MS River Allegro

The 1991-built cruise ship River Allegro (launched as MS Dresden) entered service for GCCL – Grand Circle Cruise Line in 2011. The riverboat accommodates up to 90 passengers along with 38 crew/staff. She is owned by Grand Circle Corporation through its subsidiary Grand Circle Travel USA, a Boston MA-based travel agency.

The vessel (ENI number 04031940) was constructed in Deggendorf, Germany. Originally named “MS Dresden” (MMSI 211512590), she sailed under the German flag. In 2011, her flag state/registry changed to Malta (MMSI 248761000, registered in Valletta). In 2020, the ship was reflagged to the Netherlands (MMSI 244136545) and is currently registered in Dordrecht.

The boat has 4 decks (3 with cabins) and 70 outside staterooms, each sized 14 m2 / 150 ft2 or larger. Cabins feature double occupancy (two twin beds), an electronic safe (in the closet), an en-suite bathroom (WC and shower, hairdryer), direct-dial phone (intercom), a flat-screen TV with satellite reception, and individually controlled air conditioning.

At 110 m in length, River Allegro is one of the largest ships in the Grand Circle fleet. Amenities include a bar lounge, a forward panoramic salon, and a reception hall with a dining room (single open seating) and a library. Complimentary wireless Internet is available in the reception area, library, bar, and lounge.

The Sonata Deck features a sauna that is always open to guests, and massage appointments may be arranged. The massage room is located on the lower deck. The ship’s spacious Sun Deck offers loungers—most with umbrellas for shade—and is dedicated solely to relaxation. No fitness equipment or classes are offered. An elevator is available for guests with mobility concerns.

Passengers aboard River Allegro are typically 45+ Europeans, Canadians, and Americans. Thanks to her small size and shallow draft, the ship is perfectly suited for the Elbe River’s shallower waters. River Allegro sails between Berlin and Prague (spring through fall) and between Berlin and Dresden (during the winter months).

The primary “entertainment” onboard is enrichment-focused programming, offering in-depth insights into local history and culture. Program Directors, who usually live in the regions visited, provide daily briefings before dinner, offering personal perspectives on upcoming destinations.

Note: You can view CruiseMapper’s list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the “itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub, where all companies and their fleets are listed.