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NORWAY

S WEDEN

n a e c O PORT EXPLORER c t i a n A t l & SHOPPING GUIDE Hamburg Hamburg

GENERAL INFORMATION The city of Hamburg en- HISTORY The city of Hamburg received an Imperial charter in 1189, and joys a long and proud history as an international trading recently celebrated its 800 year anniversary. The city enjoyed its golden years center. This merchant-seafaring tradition was first estab- around the 13th-century as leader of the , and created Ger- lished in 1189 and continued to flourish as Hamburg soon many’s first stock exchange in 1558. became the leader of the Hanseatic League. Hamburg’s Most of the city center was destroyed by a massive fire in 1842. Rebuilt in a wealth remains centered on trade and commerce with over more spacious style, it was devastated once again by extensive fire raids dur- 15,000 ocean-going vessels arriving each year with mer- ing WWII. Destroying over 21 square kilometers at the heart of the city, most chandise ranging from exotic spices, coffee and bananas, of Hamburg was rebuilt in a red-brick architectural style, unique to this part to fuel products and mechanical engineering components. of Germany. Although its reputation is tainted by tales of its infamous Since the war, Hamburg has suffered an economic decline as Germany’s in- red light district, the city has much to offer. Located on the dustrial center has shifted to the South. Due to the strategic location of Rot- river 60 miles upstream from the North Sea, much of terdam, much of Hamburg’s trade and commerce business was lost to Holland. the city is surrounded by water. Hamburg is an unusually Although new and modern industry such as electronics and aeronautics are spacious city with a number of green public gardens and becoming very strong in Hamburg, unemployment remains high. the beautiful Alster Lake at its center. This tranquil oasis in the city center is a popular recreation area for joggers, bikers, sailboaters and windsurfers. The skyline between the harbour and Alster Lake is dominated by the spires of Hamburg’s five major churches and the Rathaus ( Hall). Much of the city was destroyed in WWII, and re- built in a unique red-brick architectural style. Music and the Arts have played an important role in the city’s history as the first German opera house opened in 1677. It is also the hometown of Johannes Brahms and continues to enjoy a strong musical tradition with Ham- burg’s renown opera and ballet company, and three sym- phony orchestras. Hamburg is also the departure point for a journey through the beautiful Schleswig-Holstein countryside. Among its treasures stands the medieval town of Lubeck. Established in 1143 the city boasts a long Hanseatic tradition and re- tains its medieval character and charm with narrow cob- blestone streets and a pedestrian-only city center.

This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose. While we work to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, we cannot accept responsibility for any changes that may have taken place since printing. © RCCL 2010. All rights reserved. Beyond Hamburg Items of interest include German fashion and perfume, porcelain and © 2010 maps.com Lubeck – The medieval town of Lubeck is located in the beautiful typical North German ceramics, pastries, specialty beers and wines. country side of Schleswig-Holstein. Established in 1143, it was at A 19% Value Added Tax (VAT) is added to most purchases. one time the leader of the Hanseatic League and one of Europes most Non-E.C. visitors who spend over a certain amount may be entitled to important ports with highly lucrative trading routes along the Baltic. reclaim some or all the tax paid, however, regulations and conditions 10 With most of its medieval character and charm still preserved, a walk governing the refund of VAT are subject to change. Royal Caribbean through the city traces a path through the history and art of North Ger- Cruises Ltd.® cannot guarantee the cooperation of local authorities. many. Its quaint Old Quarter is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, Gothic brick-built churches, and beautiful merchant houses. LOCAL CURRENCY The unit of currency in this port of call is the euro. There are 8 euro coins denominated in 2 and 1 euros, along with 11 The importance of Lubeck’s heritage was given official recognition in 1987 by UNESCO’s decision to place the entire Old Town (Altstadt) 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 cent pieces. Every euro coin will carry a com- 1 on the list of the world’s most significant monuments. mon European face. On the obverse, each Member State will decorate 1312 2 the coins with their own motifs. No matter which motif is on the coins 9 Schwerin is situated in the former East Germany at the edge of the 7 they can be used anywhere inside the Euro-zone. There are 7 euro 8 beautiful Lake District, one of Germany’s last great un- notes. In different colors and sizes, they are denominated in 500, 200, spoiled areas of natural beauty. Built around no fewer than ten lakes, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 euros. The notes will be uniform throughout the 4 5 3 a highlight of Schwerin is the magnificent castle set on an island with euro area; unlike coins, they will have no national side. All euro notes extensive Baroque pleasure gardens. The city also boasts of several are legal tender in all countries of the euro area. well preserved medieval buildings including the Dom, one of four ca- thedrals founded by Henry of Lion. POST OFFICE AND TELEPHONE FACILITIES The main Post Of- Berlin, located in the Northeast section of Germany, is a 3 1/2 hour fice in Hamburg is located inside the central train station (near the journey from Hamburg. A divided city for nearly 30 years, the me- Kirchenallee exit). tropolis is now united to form one of the largest cities in continen- International telephone calls can be made from all public telephones. 6 tal Europe. Once the heart of the Prussian kingdom, economic and Most telephones take coins and telephone cards which can be pur- cultural center of the Weimer Republic, and headquarters of Hitler’s chased from many shops and the post office. You can also place a call Third Reich, Berlin has been one of the strongest influential factors in with your personal calling card using the following access codes: the history of the European continent and the world. AT&T: 0.800.225.5288 SHORE EXCURSIONS To make the most of your visit to MCI: 0.800.888.8000 Hamburg and surrounding areas we suggest you take one of our orga- TOURIST INFORMATION The Tourist Information Office PLACES OF INTEREST nized Shore Excursions. For information concerning tour content and is located at the main train station (#11). pricing consult your Shore Excursion Brochure or contact the shore PLACES OF INTEREST Town Hall Square (Rathausmarkt) is the location of the 100 year Excursion Desk. TRANSPORTATION A limited number of taxis will be available old Rathaus, home of Hamburg’s city council and state govern- at the pier. There is a good subway network (U-Bahn = city and S- Brahms-Gedenkstatte holds some documentation of the life and 7 LOCAL CUSTOMS Bargaining: Shop prices are fixed and there is ment. On the western edge of the square is an arcade that signals the Bahn = suburban) operating through-out the city and a local bus ser- work of the composer who was born in Hamburg. little opportunity to bargain here. 1 beginning of Europe’s largest undercover shopping area (approxi- vice as well. Museum für Hamburgische Geschichte contains a fascinating mately 1/2 mile long). Tipping: Tipping is not necessarily expected in Germany, however, if display of Hamburg’s history as well as the Historic Emigration you receive good service, it is customary to leave 5 to 10%. For taxi USEFUL WORDS and phrases 2 St. Petri, one of five churches that dominate the city skyline, is Office where American descendants of German immigrants can trace drivers, it is customary to round up to the nearest Euro. Yes • ja the oldest city church with origins dating back to an 11th-century their roots through the extensive microfilm files. 8 No • nein chapel. Local Cuisine: The most famous German specialty is sausage. For a St. Michael’s Church (Michaeliskirche) is Hamburg’s princi- main course, pork accompanied by potatoes, dumplings, or spatzle, a Good Morning • Guten morgen St. Jakobi contains the precious treasure of Schnitger’s 17th- pal Protestant church and one of the finest Baroque churches in textured noodle is one of the most common. A popular vegetable is Good Day • Guten Tag 3 century organ, considered a masterpiece of its time and still in northern Germany. 9 cabbage and is usually prepared in a variety of ways including pickled Thank-you • Danke schon frequent use. You’re Welcome • Bitte St. Pauli was originally the area for sea-related trades and crafts (Sauerkraut) or cooked with apples (apfelrotkohl). How Much? • Wieviel Kostet es? in medieval times. Today it is known for its red light district, Kunsthalle offers a fine collection of paintings from a 4 Drink Specialties: The natural accompaniment to German food is beer Where is the washroom? • Wo sind die Toiletten which is mostly situated in a small area of the Reeperbahn and the 10 number of northern European masters from the 14th to or wine. With over 40 percent of the world’s beer production taking short streets that run off on either side. 20th-century. The most noted work is the Grabow Altarpiece place in Germany, wherever you go, you are likely to find a locally painted in 1379 by Bertram. Bismarck Memorial (Bismarckdenkmal) is an imposing statue brewed beer in a distinctive style. of the Prussian “Iron Chancellor,” the guiding spirit of the 19th- Train Station (Hauptbahnhof) – is the city’s main station 5 SHOPPING FACILITIES Shops are generally open from 9:00 am century unification of Germany. and also has a stop for the S-Bahn (suburban railroad). A 11 – 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on Satur- Speicherstadt is the world’s largest self-contained warehouse tourist office with travel guides and city maps is located inside. day. complex, complete with canals and cobblestone streets. It was 6 The main shopping areas include: Monckebergstrasse, a broad shop- built between 1885 and 1910 in the beautiful red brick style of local ping boulevard which runs from the Rathaus to the Hauptbahnhof, the architecture. Jungfernstieg, and the covered mall between the Rathus and Ganse- markt.