Cruises to Prague

61 Reviews
Prague (Photo:DaLiu/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Prague

Moody, romantic, historic, mysterious: Think Franz Kafka, baroque music, medieval and Renaissance buildings, opera, small avant-garde theaters, marionettes, and the Velvet Revolution. All of these (and more) make cruising to the Czech Republic a must-do on an upcoming European cruise.

Prague serves as a transfer destination for Danube River cruises, as well as cruises that eventually hit the Main, Rhine and Moselle rivers. Passengers frequently overnight here for one day or more before journeying by bus to meet their ships.

Modern-day Prague is shaped by a storied past that dates to the ninth century. Once part of the Holy Roman Empire, the city played a major role in the Protestant Reformation and the Thirty Years' War, and was later an important part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Historical figures associated with the city include the larger-than-life Bohemian Emperor Charles IV and, later, Empress Maria Theresa.

The former Czechoslovakia was occupied by the Germans from 1939 to 1945. While the country suffered the hardships of World War II, Prague itself -- unlike other European capitals -- was not bombed extensively (although Americans accidentally knocked out around 100 buildings in Prague's historic center). Because so much of the city remained unscathed, architectural styles span the centuries: Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Rococo, Art Nouveau and Cubist. It's not an overstatement to say there is no other place quite like it.

Liberated by Soviet troops in 1945, Czechoslovakia operated as a Soviet-style state for decades; not until the 1970s did dissident groups begin to organize against the Communist regime. But democracy was slow to take hold. It wasn't until after the famed Prague Spring uprising in 1968 and the student-led Velvet Revolution in 1989 that playwright and former political prisoner Vaclav Havel was elected president. Full, multiparty elections under a new constitution were held in 1992. One year later, the Czech Republic and Slovakia split into two nations.

Today's Praha, as this city of 1.3 million is called, is firmly a tourist destination, with high quality shops, restaurants with top chefs, a historic center designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and important museums. It's not unusual to see Austrians, Germans, Russians and Americans following tour guides (with those ubiquitous raised umbrellas) through Prague Castle and the warren of cobblestone streets that make up Old Town. But that's just part of the city's present-day persona. Take a few days here before or after your cruise to dive deeper.

  • More about Prague

  • Why Cruise to Prague?

  • Prague Cruise Port Facilities?

Loading...

We found you 226 cruises

Loading...
Loading...
Avalon Impression
Avalon Impression

10 Night
Active & Discovery On The Danube With 1 Night In B...

82 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker
Cruise Critic Favorite
Avalon Illumination
Avalon Illumination

7 Night
Festive Season In The Heart Of Germany With 2 Nigh...

61 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker
Viking Alsvin
Viking Alsvin

11 Night
Cities Of Light

171 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker
Viking Alsvin
Viking Alsvin

11 Night
Cities Of Light

171 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker

18 Night
Magnificent Rivers Of Europe With 3 Nights In Prag...

82 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker
Cruise Critic Favorite

11 Night
Cities Of Light

195 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker

9 Night
Delightful Danube & Prague

52 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker

10 Night
Gems Of The Danube With Prague

158 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker

9 Night
Danube Dreams With 2 Nights In Prague

41 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker

17 Night
Magnificent Europe With 3 Nights In Prague

95 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker

10 Night
Prague & Danube Delights With Celebrity Chef Dale...

92 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker

10 Night
Active & Discovery On The Danube With 2 Nights In...

41 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker

9 Night
Danube Dreams With 2 Nights In Prague

82 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker

11 Night
Festive Season On The Blue Danube Discovery With 2...

66 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker

9 Night
Authentic Danube & Prague

51 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker

More about Prague

Why Cruise to Prague?

Pros:

Many cruises that include Prague also feature a couple of days in the city so you can dive deeper

Cons:

Ships don't actually dock there; Prague serves as a jumping-off point for river sailings

Bottom Line:

From Prague Castle to Old Town and the Jewish Quarter, Prague teems with history

Prague Cruise Port Facilities?

Prague is one of a number of European cities that serve as departure and arrival points for major river cruises, but the ships do not dock there. Passengers meet at designated hotels and are bussed to their embarkation points. However, a number of local Vltava River trips -- some with dinner and music -- originate at the Charles Bridge.

Visitors who come a few days early would do well to reserve a room at one of the hotels right in the center of Old Town, where it's only a few blocks walk to theater, musical performances and restaurants. (Major cruise companies usually book travelers at international hotels, which are a long trek from the historic center.)

Good to Know?

As in any large city, it is important to keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially in crowds. Men should not carry wallets in back pockets, and women should not let purses dangle. Many women wear the straps of their bags crisscross over the front.

Getting Around?

On Foot: Prague is a walking city, split into several areas that span the Vltava River. There's the Castle perched high up on the west side with Lesser Town (Mala Strana) cascading down beneath it. An eight-minute walk away on the east side of the water -- and on flatter ground -- is the Old Town (Stare Mesto) with Old Town Square. New Town (Nove Mesto) with Wenceslas Square and Republic Square is south and contains the National Museum and the main train station.

By Metro: Even if you don't use the metro system, check out a subway station just to ride the escalator. They're extremely high and steep, and have become featured fodder on YouTube. Go to YouTube and enter Prague escalator in the search bar, and you'll see what we mean.

You cannot buy tickets onboard but typically, you can purchase tickets at hotel concierge desks. If not, they are sold from the yellow machines at metro, tram and bus stops, or at tobacconists or newsstands -- just look for the Tabak and Trafika signs. Fares are good system-wide, allowing you to travel for 90 minutes; it can also be used on buses and streetcars. Don't forget to validate your ticket by inserting it into one of the yellow boxes before you enter the station. Subway stops most utilized by tourists are Mustek, the city center; Staromestska, Old Town; and Hradcanska, Prague Castle. Streetcar, number 22, stops at Prague Castle.

You can also buy tickets that are valid for 30 minutes. A Prague Card, available online and at the tourist bureau, can be used for both public transit and entry to Prague's major sights.

By Taxi: It's best to take a cab from your hotel or taxi ranks. If you do a hail a cab from the street, negotiate the price before setting off. Drivers usually speak limited English. The customary tip is 10 percent.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The official unit of currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown (Kc, CZK), which is divided into 100 hellers. Although it is possible to pay in euros for certain services and in many shops and restaurants (especially those near Old Town Square and the international hotels), it is better to get some local currency for a stay in the Czech Republic.

ATM machines are spread around the city and give the best exchange rates. The Currency Exchange offices charge commissions. ATM's, or bankomats, tend to be the least expensive way to obtain local currency.

Language?

Czech is the official language in Prague, and it is difficult to learn. English is fast becoming the mainstream travel language as there are tourists from so many European countries. Most restaurants have menus in several languages, including English. Shopkeepers usually know enough so that they can make transactions. Concierges in the major hotels and restaurants are usually fluent in English, and most waiters usually know enough to take an order from an English menu with some pointing. Since English is taught in schools, most young people are comfortable with the language, and like to practice on tourists. The Czechs are very friendly, and will be delighted if you try such basic words as Hello (Ahoy) or Thank you (Dekuji; DICK-kwee). No need to enroll at Berlitz before you visit.

Where You're Docked?

Prague serves as a transfer destination for river cruises. Passengers frequently overnight for one day or more in Prague before journeying by bus to meet their ships.


Prague Cruise Reviews
We loved Prague! The city is stepped in fascinating history and many old the older parts have buildings several hundred years old. The Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock are not to be missed. I would have enjoRead More
User Avatar
MostlyLegal
Even though we were only there for a day and a half, the panoramic Prague walking tour was so comprehensive and our guide was so detailed. We walked over 15,000 steps in five hours. Absolutely loved Prague, great pRead More
User Avatar
SM77
Prague's Old Town is beautifully preserved. It's a foodie and beer town and we found that the prices were extremely reasonable compared to other cities in Europe. You can get a fantastic meal for two with beer for leRead More
User Avatar
chonkod
Did Old City on our own but the Jewish Quarter tour was outstanding.Read More
User Avatar
sammydog16

Related Cruises

Cruises to Virgin Gorda

Cruises to Virgin Gorda

77 Reviews
Cruises to Fanning Island

Cruises to Fanning Island

14 Reviews
Cruises to Montreal

Cruises to Montreal

94 Reviews
Cruises to Amsterdam

Cruises to Amsterdam

1,057 Reviews
Cruises to Rouen

Cruises to Rouen

121 Reviews
Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

449 Reviews
Cruises to Gdansk (Warsaw)

Cruises to Gdansk (Warsaw)

120 Reviews
Cruises to Marseille

Cruises to Marseille

936 Reviews
Cruises to Izmir

Cruises to Izmir

187 Reviews
Cruises to Adelaide

Cruises to Adelaide

106 Reviews
Cruises to Lima

Cruises to Lima

110 Reviews
Cruises to Rangiroa

Cruises to Rangiroa

30 Reviews
Cruises to Positano (Amalfi)

Cruises to Positano (Amalfi)

87 Reviews
Cruises to Buzios

Cruises to Buzios

27 Reviews
Cruises to Hakodate

Cruises to Hakodate

26 Reviews
Cruises to Picton

Cruises to Picton

165 Reviews
Cruises to Speyer

Cruises to Speyer

48 Reviews
Cruises to Bernkastel-Kues

Cruises to Bernkastel-Kues

37 Reviews
Cruises to Kinderdijk

Cruises to Kinderdijk

8 Reviews
Cruises to Dawson City (Yukon)

Cruises to Dawson City (Yukon)


Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.