MS RHEINFANTASIE COMPLETELY RENOVATED

A new design with a timeless aesthetic

In collaboration with Reklame Atelier Berenholz Konzept GmbH, a long-standing partner of Köln-Düsseldorfer, the MS RheinFantasie has undergone a major makeover. The conversion and careful renovation of the event liner began in October 2025—with a clear goal: a modern, timeless look that will continue to delight for years to come.

Together with his team, Gerd Berenholz developed a finely tuned color scheme that deliberately focuses on subtle nuances: various shades of gray that radiate calm while also creating a sense of depth and elegance. Where blue once dominated, a understated, high-quality aesthetic now takes center stage. All visible surfaces—from walls and doors to window frames, cabinet fronts, drawer fronts, and counter tops—have been integrated into the new design concept and coordinated with one another.

What makes this project special is that the makeover was largely achieved using high-quality project-grade and high-performance films. For Gerd Berenholz, this is far more than just a technical solution: “It’s clean, fast, and cost-effective—but above all, it impresses with its quality and texture.” At the same time, this method represents a sustainable approach that conserves resources and replaces traditional paint in many areas. The films also open up creative possibilities: fine textures, subtle surfaces, or deceptively realistic wood grains lend the room character and depth. The result: a fresh look with character that perfectly combines modernity and timelessness.

A LOOK WITH A "WOW FACTOR"

As soon as you step aboard the newly refurbished RheinFantasie, you feel it immediately: that moment of pause, that quiet sense of wonder—the classic “wow factor.” The new look gives the ship a clean, uncluttered elegance that also radiates warmth. Everything feels modern, harmonious, and inviting.

Employees of Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH were the first guests to experience the new interior. At the staff celebration marking the “200 Years KDanniversary, the MS RheinFantasie provided an atmospheric setting for socializing, sharing stories, and celebrating together.

FIRMA REKLAME ATELIER: A Trusted Partner

“You could say we turned the entire ship inside out. It changed colors section by section, piece by piece. Almost like a chameleon, just not in bright colors,” says Gerd Berenholz. The makeover is the latest in a long series of projects he has KD with and for KD over the past 48 years. Formally, the company Reklame Atelier Berenholz is a service provider for the shipping company. In reality, the 68-year-old is a member of KD. The trained interior decorator joined KD at the age of 20. He was hired as a permanent upholsterer. “Back then, the company still had several in-house craft departments. There wasn’t just the upholstery shop, but also a metalworking shop, a carpentry shop, and an electrical department,” Berenholz explains. All the trades were housed at the Niehl Harbor. He still KD his very first job for KD quite clearly. “I reupholstered 50 office chairs.” Over the years, his work didn’t stop at upholstery. It quickly became clear that the young man was not only skilled with his hands but also open to new tasks and very creative. So he took on things like decorating the onboard shops on the ships and designing the display windows and showcases at KD. “The backs of the display cases, etc., were covered with high-quality blue fabric back then. It always had to look spick and span.”

REPLICA OF GODESBURG CASTLE FOR THE TRADE SHOW

At some point, he and his colleague Peter Patrzek were assigned to the marketing department and also designed KD trade show booths, for example at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB) in Berlin or at the trade show of the RDA International Coach Tourism Association in Cologne. “In the mid-1990s, we built a replica of Godesburg Castle for that Cologne trade show. That was great; the thing was 20 by 8 meters.” In 1996, it was all over for all KD at Niehler Hafen. The workshops were shut down, and all employees there were laid off. Including Gerd Berenholz, after 19 years. “At first I was shocked and thought, ‘What now? My KD doesn’t KD me anymore? That can’t be true’. At the same time, I realized that the things I’d been doing up to that point would still be needed. The company couldn’t do without them.” He was right. Berenholz approached Norbert Schmitz, then division manager and later a member of KD, and convinced him of the idea that Gerd Berenholz should continue working for KD a self-employed contractor. Together with his colleague Peter.

“MY HEART BEATS FOR KD

On January 1, 1997, the new company Reklame Atelier Berenholz & Patrzek was launched. Once again at its traditional location in Niehler Hafen, where Berenholz still has its studio and workshop. “We always felt like KD to KD . In return, the people at KD treated and valued us that way. Many people didn’t even notice that we were independent. Köln-Düsseldorfer was the linchpin for us. And my heart still beats for KD; those two letters are important to me.”

Unsurprisingly, KD has been and remains KD company’s main client. For many years, Marketing Director Nicole Becker has been Gerd Berenholz’s point of contact. “We are constantly faced with unique challenges for which there are no off-the-shelf solutions. We very often need specialized items and custom-made products. Fortunately, Gerd finds exactly these solutions—and does so within a cost-effective budget. We benefit immensely from the fact that he knows KD well and has witnessed—and in some cases helped shape—numerous developments and changes.” This was evident, for example, during the rebranding process two years ago, which involved the development and launch of the new KD. Gerd Berenholz played a leading role in guiding and implementing this process.