salt Huts. Built in around 1820, they were used as storage for rock salt and for salting and packing the herring caught by local fishermen into large wooden barrels. The salted fish was a staple diet for the poor villagers during the winter months. Destroyed in the storm surges of 1872 and 1874, they were rebuilt around 1900. If time permits, we will also visit the Peenemunde Historical Technical Museum. From 1936 to 1945, the research stations here formed the largest armaments centre in Europe with up to 12,000 people working on guided weapons, most famously the world’s first cruise missiles and the first ever functioning large-scale rockets which began to be used in World War II as “Vergeltungswaffen” (V-weapons). The museum reconstructs the history of the creation and use of these weapons.
Day 4 Szczecin, Poland.
Spend a relaxing morning on board as we cruise across the Oder Lagoon to Szczecin. Originally the German city of Stettin, it was effectively the “port of Berlin” and so suffered heavy Allied bombing during World War II. It has since been rebuilt to recapture some of its original style and appeal, with tree-lined avenues and parks, based partly on Haussmann’s 19th century rebuilding of Paris. Today it is a lively city with a patchwork of architecture inherited from different ages. This afternoon we will explore the city on a panoramic drive and see the embankment boulevard of Waly Chrobrego, Grunwald Square, the rose garden, the Cathedral Basilica of St James, the old Town Hall and the Gothic Pomeranian Ducal Castle. Return to the ship for dinner and moor overnight.
Day 5 Chorin Abbey & Niederfinow Boat Lift, Germany.
Spend a leisurely morning sailing towards Lunow. Later, we will visit the Cistercian Chorin Abbey. Founded in 1258 by the Cistercian monks of Lehnin, it had a farreaching influence on the Slavic population that occupied the region during Medieval times. It was completed in 1334, and for two centuries was home to more than 400 Benedictine monks. The Abbey was dissolved in 1542 following the Protestant Reformation, causing it to be abandoned and eventually it fell into disrepair. After the reunification of Germany in 1990, restoration began and continues still. It is generally considered one of the finest examples of “Nordeutsche Backsteingotik” (North German Brick-Gothic), typical of North Germany architecture in towns of the Hanse. The church is designed like a basilica with three naves and a seven-sided apse. Staircase turrets flank the western façade, which features three windows surmounted by a rose window. All that remain of the conventual buildings are the abbot’s residence, brewery and the remains of an old mill. Rejoin the ship in Oderberg and experience the navigation lift at Niederfinow where the vessel will be raised 36 metres. This marvel of 20th century engineering opened in 1934 and is the oldest working boat lift in Germany.
Day 6 Berlin.
This morning we will cruise towards Berlin. This afternoon we will take a panoramic coach tour through the capital which will include the Kurfurstendamm with its elegant shops, the Reichstag Parliament building designed by Sir Norman Foster, the world-famous boulevard Unter den Linden and the Potsdamer Platz. We will see the Brandenburg Gate which began life as a humble toll gate but is now the symbol of the reconciliation of East and West Germany and we will also pass by the Berlin Wall and Nikolaiviertel (East Side Gallery), and Check Point Charlie. Return to the ship for our final dinner on board.
Day 7 Berlin to London Heathrow.
Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 16 to 22 July 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Category 1 Main Deck Twin | £2195 | £1995 |
| Category 2 Upper Deck Twin | £2395 | £2195 |
| Category 3 Upper Deck Double - cabin 215 | £2695 | £2495 |
| Category 1 Main Deck Twin - sole use | £2795 | £2595 |
| Category 2 Upper Deck Twin - sole use | £2995 | £2795 |
Tour Reference Code: RCVH160721
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Six nights aboard the MS Victor Hugo on a full board basis • All-inclusive drinks from 10am to 11pm daily (please note premium brands & sparkling wine are not included) • Shore excursions • Cruise Director • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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All Decks
Victor Hugo
For this voyage along the German Baltic coast we have chartered the MS Victor Hugo from our associates at Croisi Europe. Accommodating just 90 guests, this charming vessel offers spacious public areas and comfortable cabins. There is a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board and you will find yourself amongst like-minded fellow guests in an English-speaking environment.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted that you have chosen the MS Victor Hugo for your upcoming voyage. We have chartered the MS Victor Hugo from our associates at Croisi Europe. Built in 2000 and refurbished in 2019, she accommodates a maximum of 90 passengers. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and the welcoming team on board will do their utmost to ensure you have an enjoyable journey. We hope this information booklet answers any questions you have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 90
Cabins: 45
Crew: 23
Length: 82 metres
Width: 9.5 metres
Built: 2000
Refurbished: 2019AIR-CONDITIONING
All cabins have individually controlled heating and air-conditioning.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do in the event of emergency.
ALL ABOARD
Your times for embarkation and disembarkation will be provided by your Cruise Director.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
During your time on board, various announcements will be made by the ship’s crew and our Cruise Director. Please listen out for these announcements as they will be of importance or interest.
BAR/BEVERAGES
All-inclusive drinks are provided on board (excluding premium brands and sparkling wine) between the hours of 10.00am and 11.00pm.
CABINS
The cabins are arranged over two decks with most measuring 10 square metres and all featuring individually controlled air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom with shower, flat screen TV, telephone, closet and a safe. The cabins have twin beds that can be positioned separately or together as a double bed with the exception of cabin 120 which has a fixed double bed and is larger at 13 square metres and cabin 215 which has a fixed double bed and is 18 square metres (please note that this cabin is an accessible cabin with a wet room style bathroom). All cabins have picture windows, but only those in the Upper Deck cabins open.
CRUISE DIRECTOR
A Noble Caledonia Cruise Director will accompany you on your voyage, along with a Noble Caledonia Tour Manager and a Guest Speaker.
CURRENCY
The currency on board is the Euro. While Visa and MasterCard are accepted, personal cheques and debit cards are not. Regrettably, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service on board.
DAILY PROGRAMME
The daily programme is printed and delivered to your cabin every evening. It provides details of the following day’s programme, meal times and other activities, as well as interesting and helpful information about your next port of call.
DINING & DRINKING
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are served in the restaurant on board. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style with hot and cold items, whilst dinner is a served set menu with a choice of main course or vegetarian option. Alcoholic and soft drinks are included in your holiday price (excluding premium brands and sparkling wine) as are tea and coffee which are available throughout the day on a self-serve basis and with meals. Certain dietary requests can be catered for (on request), however please note that due to galley restrictions, Croisi Europe is unable to offer a choice at each course. Please provide any such requests in writing to Noble Caledonia at the time of your reservation and please reiterate these requests to the ship’s Hotel Manager upon your embarkation.
DRESS CODE
Comfortable and casual attire is recommended during the day for excursions. Evening attire is smart casual though you may wish to bring something a little more formal for the welcome and farewell dinners, for example a jacket and tie for gentlemen and a dress/trousers and blouse for ladies. Please note that black tie is not necessary.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity on board is 220v with 2-pin power outlets. We recommend you take an adaptor with you. For safety reasons, the use of electric irons is not permitted on board.
EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION
Embarkation and disembarkation times will be provided by your Cruise Director.
EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
Full details of the ship’s emergency and safety procedures will be provided following your embarkation. Please note there is no doctor on board the vessel.
FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers fitted in all corridors.
FIRST AID
A number of crew are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid. Further medical assistance can be sought from a hospital in the event of an emergency.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
GIFT SHOP
There is a small gift shop selling various practical and souvenir items.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned once a day and you will be provided with a ‘turn down’ service at night.
KEYS TO CABIN
Each cabin will receive their own cabin key. Before leaving the ship we kindly ask all passengers to swap the cabin key with a shore pass which will be provided to you by the ship’s reception desk. After your return to the ship please return your shore pass back to reception in exchange for your cabin key.
LAUNDRY
Please note there are no laundry facilities on board.
LIFT
Please note there is no lift on board.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed in to the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all of your belongings with you before you disembark. Should you leave any items on board the ship we are only able to return them to you at your own cost.
MOORING
Docking space is allocated by the local river authorities. On occasion other river cruise vessels may be required to dock alongside our ship. This may result in restricted cabin views and may also require us to embark and disembark the ship through another vessel’s public area and/ or for other passengers to do the same. As you cruise, you may encounter some engine noise and vibrations as the ship negotiates locks.
OPERATIONAL CHANGES
Despite our planning efforts, there may be times when changes must be made to the daily programme due to circumstances beyond our control such as heavy river traffic or fluctuating water levels. The ship’s Captain and crew will do their utmost to find the best and safest solution. Any changes to the day’s schedule will be communicated as soon as possible.
POST
Please be advised that although items can be posted on your behalf by the ship’s crew, neither the ship nor Noble Caledonia can be held responsible for items of post that are delayed or not successfully delivered.
QUESTIONNAIRES
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete and return the questionnaire that will be provided to you on board.
QUIETVOX/AUDIO SYSTEM
Noble Caledonia has arranged for all passengers to have access to a ‘Quietvox’ audio system for shore excursions. Further details will be provided to you following your embarkation.
RECEPTION
Reception is staffed throughout the day and between 10.00pm and 7.00am a night watchman will be on duty.
SAFE
All cabins are equipped with a small safe for your personal use. We recommend placing valuables in the safe whenever you are away from your cabin. Please remember to remove all items from your safe prior to disembarking at the end of your cruise.
SAFETY
Please take careful note of all safety instructions provided to you by the Captain and crew of the vessel. Full safety instructions will be provided to you on board.
SMOKING
Smoking within your cabin or any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Designated smoking areas are provided and can be advised by the reception upon embarkation.
SUN DECK
The ship has a Sun Deck which is available for guests to enjoy. There may be times whereby it is necessary to close the Sun Deck. Please listen carefully to the Captain and crew for instructions. Please also note that the Sun Deck and its steps may become slippery if the weather is cool or dew forms.
TELEPHONE
A telephone is available in your cabin for internal calls only.
VISITORS
Visitors are not permitted aboard the vessel. The ship’s operators reserve the right to deny boarding to any persons.
WATER
Complimentary water is available during breakfast, lunch and dinner, and from the bar.
WI-FI
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship but please be advised that it is not possible to download large data files. There may also be times when internet connection is slow or not available.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: These details should be used as guidelines only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck plans
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All Decks
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All Decks
Travelling with You
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Nicholas Merchant
Nicholas Merchant’s career has mirrored his abiding interest in antiques. He has worked for some of the major auction houses in London as well as running his own book business devoted to the decorative and fine arts. While his particular interest is English 18th century furniture and Country Houses, he has broad interests and likes to discuss many objects, not just for themselves but in their historical context.
Nicholas is much in demand as a lecturer which has taken him recently to the United States, South Africa, Europe and all over the United Kingdom, including the V&A in London. Since joining NADFAS he has given over 500 lectures all around the world. Nicholas is the West Yorkshire representative of the ArtFund. He is the proprietor of Aspect Events, a company which arranges cultural breaks and short trips for collectors and art lovers.
Nicholas Merchant will be on the following tour dates: 16 to 22 July 2021
Tour Extensions
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For those passengers wishing to spend some time in Berlin after disembarking the MS Victor Hugo we are offering an optional two night extension based at a centrally located, four-star hotel.
Berlin’s imposing Brandenburg Gate
The Itinerary
Day 1 Potsdam & Sanssouci Palace, Germany.
Disembark this morning and enjoy a tour to the Versailles of Prussia, known for its palaces and parks. Here amongst the splendour of Frederick the Great’s creation, we will see the park of the Palace of Sanssouci and the Tea House. Later, transfer to our hotel and meet for dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 2 Berlin.
Take the opportunity to spend the day exploring this fascinating city independently. (B)
Day 3 Berlin to London Heathrow.
Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
22 to 24 July 2021 Category Price Twin £595 Single £745 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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