Classic Lady

History and context

The MS Classic Lady was built in 2003 for cycling tours on the Masurian Lake District and began operating that same year. The Masurian tours connect Giżycko (Lötzen) and Ruciane-Nida (Niedersee) in Poland. Combining days of cycling with overnight stays aboard is the basic principle of a bike-and-boat tour: routes on land alternate with stretches covered by the ship.

Lakes and waterways in Masuria

The Classic Lady travels through a far-reaching network of lakes. Giżycko, the Polish name for Lötzen, lies between Lake Niegocin and the lakes Kisajno and Dargin, which are connected by canals. In the wider Masurian lake system, the sailing route—more than 100 kilometres long—begins at Lake Wiartel near Pisz, passes through a navigable channel to Lake Nidzkie, then continues through Bełdany and Mikołajskie to Lake Śniardwy. Canals connect the lakes further to Niegocin; the route to Giżycko passes through the islands and lakes of Kisajno, Dargin and Mamry, all the way to Węgorzewo. The shores of Lake Nidzkie are characterised by the pine forests of Puszcza Piska, while islands are part of the lake landscape at Lake Mamry.

On a peninsula in Lake Bełdany lies a reserve for wild Konik horses. Lake Bełdany flows into Lake Mikołajskie; to its east lies Śniardwy, Poland’s largest lake. The Kula Canal leads to Lake Niegocin.

Cabins and decks

The Classic Lady has 20 outside cabins, each measuring around eleven square metres. Four double cabins are on the upper deck and 16 on the main deck. The windows open fully on the upper deck and one-third of the way on the main deck. Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower and toilet, as well as a 230-volt power socket. Furnishings include either a double bed or two single beds, which can be placed together or separately, a folding table, wardrobe and safe. An outside cabin has natural light from a window; a private balcony is available in a different cabin category.

Shared spaces on board

The panoramic restaurant and sun deck are the ship’s communal areas. A covered smoking area is located between the restaurant and the wheelhouse. Smoking is prohibited in the cabins and restaurant.