MS Elbe Princesse

Intimate Size: With just 40 cabins, this ship feels like a small boutique hotel. Though compact, each has a river view, ample closet space, and a retractable television. And since there are so few passengers, the attentive staff can get to know your preferences (and language of choice). 

Upgraded Rooms: This new ship was designed with the modern cruiser in mind, with upgrades in the staterooms like roomier showers and five outlets, so you can charge all of your devices.

French Everything: From its ownership by French family Schmitter to the classic French gastronomy, this ship is French first and foremost. Your fellow passengers are mostly French, too — you can immerse yourself in the language with them as you indulge in dishes like foie gras, roasted duck, and crème brûlée.

The Itinerary Isn’t Overcrowded: There are not a lot of river ships out there that can sail the Elbe itinerary due to its low bridges and shallow waters, so there likely won’t be too many other cruisers stopping along with you at Wittenberg, Meissen, and Litomerice.

Cruisers With a Budget: You get a great value for your money on this ship; fares are lower compared to other river lines and still include extras like Wi-Fi and alcohol — even after dinner.

Europhiles: The majority of the cruisers are from France, and these trips also attract Germans (as well as Americans). Beware that this means all announcements are made in three languages, which can be tedious.

Fixed Menu: The three-course French meals on this ship are excellent, but you won’t get a choice of what you’d like to eat. If you have dietary restrictions, the staff is accommodating, but not having a choice in the first place might be a downside to cruisers who are particular.

There's No Elevator: Though the ship does have one wheelchair-accessible room, it’s on deck 2, while the dining area is one floor below.