Is the Elbe Worth Sailing

I've been reading the posts after a search on "Elbe" and most of them are about cruises that have turned into bus tours due to low or high water levels.

Is it worth even scheduling a cruise on that river? Do the attractions on the Elbe make it even worth the risk? Is there a cruise line that seems to be more successful in making the trip? And finally, is there an optimum time to go to minimize river issues?

Much thanks

Hello drcpa,

the Elbe has been a tricky river in the past few years and as people tend to report and complain more when things go wrong I can fully understand you finding those posts. One could come to the conclusion that the risk is greater than the attractions make a river cruise worthwhile. From what people have reported otherwise and from third-hand knowledge (I have not been to that area) I would say that it is worthwhile.

Now, as regards cruise lines: not as many offer the Elbe as other rivers. You have not put in your profile where you are. I am in Germany so have decided for myself that I will only cruise with a German company or CroisiEurope as they have the paddle wheeler, a propulsion system that has stood the test of time on that shallow river.

CroisiEurope is available to you to book in the States, no problem. The most cruises on the non-European market are offered by Viking and it is those passengers that have reported bus tours mainly. As I do not bleieve in Viking's information strategy and payment policy I would not sail with them if I had the option of using that company. There are a few other companies that offer the Elbe.

I would talk to a knowledgeable TA and await past cruisers comment here on CC. Many people will not doubt be happy to help you.

notamermaid

Hello drcpa! The Elbe is a wonderful river with some really great history, magical towns, and of course the big cities of Berlin and Prague at either end.

We launched the Elbe Princess last year, our second paddle wheel ship after the Loire Princess. The ship cruises from the Heart of Prague to Berlin, and has been designed to sail in water as low as 1 meter.

It's true that the Elbe can be unpredictable, but we've taken steps to ensure we are the cruise line that can cruise the most frequently and the furthest on this river.

Our last two seasons have been so successful, that we will be launching a sister ship, the Elbe Princess II in 2018.

Please contact your favorite travel agent, or call one of our Cruise Specialists, if you'd like to chat about the Elbe.

The Elbe river is especially interesting for historic cities and a beautiful nature. You won´t find as much industry along the river (unless you go as far down as Hamburg).

Unfortunetely the main itinierary is Prague - Berlin where you miss parts of the lower Elbe river. I´ve been once on a cruise from Dresden to Hamburg. Although we were not able to go upriver to the Czech border due to low water (but I´ve traveled that part of the river on the historic sidewheel steamboats out of Dresden) we covered almost all of the Elbe from the border to Hamburg. We arrived in Hamburg past midnight with the city all lit up. A very nice scene and a special feeling.

Yes, the Elbe river can be very tricky and there´s no way to predict anything. There are no locks and dams on the German side until the Geesthacht (close to Hamburg). So there´s no regulation of the river channel to provide a constant water level. Plus the Czechs - where there are dams - unfortunately in case of low water keep the water upriver. But that also makes it a very natural experience. Back in 2002 there was that bad high water in August - as season when you usually expect extreme low water.

As notamermaid I would prefer CroisiEurope over Viking or any other company due to their ships which are more suitable for the river conditions on the Elbe river.

steamboats

notamermaid and steamboats, thank you for your quick, helpful replies. I have read many of your posts over the years and always find them informative and valuable.

The only negative for non-Europeans that I could find was the French cuisine. Anybody have any comments re. the food? Otherwise, CroisiEurope seems like a winner.

The only negative for non-Europeans that I could find was the French cuisine. Anybody have any comments re. the food? Otherwise, CroisiEurope seems like a winner.

I would love to try CroisiEurope but the food is an issue for me. I love French food, but have a wonky digestion and avoid rich food when I'm traveling in order to stay healthy. I know CroisiEurope says they will prepare special meals when needed,but I don't know how much I would enjoy the cruise if I always had to ask for modifications for each meal.

Just an FYI about the Elbe. We attended a travel presentation from Grand Circle recently in Jacksonville, FL. They said they were no longer going to offer cruises on the Elbe because of all the problems.

We sailed on the Elbe with Vantage a couple of years ago and began in Berlin. Absolutely loved it and the Vantage ship and staff. We were lucky that we had no problems with the level of the river so cannot address that aspect of the trip, but it is definitely worth taking this trip.

Cole

Mitina,

I am not sure if the food on the CroisiEurope ships classifies as "classical French cuisine". It could well be that certain little changes are made on international cruises to be closer to the European or American palate. But I am guessing. There are past cruisers (a few) of CroisiEurope here on this board more or less regularly that could help with this question. It should be in a separate thread I think.

Just to give you all some more info on the European market for the Elbe. NIcko cruises (German company) went into administration a few years ago but has since re-emerged with a stronger emphasis on international passengers, hence the fact that the more or less entire internet pages are in English now, apart from German. With their ships they also sail into Prague rather than bussing them there the last stretch as Viking does. I do not know how they compare to other cruise lines since their new ownership, before that they were considered a mid-range cruise company in price and comfort level. Just to give you an idea: https://www.nicko-cruises.de/en/expose/regal-splendour-3/

Another German company called Plantours also sails the Elbe, but they really focus on the German market.

notamermaid

There are beautiful sites and experiences along the Elbe that are worth the trouble. May into June seems to have been a successful time for sailing the last few years. It's also the time when there are beautiful roses blooming along the route.

We did the Elbe in september2016 with Viking. We were fortunate to miss only 1/2day of sailing due to low water. Prior to booking, we knew of potential problems and were mentally prepared for it. It was a fantastic cruise. Would do it again in a heartbeat, but first there are so many other places i still need to see.