Plan a CruiseConstanza Cruise Port Guide
Constanza, Romania's largest seaport and second-largest city, offers a rich history spanning 2,500 years, with legends of Jason and the Argonauts. Ships dock at the Passenger Pier, situated about 1 mile from the town center. A new passenger terminal is in operation, featuring a 293-meter berth capable of handling 100,000 passengers annually. While the city is undergoing significant construction, which can make navigation challenging and give a drab impression in some areas, it remains an important cultural and economic hub on the Black Sea coast. The city is known for its archaeological treasures, the atmosphere of its old town, historical monuments, the grand Casino, museums, and shops. Work is currently underway on a high-speed train connection to Bucharest, which is expected to reduce the typical 3-4 hour coach journey to two hours or less.
Getting Around from the Port
The Passenger Pier is approximately 1 mile from the town center. After exiting the main harbor gates, it's a pleasant 20-minute walk into town. Taxis are available, but only at the main gate, as they are not permitted to enter the port area. Taxi prices are generally low, but it's important to insist the driver uses the meter, as some may attempt to overcharge foreigners. For destinations further afield like Mamaia Beach (about 10 miles from the port), trains operate frequently during the summer, with service every half-hour between Constanta and Mangalia, stopping at all Black Sea resorts.
Attractions and Activities
- Explore Constanta's Old Town: Immerse yourself in the city's 2,500-year history. Discover Roman vestiges, historic buildings, unique facades, and mosques. Don't miss the grand Casino, museums, and various shops.
- St. Peter and Paul Cathedral: Visit this beautiful Greek Orthodox church, notable for its distinctive inside and outside wall paintings. Easily accessible within the city.
- Folk Art Museum: Gain insight into Romanian culture with an interesting collection of traditional costumes and outfits from various regions of the country.
- Statue of Ovid: Located in the main square, this statue commemorates the Roman poet exiled to Constanta in 8 A.D., a central landmark in the city.
- Mamaia Beach: Just 10 miles from the port, Mamaia offers 5 miles of fine sand and clear water, perfect for a summer day. During the summer, frequent trains (every half-hour) connect Constanta to Mamaia and other Black Sea resorts.
- Danube Delta (Day Trip): For nature and bird lovers, the Danube Delta is a renowned paradise, though it would require a dedicated tour given the limited time in port.
Dining & Shopping
Constanta's city center offers a variety of open-air restaurants, nightclubs, and cabarets, providing diverse entertainment and dining options. Shopping features art and craft shops where you can find unique traditional items such as wood carvings, lace, embroidered products, contemporary porcelain, ceramic dolls, crystal, and glass goods. Orthodox icons painted on wood or glass are a popular souvenir. Always inspect items carefully before purchasing. Retail opening hours are remarkably long; many shops display a "non-stop" sign, indicating they are open 24/7. Others typically operate from 8 AM to 10 or 11 PM, with some extending hours until 2 or 3 AM in the summer.
Safety
It is important to remain vigilant and watch your personal belongings while ashore. Be aware of individuals posing as "fake" police officers. When using taxis, insist that the driver uses the meter, as some drivers may attempt to overcharge foreign visitors.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Romanian Leu (plural: Lei). As a reference from the provided guide, one US dollar buys approximately 2.3 lei, and one euro buys about 3.55 lei. While some places might accept Euros or US Dollars, you may incur an additional 20% charge, so it is generally not advisable, although this practice is changing. Most transactions in Romania are cash-based. However, credit/debit cards, specifically Mastercard and Visa, are widely accepted in many shops and most supermarkets. The official language is Romanian. For emergencies, dial 112. Free WiFi is commonly available for customers in cafes throughout most towns and cities.