Arnošt of Pardubice cruise ship is launched again!

The popular cruise ship Arnošt of Pardubice is once again taking passengers along the Elbe River after a three-year renovation. The overhaul cost eighteen million crowns.

Last weekend, the eye-catching white and red boat Arnošt of Pardubice returned to the waters of the Elbe (Labe), journeying from Pardubice upstream to Kunětice and then downstream to Srnojedy.

Arnošt of Pardubice cruise ship back on its regular route|Photo: Šárka Rusnáková, Radio Prague International

Named after the first archbishop of Prague, the Arnošt was built twenty-five years ago, and has since been providing happy memories for people in the Pardubice Region. Following its modernisation in 2011, the boat has been offering not only pleasure cruises, but also culinary and cultural events on the Elbe. Since 2012, it has been operated by the Pardubice City Transport Company.

In 2022, the boat was due for an inspection, and experts found concerning wear and tear in its structure. It took three years and 18 million crowns before the Arnošt could return to the water again; in November last year it was lowered onto the river in Přelouč and then taken back to its home port in Pardubice.

Former captain of the cruise ship Václav Polák (left) with new captain Rudolf Schmidt |Photo: Šárka Rusnáková, Radio Prague International

Václav Polák, who was the captain of the Arnošt of Pardubice for over twenty years, described the effects of the recent renovation:

“We wanted to preserve the interior and character of the Arnošt as it was created twenty-five years ago. There is new electrical wiring, a new kitchen, toilets and staircase. But the interior of the restaurant and the upper deck remain unchanged.”

The cruise routes will also remain the same.

Interior of Arnošt of Pardubice cruise ship|Photo: Šárka Rusnáková, Radio Prague International

“We will travel both downstream and upstream, through the locks to Brozany and Kunětice, and during the holidays we also want to try cruises to Přelouč, because in previous years they have always sold out very quickly. The fact that it is combined with our historic vessels makes it attractive to people.”

Captain Polák has handed over the helm of the boat to a trio of new captains, all of whom have decades of experience on rivers, and who will take turns on duty. One of them, Milan Jacko, described the most challenging conditions for cruise ships:

“Strong wind and fog, that’s the worst. We would probably have a hard time traveling with people in the fog. When all else fails, there is only one last resort: the anchor. It comes in handy; it stops the boat.”

The Arnošt of Pardubice will now travel on the Elbe for the entire summer season, according to the timetable, which is available on the transport company’s website or at www.lod.cz.