Can you do this cruise port on your own?
Klaipeda
DIY Score
Easy DIY
Easy on foot; only attempt Nida if the call is long.
Tender or Docked?
Docked at the city cruise terminal, a 5-15 minute walk from the old town. No tender, no shuttle needed to reach the centre.
How to Get Into Town
Walk into the old town in 5-15 minutes, free. For the Curonian Spit, take the €2 ferry to Smiltyne, about every 30 minutes.
Main Attractions
The old town on foot and the Curonian Spit by ferry are the two headline choices. Nida's dunes are the prize if you have a long call.
How Much Time You Need
3-4 hours covers the old town and a Spit ferry. A full day is only needed if you chase Nida.
Keep in Mind
Nida is farther than it looks. The 50 km run down the Spit needs a bus that sells out, so only attempt it on a long call.
Safety & Comfort
A calm, safe port with little to worry about. Normal city awareness is all you need.
Tips from Cruisers
"We really wanted Nida but the bus from Smiltyne was full when we got there and I spent the ride back worrying we’d miss the ship.…" — by Helen B.
We really wanted Nida but the bus from Smiltyne was full when we got there and I spent the ride back worrying we’d miss the ship. We didn’t, but I wouldn’t chance it again on a short call.
Docked basically in town, which after some Baltic ports felt like a gift. Walked off, did the old town in an hour, then the little ferry across for the beach. Easy day.
smoked fish by the river, a beer, watched the boats. didnt even take the ferry. lovely slow morning
The dolphinarium and sea museum saved us with the kids. Ten minute ferry, short walk, and they were happy for hours. Buy the ferry tickets with a card, no fuss.
Lovely flat old town, no hills, which suited us fine. We took the ferry over just to see the old sailing ships and sat in the sun. Back aboard with hours to spare.