A glance at the calendar and even better a glance out of the window at the weather outside tells us that this winter is now definitely over. Spring is here and we can expect that it will only get warmer and more beautiful. And there will be more days that simply cannot be spent better than in the fresh air, ideally on the deck of a boat. From there, the world always looks at its most magnificent.
Prazska paroplavebni spolecnost is opening its 151st sailing season this year, and into the next one and a half centuries of its existence it brings the traditional quality of services and an emphasis on customer satisfaction. It continues in the footsteps of its founder, the legendary Prague mayor Frantisek Dittrich, who knew well that one cannot stand still but must move with the times, boldly introduce new things and stay at the top of one's field. So although last year's jubilee sailing season brought many new things to the combined fleet of Prazska paroplavebni spolecnost and Prague Boats, even for this year further improvements, new programmes and regular lines have been prepared for its customers and passengers.
Beyond cruises on regular lines, customers are also showing growing interest in cruises to order, both for clients of travel agencies and for corporate clientele. The boats of the fleet of Prazska paroplavebni spolecnost and Prague Boats offer the highest standard in this segment too, with no competition in the wider area. "Interest in events particularly on our most modern boats, Bohemia Rhapsody and Grand Bohemia, is enormous," says Prague Boats sales director Richard Vojta Jr. "We prepare turnkey company parties, all kinds of celebrations and any other events; we are able to accommodate customers' wishes and requirements and arrange practically anything. Including tasteful decoration and high-quality catering. The wide portfolio of our boats of various sizes also allows us to offer a suitable space for companies of different sizes."
Top-tier services, however, are not new at Prazska paroplavebni spolecnost and Prague Boats but a long-standing tradition, so let's move on to the new features promised. For the first time, for example, regular round-trip cruises to one of the most romantic spots of historic Prague, Certovka, are now part of the offer. Starting at Easter, the eco-friendly Mistr Jan Hus boat will set off on this fairy-tale route six times a day, having been launched only last year on the occasion of the jubilee of this giant of Czech history; alternatively the solar Elektronemo boat or small luxury mahogany hybrid boats. The 50-minute cruise starts at the mooring at Cech Bridge.
Another novelty is luxury dinners accompanied by live jazz music on board the newest boat of Prazska paroplavebni spolecnost and Prague Boats and at the same time the most modern boat on Czech rivers Bohemia Rhapsody. The three-hour experience, during which you can treat yourself to many delicacies — for example homemade liver pate with cranberries, traditional Czech potato soup with mushrooms, fish baked with herbs or goulash with homemade bacon dumplings, not to mention the wonderful desserts — is prepared in cooperation with Prague Cuisine.
Also in cooperation with Prague Cuisine, experiential dinners are organised on board the luxuriously refurbished Luznice boat. While sailing through the historic centre of Prague, they offer a truly gourmet experience in a noble setting and with a view of the most beautiful landmarks of the Czech metropolis — an a la carte menu prepared on board by the chef from the finest ingredients; the choice includes swordfish steak baked en papillote, entrecote with creamy potatoes or wonderful vegetable lasagne with ricotta, spinach and tomatoes for vegetarians.
Already from the end of March, a boat also sails every Saturday towards the Slapy Dam, on one of the most traditional routes of Prazska paroplavba, which has enjoyed enormous popularity since the 19th century and whose popularity continues to rise. From the end of April, Sunday cruises will be added on this route too. The historic Vltava steamer, or alternatively the large Cecilie boat, takes day-trippers on this all-day journey through beautiful countryside, past the confluences with the Berounka and Sazava and past the legendary tramping settlements along the former St John's Rapids.
Once every fortnight you can take the Vltava steamer to Slapy on an all-inclusive cruise too. The historic Vltava steamer was completely refurbished a few years ago, regaining its original 1940s appearance, and the year before last, together with the second historic steamer of Prague's paroplavba, the Vysehrad steamer, it was declared a cultural monument. Like the Vltava steamer, the Vysehrad steamer will now also undergo a major refurbishment, during which it will regain the appearance it had when first launched just before the Second World War. That is why Vysehrad will not sail to Slapy this year and will be preparing for the complex rebuild at the mooring. Until the actual refurbishment work begins, however, it will be accessible to the public and will also find a new temporary use at the mooring.
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