Arrival and Embarkation in Stralsund
As the journey to Stralsund would have involved several train changes and seemed rather time-consuming, I travelled one day earlier. The next day the embarkation on the MS PRINCESS began at 4 p.m. Anyone with some time beforehand can take a walk through the old town, as Stralsund has its own charm with its history and many special buildings.
After the welcome on board, there was enough time to move into the cabin and get to know the ship. The freshly renovated MS PRINCESS made a good first impression on me. My cabin on the main deck was clean, practical and offered enough storage space. The friendly crew, reliable housekeeping and varied food also stayed in my positive memory.
From Stralsund via Rügen to Lauterbach
The first cycle tour started the next morning. From Stralsund, the route led across the Rügen Bridge to Gustow, then on via Poseritz, Groß Schoritz, Garz and Putbus to Lauterbach in the southeast of Rügen. Putbus, with its famous “Circus”, is a worthwhile stop on this stage.
The cycle tours on this trip are individual and unguided. After the first day, I mainly used the GUIBO app and got along well with it. For me, this was especially practical because it meant I did not need an additional handlebar bag. The app was clear and a helpful companion for the following stages.
In the evening, we met the MS PRINCESS again in Lauterbach, and the ship then took us on to Usedom.
Usedom, Baltic Sea air and Zinnowitz
On Usedom, we had a choice between two cycle tours. Those who wanted could visit the Historical Technical Museum in Peenemünde in the morning or plan a detour to the Usedom Distillery in Mölchow. In good weather, the route via Trassenheide and Karlshagen was also a good option. This also offered the chance to take a swim in the Baltic Sea.
The destination for the day was Zinnowitz, one of Usedom’s well-known seaside resorts. Located between the Baltic Sea and the Achterwasser lagoon and surrounded by beech, oak and pine forests, it is a lovely place to end the day in a relaxed way.
My tip: Plan a little time at the beach for this stage. The combination of cycling, Baltic Sea air and a short swim fits this day very well.
A relaxing day on board on the Szczecin Lagoon
The fourth day was spent entirely on board and, with the weather we had, it was a lovely part of the journey. We crossed the Szczecin Lagoon and were able to enjoy the time on the sun deck. In the morning, there was free beer on deck, followed by a BBQ with salads, soup, meat, chicken, sausages, bread and ice cream for dessert.
The atmosphere on board was lively and relaxed. At times, the music became very cheerful and energetic, but those are often the moments that stay in your memory. In the afternoon, we reached Szczecin, the green city at the mouth of the Oder River.
In the evening, the Vimo Band came on board. For me, this was one of the most atmospheric evenings of the trip. The band performed in kilts, had a bagpipe player with them and played not only Scottish music, but also pop and rock songs. There was a lot of dancing, the mood was very good and, in the end, many guests were almost a little sad when the band said goodbye.
From Szczecin through the Lower Oder Valley to Schwedt
After the boat trip from Szczecin to Mescherin, we got back on our bikes. Today’s stage took us along the Oder-Neisse Cycle Route through the cross-border protected area of the Lower Oder Valley to Schwedt.
For me, this stage shows well what this trip is all about: the Oder landscape, lots of nature, wide views and quiet paths. Overall, this tour is less about big cities and more about the landscapes along the Oder and Havel rivers. That is exactly where the special appeal of this route lies for me.
Along the way, there were plenty of opportunities for short breaks. A café at a small natural harbour was especially lovely and very idyllically located. Stops like this make cycling days particularly pleasant for me: pausing for a moment, having something to drink, enjoying the view and then continuing at a relaxed pace.
In Schwedt, we also treated ourselves to a little refreshment and went swimming at the natural pool. After the cycle tour, it was a welcome way to cool down.
Niederfinow Boat Lift and Finow Canal
On the sixth day, we first travelled by ship from Schwedt to Hohensaaten. From there, the cycle tour continued towards Niederfinow. The impressive boat lift is worth a stop and can be visited.
Afterwards, we cycled through small hills, clearings and forests on to Eberswalde. The final stretch along the towpath cycle route by the Finow Canal was especially nice. Eberswalde is also home to Germany’s oldest operational lock.
This day once again showed how varied the route is in terms of landscape. In bad weather, some sections could become a little muddy, but in good conditions it is exactly this mix of cycle paths, forest tracks and field paths that makes the tour appealing.
From Oranienburg into Berlin
The final cycle tour started in Oranienburg. Worth seeing here are, among other things, the Baroque palace with its park, museum and orangery. From Oranienburg, the route led south on well-developed cycle paths through the Ruppiner lake district to Berlin.
This last day was a fitting end to the journey: first more greenery and quiet paths, then gradually entering lively Berlin. I liked the contrast between nature and the big city.
After arriving in Berlin, there was still time to let the journey come to a relaxed close on board before disembarkation the next morning.
My conclusion
For me, it was a pleasant and varied week on the MS PRINCESS. The ship made a good impression, the cabins were clean and practical, the food was varied and the crew created a pleasant atmosphere on board.
What I particularly remember are the nature along the route, the crossing of the Szczecin Lagoon with the BBQ on deck, the evening with the Vimo Band, the Oder landscape around Schwedt and the generally good atmosphere on board. Captain, hotel management, tour guide and crew seemed well coordinated.
The trip is well suited to anyone who would like to combine cycling and cruising in a relaxed way. It offers plenty of nature, varied stages and the comfort of returning to the ship after each cycle tour.
