Szczecin is a city full of history and interesting architecture, but its true treasures lie where land meets water. We want to take you on an unforgettable journey so you can see it all from the best possible perspective – from the deck of a boat. That’s precisely why boat trips on the Joanna in Szczecin are an offer that’s truly hard to resist. They’re a great start to an adventure with the city, not just for tourists but also for residents who want to see familiar spots from a different angle. So, get ready for views that stay in your memory long after, as you cruise along the waters of the majestic River Oder.

Joanna and Odra Queen, Szczecin’s Floating Icons

Before we even step aboard, it’s worth getting to know the main star of this story. The boat Joanna, along with her sister, Odra Queen, are true, floating symbols of Szczecin. For years, they have welcomed thousands of passengers aboard their decks who want to see the capital of West Pomerania from this other, water-based perspective. This isn’t just an ordinary means of transport. It’s more a place where the city’s history meets the present, and the sound of the water tells its own fascinating stories.

What is the boat’s history and what awaits passengers?

The Joanna is one of the most recognisable vessels on Szczecin’s waters. Both she and the Odra Queen specialise in organising tourist cruises along the River Oder and the vast Lake Dąbie, the fourth largest in Poland. In fact, looking from a different perspective, their mission is simply to show the beauty of Szczecin from the side that has defined it for centuries – from the water. They have become such an inseparable part of the landscape that it’s hard to imagine the waterfront without them.

Passenger comfort and safety are an absolute priority. Aboard the Joanna, everything you need to have a pleasant time awaits you. There are open viewing decks, perfect for taking photos and catching the sun, as well as covered, glazed areas. These protect you from wind or rain without restricting the views. Though, of course, on a rainy day, visibility through the windows will never be quite the same (it’s worth keeping that in mind). There is also a bar on the boat where you can buy drinks and snacks, making every journey fully comfortable.

Types of Cruises and Available Routes – How to Find the Perfect Excursion?

It doesn’t matter if you only have an hour, or maybe the whole day. You will certainly find a cruise perfectly suited to your needs. The offer is varied enough that everyone can discover Szczecin and its surroundings at their own pace. From short, scenic trips around the port, to full-day excursions – there’s plenty to choose from.

Short Sightseeing Cruises around the Port and Oder Canals

If you’re short on time but want to feel the water breeze and see the essence of Szczecin, short sightseeing cruises are the perfect choice. They usually last about an hour and take you through the very heart of the city – along the quays, through the bustling port and the atmospheric Oder canals. It’s an excellent opportunity to see the Wały Chrobrego, Łasztownia, and the huge ships moored in the port in a nutshell.

Full-Day Trips to Trzebież, Świnoujście, and Nowe Warpno

Or perhaps you have more time and fancy a real water adventure? In that case, full-day cruises are organised to the region’s most beautiful corners. The Joanna will take you on a journey across the Szczecin Lagoon to such gems as the port town of Trzebież, the seaside town of Świnoujście, or the charming Nowe Warpno. The offer also includes trips to Gryfino, and even to the German town of Ueckermünde. An unusual, slightly spooky attraction is also the cruise to the mysterious Betonowiec, the wreck of a reinforced concrete ship sunk in Lake Dąbie.

Romantic Sunset Cruises on Lake Dąbie

Is there anything more romantic than a sunset viewed from the deck of a boat? Special cruises at this time are an option for couples and indeed for anyone who appreciates magical moments. The picturesque route leads through the Oder canals towards Lake Dąbie, which at this time of day turns into a mirror reflecting the golden colours of the sky. It’s an unforgettable experience and a perfect idea for spending a special evening as a couple (although, of course, the weather needs to cooperate for the effect to be truly spectacular).

What You’ll See During the Cruise: Szczecin’s Attractions from a Water Perspective

A cruise along the Oder is a bit like watching the city on a big screen, with new, breathtaking shots appearing constantly. The panorama of Szczecin from the river is absolutely unique and allows you to notice details that escape you when walking on land. It’s a journey through the history, architecture, and the bustling heart of a port city.

The Majestic Wały Chrobrego and the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle

This is Szczecin’s showcase, which looks most impressive from the water. Wały Chrobrego, once known as Hakenterrasse, rises 19 metres above the Oder, creating a monumental, 500-metre viewing terrace. From the boat’s deck, you can admire the buildings of the National Museum, the Maritime University, and the West Pomeranian Voivodeship Office in all their glory. And in the background, the Renaissance Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, the former seat of the Gryfit dynasty, which ruled Pomerania for centuries, proudly stands.

The Bustling Łasztownia, Dźwigozaury, and the Maritime Science Centre

Opposite Wały Chrobrego lies the island of Łasztownia, which has become the new heart of the city in recent years. Its skyline is dominated by the historic Dźwigozaury – the oldest port cranes, which light up with colourful lights in the evening and about which even Kasia Nosowska sang. Right next to them stands the futuristic building of the Professor Jerzy Stelmach Maritime Science Centre, whose shape resembles a ship. Sailing along the island, you will also see the Old Slaughterhouse and the characteristic monument of Szczecin Paprykarz in Gryfitów Square.

Secrets of Szczecin’s Port: Shipyards, the „Ewa” Grain Elevator, and the Skolwin Steelworks

A cruise is also a unique chance to immerse yourself in the industrial landscape that has always defined Szczecin’s identity. From the boat’s deck, you can see the shipyard areas, powerful gantry cranes, docks, and ships moored from all over the world. The monumental „Ewa” grain elevator, a symbol of the port’s development in the 20th century, makes a particularly striking impression. During longer cruises, when industrial structures like the paper mill or the Skolwin Steelworks appear on the horizon, as well as the port in Police – all of this gives a full picture of the scale of Szczecin’s port complex.

Organising Events Onboard, or Parties on the Water

The Joanna isn’t just a tourist attraction, but also a unique space for organising various parties and events. Imagine a company meeting, a birthday, or a hen party with a view of the illuminated panorama of Szczecin. It’s an option that guarantees unforgettable experiences and will delight all your guests.

How to Charter the Boat Exclusively? Charter Cruises for Companies and Groups

For companies and organised groups, it’s possible to hire the boat exclusively. Charter cruises are the ideal solution for organising business meetings, conferences, training sessions, or team-building events. The unique scenery, professional service, plus the possibility to tailor the route and catering to individual needs – all of this ensures that every event on the water takes on a unique character.

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Hen Parties in a Unique Setting

Looking for an original idea for celebrating a special occasion? A party on a boat is probably the best idea. When I last worked on organising a similar event, the client was delighted. A floating dance floor with a view of Szczecin’s most beautiful spots is a guarantee of great fun and memories for a lifetime. “Nothing integrates a group like sharing the rocking on the waves,” as a friend of mine who organises events says. And there’s certainly truth in that.

Themed and Music Events: The Boom Boat Phenomenon on the Oder

The Joanna regularly turns into a pulsating club on the water too. The regular cruises under the banner of Boom Boat, attracting fans of electronic music, have become a real phenomenon. Well-known DJs, such as Kicikk or Subsonik, take care of the music, and the deck fills with energy and dancing. It’s a unique opportunity to combine a love for music with a passion for sailing and admiring the city from a completely different perspective.

Practical Information – What You Need to Know Before the Cruise

Planning a water adventure is simpler than you think. To ensure your cruise is a pure pleasure, we’ve prepared a few practical tips that will help you prepare. From tickets, through getting there, to packing a few things – here’s everything worth knowing.

Where to Buy Tickets and How to Book?

Convenience is key, which is why tickets for cruises on the Joanna and Odra Queen can easily be bought online. Online booking is the quickest and surest way to secure your place on your chosen cruise, especially during peak season. For some special events, tickets are also available at designated points in the city, which offers additional flexibility.

Where Does the Joanna Depart From and How to Get There?

The sightseeing boats in Szczecin moor at the most prestigious location – by the Oder Boulevards, right next to Wały Chrobrego. This is the very heart of the city, so it’s easy to get here by public transport or simply on foot from major tourist points. The exact mooring location is always clearly marked, so you will easily find the Joanna and start your adventure.

What to Bring On Board?

The weather by the water can be unpredictable, so it’s worth being prepared for any eventuality. For a successful cruise, we recommend bringing a few things. Here’s a short list:

• A camera or smartphone – the views are so beautiful it would be a shame not to capture them!
• Sunglasses and sun cream – the sun on the water can be very intense.
• A warm layer – don’t be fooled by the sun. Even on a hot day, a really cool breeze can blow on the river, especially during evening cruises.
• Comfortable footwear – flat heels will ensure stability and comfort when moving around the deck.
• A good mood – this is an absolute essential for any successful outing!

Szczecin Once Back On Land – What Else is Worth Discovering in the City?

A boat trip is an excellent introduction to further discovering the charms of Szczecin. Once you disembark, the city has a whole host of attractions to offer. From culinary symbols, through green oases of peace, to fascinating museums that tell the region’s turbulent history – there’s no chance of getting bored here.

Culinary Symbols of the City: Where to Eat the Best Paprykarz and Pasztecik?

Szczecin is a culinary treat! Two dishes you absolutely must try are paprykarz and pasztecik. You can learn the history of the former, whose recipe was brought from African Senegal in the 20th century, at the Maritime Science Centre, and you can find its monument in the shape of a can in Łasztownia. The Szczecin Pasztecik, on the other hand, is an iconic dish, listed on the List of Traditional Products since 2010. It tastes best at the historic „Pasztecik” bar on al. Wojska Polskiego, which has been operating continuously since 20 October 1969. This date is so important that it was established as Szczecin Pasztecik Day! Don’t forget about Szczecin herring either, whose monument in the shape of a barrel stands on Piastowski Boulevard.

Szczecin’s Green Lungs, i.e. Parks and Forests Perfect for a Walk

Szczecin is one of the greenest cities in Poland. After the cruise, it’s worth taking a walk in one of the numerous parks. Jasne Błonia, with the largest concentration of plane trees in the country, and Kasprowicz Park, the city’s largest park, with the picturesque Rusałka Lake and the Summer Theatre, are enchanting. The charming Rose Garden entices with thousands of rose bushes and the historic Bird Fountain. For longer walks, we recommend Arkoński Forest, part of the Wkrzańska Forest, and Puszcza Bukowa with the unusual Emerald Lake, which formed on the site of a former chalk mine.

Historical Gems: From the Underground Shelters to the „Przełomy” Dialogue Centre

Szczecin’s history is complex and multi-layered. To delve into it, be sure to visit Szczecin’s Underground Routes, located in the shelter beneath the main train station, where the „World War II” and „Cold War” routes await you, as well as the „Selfie with the Polish People’s Republic” exhibition. A completely different, moving perspective on the city’s post-war fate is offered by the „Przełomy” Dialogue Centre, an underground museum in Solidarity Square, which tells the story of difficult moments in Poland’s history, including the events of December 1970. It’s also worth returning to the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle to visit the museum there, the Castle Opera, or the Castle Cinema.

Your Water Adventure in the Heart of West Pomerania is Just Beginning

Discovering Szczecin from the perspective of the Oder is an experience that changes your perspective and allows you to appreciate the city anew. It’s not just about seeing monuments, but a true sense of the rhythm of a port metropolis, where water has always shaped the lives of its residents. Regardless of whether you choose a short trip around the port or a full-day excursion, a cruise on the Joanna will provide you with unforgettable experiences. It’s particularly worth planning a visit during major sailing festivals, such as the annual Żagle festival or the final of The Tall Ships Races, which will take place in 2024. Your adventure in the heart of West Pomerania can start right here, onboard, where the horizon seems endless.