KD - the largest and most modern fleet on the Rhine

The largest and most modern fleet on the Rhine and Moselle
KD – the White Fleet on the Rhine

The KD Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt AG is market leader in the field of passenger shipping on the Rhine and has been carrying its guests to the most beautiful destinations on the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers for more than 180 years. At the same time KD is Germany’s oldest joint-stock company and the world’s most experienced river shipping line. KD is the only shipping company which operates daily scheduled services along the whole stretch of the Rhine between Cologne and Mainz.

In addition to the scheduled services from Easter to the end of October, KD offers impressive panorama cruises, musical event cruises with dancing and entertainment, disco parties, cruises to the romantic firework displays such as Rhine in Flames, as well as fairytale cruises and children’s parties for its youngest customers. But KD’s substantial winter programme is also impressive. With carnival parties during the whole carnival session, advent cruises with such popular shows as “Adventissimo“ and New Year’s Eve parties, KD offers a full programme all year round.

In June 2002 the romantic Middle Rhine between Koblenz and Rüdesheim was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and placed under special protection. KD is itself a member of the Society of German UNESCO Heritage Sites and thus actively supports the cultural development of the Middle Rhine. KD is the only shipping company which makes several daily sailings along the whole stretch of the Rhine making up the UNESCO World Heritage site and offers thereby more than 160 possibilities to join or leave the ship. Whether it be Loreley Tours, Castle Tours or excursions to the Siebengebirge Mountains, KD gives its guests countless different ways to discover the highlights of Europe’s oldest cultural landscape. Those looking for a very special kind of romantic and nostalgic experience should not miss a cruise through the Middle Rhine on board the unique paddle steamer GOETHE on KD’s so-called Nostalgia Route.

In 2007 KD became main sponsor of the Rheinsteig, the Rhine High Level Walk, which runs between Bonn, Koblenz and Wiesbaden along the KD route. This first class hiking trail offers all walkers excellent possibilities to combine their hike with a KD cruise. All KD landing-stages are equipped with the Rheinsteig official stamp.

The impressive KD event ship MS RheinEnergie has been causing a sensation since June 2004, and Pope Benedict XVI travelled on it during his visit to the World Youth Convention in Cologne. Innovative, trend-setting and forward-looking – this magnificant catamaran exceeds by far every perception of a conventional ship. MS RheinEnergie is unique in Europe. It sets new standards and demonstrates the most innovative possibilities in the event sector. The focal point of the ship’s interior is the 40 square metre stage, which fulfils all the requirements of professional entertainment. For events of any kind the ship can hold up to 1,650 guests.

Nearly 200 years experience as a high-quality company mean that at KD service is of the utmost importance. Clients looking for an exclusive venue for a conference, meeting, birthday party or company celebration should contact the KD Charter Service. Here, the client is at the helm and decides everything which takes place on board. The experienced and competent Charter Service teams is on hand to provide every required assistance with regard to the planning and implementation of the event, in accordance with the client’s individual wishes.

In addition to the successful day-cruise operation, KD was appointed in 2007 by its majority shareholder, Premicon AG, Munich, as general sales agent for several of its river cruise ships under the trade name KD Pearl of River Cruising. The Premicon Group currently owns 20 modern river cruise ships as well as the well-known ocean liner MV Astor. Premicon has founded the Premicon Line GmbH in Cologne to operate the cruises and work in close cooperation with KD. June 2008 will see the launching of the Premicon Queen, the first 5-star luxury vessel. Premicon Queen will operate exclusively in the premium market segment on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

Further information from KD phone 0221/2088-318 or at www.k-d.com.

Cologne, March 2008



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