Port information & tips for Saaremaa
Saaremaa is Estonia's largest island and an untouched gem in the Baltic Sea, captivating visitors with its pristine nature and deeply rooted traditions. The island enchants visitors with its tranquility, dense forests, and idyllic coastal landscape, while simultaneously offering an authentic journey back in time. Highlights include the impressive Panga Cliff with panoramic views over the sea, the iconic Angla Windmills, and the majestic Bishop's Castle in Kuressaare. Cruise ships dock at the modern Saaremaa Deep Water Harbor (Saaremaa Süvasadam) near Ninase. Thanks to comfortable shuttle buses, guests can easily reach the center of Kuressaare, located about 40 kilometers away, as well as the main sights within a short drive through the picturesque island landscape.
Saaremaa Harbour, located on the picturesque north coast of Estonia's largest island, is a modern deep-water port specifically designed for cruise ships, allowing for a peaceful arrival amidst untouched nature. The port features two berths capable of accommodating even the largest cruise ships in the Baltic Sea.
Airplane
For international guests from the DACH region, traveling by plane via Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL) is the optimal choice. From there, you have the option of taking a comfortable domestic flight to Kuressaare Airport (URE) on Saaremaa, located only about 38 kilometers from the port. The flight takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes and is offered several times a day. From Kuressaare Airport, you can easily reach the cruise port in Ninase in about 30 minutes by taxi or shuttle service. Given the longer journey from Central Europe, we recommend an overnight stay in Tallinn or Kuressaare before embarkation for a relaxed start to your cruise.
Car & Ferry
Traveling with your own vehicle is a popular option for exploring the Estonian landscape flexibly. From Tallinn, you drive approximately 135 to 145 kilometers (about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours) to the ferry port of Virtsu. A 30-minute ferry ride takes you to Kuivastu on the island of Muhu, which is directly connected to Saaremaa via a causeway. Ideally, you should book ferry tickets in advance online via praamid.ee to avoid waiting times. From the Kuivastu ferry terminal, it is then about another 76 kilometers (approx. 50 minutes drive) to Kuressaare, or directly to the cruise port in Ninase. Long-term parking is available at Saaremaa Harbour.
Long-distance Bus
An environmentally friendly and convenient alternative is traveling by long-distance bus. Regular direct bus connections run from Tallinn to Kuressaare. The journey, which includes the ferry crossing from Virtsu to Kuivastu, takes about 4 to 5 hours and is a pleasant trip thanks to comfortable buses equipped with Wi-Fi. Bus tickets are available online through providers such as tpilet.ee. From the bus stop in Kuressaare, you can then reach the cruise port in Ninase (approx. 38 kilometers north of Kuressaare) by taxi or organized transfer.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
