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When the seven of us confirmed our bookings for the Queen Mary 2 crossing in May, 2024, it seemed to make sense to keep traveling once we reached Europe. Cunard gives a discounted one way airfare for transatlantic passengers for their return to the US good for up to six months. With plenty of time, everyone quickly decided where else they wished to visit.
Dave and Sandy chose renting a car to visit Oxford and the Cotswolds for a few days. Scott and Paula made plans to stay overnight in Southampton before taking the train to Paris for a few days of sightseeing.
That left Irma, Adrienne and me to ponder where to explore. It made sense that since the cruise actually ended in Hamburg, Germany, we should go the distance. When I suggested that we take the train from Hamburg to Copenhagen, both ladies seemed thrilled. Neither had visited before. Best yet for me, my mother’s parents were born in Denmark and many of my maternal relatives live in or nearby Copenhagen today.
We had a plan!
Son Phil jumped at our invitation to join us in Hamburg for one night before proceeding on to Copenhagen to sight see and visit with family. His hometown of Enschede, Netherlands is minutes from the German border (with easy access to German trains).
There was just one slight issue.
Irma had warned that she tends to over pack and she wasn’t kidding. Cunard certainly allows "loads" of luggage but lugging two large suitcases, a backpack, AND a purse post cruise became a conundrum for my traveling friend. What to do with the party dresses, dress shoes, and afternoon tea outfits after a luxury cruise?
One quick call to Cunard and Irma's problem was solved.
Cunard recommended DHL for shipping a suitcase home. Pricing seemed fair. Her medium checked size bag cost $320 to ship directly to her home in Pennsylvania from Hamburg, Germany. Unfortunately, Cunard did not warn Irma she needed to make arrangements well in advance. A DHL pickup at the Hamburg cruise ship port was not possible.
Also, not a problem. Before disembarking from the Queen Mary 2, Irma made arrangements for her luggage pick up at our Hamburg hotel for the night, The Reischhof Hotel. The front desk manager assured Irma that she could store her suitcase at the hotel until the DHL pickup the day after our departure. At check in, the paperwork transfer went smoothly. With the quick loss of over 40 pounds, Irma's traveling on to Copenhagen the next day became much easier to manage.
Travelers Tip: DHL quoted $250 USD to ship back a smaller suitcase. Despite Irma being told delivery could take 7-10 days, her bag arrived at her front door four days after the pickup in Hamburg.
Hamburg is absolutely lovely. Fortunately for us, the weather cooperated and we walked to the nearby Alster lakes in the glorious sunshine. Phil met us mid afternoon and became our tour guide for a delightful walk around many of the 22 city canals.
Along the way, we stopped at the St. Nikolai Memorial. Taking the elevator located inside the remains of the Gothic Revival cathedral, we saw via graphic photographs the horrific aftermath of Hamburg’s destruction in Operation Gomorrah in 1943. Amazingly, buildings such as the Hamburger Rathaus (city hall) escaped complete devastation and are delightful to explore intact today.
Phil and I dined early at the nautical inspired Restaurant Schifferboerse for dinner. Our meals were delicious and reasonably priced. More of a fun experience than Michelin star worthy, you can’t go wrong here.
Instead of paying $25 USD for the hotel breakfast, Adrienne and I walked across the street and enjoyed a fantastic $15 breakfast at Mutterland. I can’t recommend this charming eatery more. Our portions were so big, we didn’t think about eating again til evening.
As far as my review of the Reichshof? Fantastic! We chose the recently restored Reichshof Hotel because of the elegant online photos and its great location. The Reichshof is conveniently located near the bus depot where the Cunard transportation bus dropped us and the train station (where we would depart for Copenhagen the next morning).
Is Hamburg worthy of a traveler’s pit stop? Find out for yourself why flying in and out of Hamburg, including at least an overnight stay should be on your European itinerary. And if you find yourself lugging too much luggage around?
Ship it!
Looks like a great trip. Thanks for all your great tips