Constanza

The ships dock at the Passenger Pier which is situated about 1/2 a mile from the main entrance of the harbor and 1 mile from the town center. It is a pleasant 20-minute walk to town, once you are outside the gates. Much construction is going on in the city, making it somewhat difficult to get around, and giving it a drab impression.

A new passenger terminal is in operation in Constantza, with capacity to move 100,000 passengers per year with a 293-meter-long berth.

Taxis are available only at the main gate, not pier side, as they are not allowed to enter the port area.

Watch your belongings!!!! Also for "fake" police while ashore.

Work is said to be underway on a high speed train connection between the cruise port of Constantza and the capital of Bucharest. What is normally a three to four hour coach ride will be reduced to two hours or less.

Situated at the crossroads of several commercial routes, Constanta lies on the western coast of the Black Sea, 185 miles from the Bosphorus Strait. An ancient metropolis and Romania's largest seaport, Constanta traces its history some 2,500 years. Originally called Tomis, legend has it that Jason landed here with the Argonauts after finding the Golden Fleece.

The second largest city in Romania, Constanta is now an important cultural and economic center, worth exploring for its archeological treasures and the atmosphere of the old town center. Its historical monuments, ancient ruins, grand Casino, museums and shops, and proximity to beach resorts make it the focal point of Black Sea coast tourism. Open-air restaurants, nightclubs, and cabarets offer a wide variety of entertainment. While in the area, you can visit traditional villages, vineyards, ancient monuments and the Danube Delta, a bird lover's paradise.

Constanta is more than just the entry point to the Black Sea coast. It is a place with a long and interesting past, attested by its many Roman vestiges, historic buildings, facades and mosques that color the Old City Center.

St. Peter and Paul Cathedral This beautiful Greek Orthodox church displays the typical inside and outside wall paintings.

Folk Art Museum See an interesting collection of costumes and outfits from all regions of Romania. Statue of Ovid Situated in the main square is the statue of the Roman poet who was exiled to Constanta in 8 A.D.

The very low prices make taxis a popular way to travel with both locals and travelers. The driver may try to cheat you if he sees you are a foreigner. Insist that he will use the meter.

Mamaia Beach This beach is 5 miles long and is situated about 10 miles from the port. It has fine sand and clear water to enjoy on a summer day.

In the summertime, there are several daily trains with service every half-hour between Constanta and Mangalia, stopping at all the Black Sea resorts along the way.

Art and craft shops offer unique traditional wood, lace and embroidered products as well as contemporary porcelain, ceramic dolls, crystal and glass goods. The Orthodox icons painted on wood or glass are a popular item. Do check all items carefully before purchasing.

Romania is relatively cheap by Western standards - one US dollar buys about 2.3 lei and one euro buys about 3.55 lei.

Romanian transactions generally take place in cash. Although some places will accept Euro or USD you will generally be charged an additional 20% paying by this method and it is not advisable, although this is changing.

You can, however, pay by card in many shops and in most supermarkets. Accepted credit/debit cards are: Mastercard, Visa.

The official language of Romania is Romanian.

Romania uses the pan-European standard number 112 for all emergency calls.

Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers are available in most towns and cities, and in some villages.

Opening hours are extremely predictable and amazingly long. Many shops will have a "non-stop" sign - meaning they are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Shops that are not open 24 hours are usually open 8 AM - 10/11 PM, with some keeping open in summer until 2 or 3 AM.