Opening Remarks
in celebration of KD 200th anniversary
There is a special magic in the air along the Rhine. KD its 200th anniversary. It’s hard to believe how many stories, faces, and special moments have shaped these 200 years. This anniversary fills us with both pride and gratitude, and makes us realize just how closely people, the river, and the ships are connected.
Dear Cologne-Düsseldorf residents, dear KD,
For two centuries, Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt has been much more than just a transportation company. It brings the cities of Cologne and Düsseldorf closer together.
From Cologne, it brings the beautiful Middle Rhine Valley to life. And it brings together people who want to discover the Rhine and the Rhineland from the water. On the occasion of KD 200th anniversary, I KD warmest KD on this special milestone—a landmark in regional tourism.
For generations of Rhinelanders and visitors alike, KD has been KD hospitality on the Rhine. With every ship that sails down the Rhine, new stories and experiences unfold along the river that has shaped the character of Cologne for some 2,000 years.
KD thus an integral part of Cologne’s identity. I look forward to KD bring people together, inspiring them with a love for the Rhine and our city, and creating memorable moments for future generations as well.
Congratulations to all KD employees. We wish you continued smooth sailing and always a hand’s breadth of Rhine water beneath your keel!
Torsten Burmester
Mayor of the City of Cologne
Dear Cologne-Düsseldorf residents, dear KD,
For two centuries, the KD has been connecting two cities on the Rhine that traditionally like to compete with one another: Cologne and Düsseldorf.
The fact that a river, of all things, makes this connection so reliably possible is more than just a geographical reality—it is a beautiful symbol. Or, to quote Heinrich Heine: “The Rhine is Germany’s river, but not Germany’s border.”
KD this early on and KD put it into practice for generations. Its ships have brought people together, connected cities, and brought landscapes to life—proving that Rhineland rivalry works best when it’s accompanied by mutual respect and a healthy dose of humor.
KD 200-year KD both continuity and change: from steamship travel to a modern fleet, and from a mere means of transportation to an ambassador of the Rhineland way of life. For this, we owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have shaped and continue to shape this company.
I wish KD success, always a hand’s breadth of water under the keel, and many more journeys together on the Rhine for all of us.
Dr. Stephan Keller
Mayor of the State Capital of Düsseldorf
Dear Guests,
KD 200th anniversary is not only a truly extraordinary and remarkable milestone; for many people in the Rhineland, KD always KD a beloved institution—and for some, even a part of home.
KD overcome the most severe setbacks and weathered crises that threatened its very existence, evolving over the past two decades from a “normal” company into an institution. A stroll along the Rhine or a boat ride would be hard to imagine without KD beautiful, proud KD.
Precisely because KD has KD there and conveys a positive outlook on life to visitors—and especially to guests on board—it is essential to preserve this cherished legacy. KD dedicated employees KD fully aware of this responsibility and take great pride KD , shaping, and embodying the KD brand.
Personally, I have been actively involved in 15 of KD 200 years KD to date: from 1996 to 2000 as managing director of the KD , and for the past 10 years as president of UNITED WATERAYS following the acquisition of KD in 2016.
It fills me with pride, and I am very grateful to see how positively KD has KD . KD dedicated and competent colleagues KD continue to count on the full support of UNITED WATERWAYS. With this in mind, I wish KD Düsseldorfer A SAFE JOURNEY ALWAYS – IN GOD’S NAME!
Robert Straubhaar
Executive Chairman of UNITED WATERWAYS
Dear friends of KD,
An anniversary is always a special moment—a time to pause, look back, and, above all, look ahead together. For me personally, it is a great joy and honor KD lead KD company KD tradition KD into the future and to continue developing it into a brand that truly resonates with people’s hearts: modern, open, emotional, and deeply rooted along the Rhine.
In 2026, we won’t be celebrating this anniversary in a single day, but over the course of an entire year—together with you. Look forward to special culinary highlights, an exclusive anniversary wine, exciting giveaways on our social media channels, and plenty of opportunities to discover KD or rediscover it. So it’s definitely worth following us online. A highlight of the anniversary year is the first weekend in August: During the Kölner Lichter on August 1, you’ll experience the Rhine in Cologne in all its magic—with special dinner, event, and party experiences aboard our ships.
On August 2, we invite you to our Open Deck Day. Along the Rhine, we’ll open our ships to the public, offering behind-the-scenes tours, guided tours of the engine room and wheelhouse, special culinary offerings, and activities for children—a celebration for the whole family throughout KD entire service area. Culinary-wise, we’re putting a special focus on this anniversary year: from new formats like Dinner & Dance or the KD Market to our specially created KD and the exclusive anniversary brunch cruise from Cologne to Düsseldorf on August 2. KD for community, for special moments on the Rhine, and for a way of life that connects generations. I am very much looking forward to celebrating this anniversary with you: on the water, on board, and in our hearts.
Best regards
Nina Luig
Managing Director of KD