Ticket sales start for MS »August der Starke«

Following the partial collapse of Dresden's Carolabrücke on 11 September 2024, shipping traffic on the Elbe was severely restricted for almost five months. This had a significant impact on both freight transport and passenger shipping. Also affected was the motor vessel MS „August der Starke“ of the White Fleet, which had to be taken to the shipyard in Laubegast for the major refurbishment planned for the first half of 2025. For a long time it was unclear whether, and when, the vessel would be able to pass the damaged bridge, as transit was permitted only under strict conditions and only for selected vessels.
Now there is good news: passage for MS „August der Starke“ has been successfully arranged, so the vessel will be ready in time for the scheduled events of the 53rd International Dixieland Festival. It is now certain that the popular saloon ship will take part in the festival highlights, the „Riverboat Shuffle“ and the „Riverboat Special Cruise“. These events are among the festival's most traditional and most sought-after programme items, where both modern and historic vessels cruise along the picturesque Elbe landscape with live jazz bands.
Die „Riverboat-Shuffle“ findet am Donnerstag, den 15. Mai 2025, und die "Riverboat-Sonderfahrt am Freitag, 16. Mai 2025, jeweils 19.30 Uhr, statt und bietet ein einzigartiges Erlebnis mit Jazz- und Dixieland-Musik auf der Elbe. Die MS „August der Starke“ wird dabei eine zentrale Rolle spielen und die Gäste an Bord mit einem besonderen musikalischen Angebot verwöhnen.

Advance ticket sales for these events start on Monday, 10 February 2025. Interested parties should act quickly, as demand is traditionally very high.

A thank-you from the festival organisers to everyone involved:
Despite the challenges caused by the bridge collapse, Dresden once again proves itself to be the host of a vibrant festival that attracts visitors from all over the world. The successful arrangements surrounding MS „August der Starke“ also demonstrate the close cooperation between the White Fleet's management and the responsible authorities in restoring shipping traffic on the Elbe.