Full steam ahead into our anniversary year

Press

- 02.04.2026

KD the 2026 season with new events and plenty of surprises

Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH (KD) is kicking off its anniversary year: in 2026, this long-established company will celebrate its 200th anniversary. To mark the occasion, guests can look forward to special events, new event formats, and plenty of surprises. A highlight of the celebrations will be the big festival weekend centered around the “Kölner Lichter” on August 1 and 2.

The popular scenic cruises in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and Cochem have been running daily again since March 28. On April 4, the KD officially begins service on the Middle Rhine —at which point the Loreley and castle cruises from Boppard and Rüdesheim will also commence. With the start of the peak season on April 25, KD is further expanding KD offerings: The ships will once again call at the Siebengebirge daily (except Mondays). On the Middle Rhine, the historic paddlewheel ship GOETHE will also resume its nostalgic cruises through the UNESCO World Heritage Site between Koblenz and Rüdesheim.

KD its fleet and launching new partnerships

A lot has happened behind the scenes as well. Over the winter months, KD has been working to further develop KD fleet. The event ship MS RheinDiamond (formerly MS Jules Verne), which joined the fleet in 2025, underwent a technical overhaul and a visual redesign at a Dutch shipyard. The MS RheinFantasie, which is certified to carry up to 1,000 guests, now features a modern, timeless interior following a comprehensive makeover.

Other measures involve several ships in the fleet—ranging from new seating in the lounge on the paddle steamer GOETHE to modernized crew quarters and new open-deck flooring.

In its anniversary year, KD is KD placing greater emphasis on strong partnerships. Together
with Sparkasse KölnBonn, which will also celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2026, various initiatives are planned—visible, among other things, through anniversary branding on the MS RheinMagie.

The collaboration with the long-established Cologne-based company Hardy Remagen is also being further expanded. As a result, the MS Willi Ostermann will feature corresponding branding. In addition, Remagen is contributing its culinary expertise. In cooperation with KD , selected products KD developed that perfectly KD and highlight the regional connection. Plans include a 200-gram anniversary sausage as well as a specially created curry sauce, which will also be KD at KD .

New event formats on the Rhine

The KD for 2026 is more diverse than ever. In addition to established formats such as party cruises, all-inclusive evening cruises, and the popular Sunday brunchKD theKD
KD isKD focusing on new experiential formats. Highlights include the “Dinner & Dance Moments”: a stylish dinner event aboard the MS RheinDiamond, where guests enjoy a seasonal three-course menu accompanied by lounge music and select beverages. Ideal for anyone who wants to combine culinary delights with a relaxed party atmosphere.

Another new addition is the “Food Market” in Cologne and Düsseldorf. Food prepared live at various cooking stations, trendy drinks, and DJ beats create a lively, urban vibe.

The “All White Party” transforms the Rhine in Düsseldorf into a floating open-air venue. On the MS RheinGalaxie, guests dressed in dazzling white celebrate to rousing beats against a unique summer backdrop—right in the middle of the water.

For the first time, lounge evening cruises will also be offered in Mainz and Wiesbaden—
, a popular KD series KD Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Bonn that offers guests the chance to relax and enjoy themselves with stylish music and special drink offerings.

Big Anniversary Weekend in August

A special focus during this anniversary year is on the first weekend in August.
On August 1, the “Kölner Lichter” light show takes center stage. Tickets are currently still available for the anniversary ship MS RheinGalaxie, launched in collaboration with DuMont Verlag. Partygoers can join the festivities on the MS RheinMagie. On August 2, KD is hosting an “Open Deck Day,” KD other events. An exclusive brunch cruise from Cologne to Düsseldorf is also on the program. Throughout KD entire service area, guests KD look forward to special culinary offerings, little surprises, and attractive ticket deals during this anniversary weekend.

“For 200 years, we have had close ties with the people and cities along the Rhine. It is very important to us to ensure that everyone can truly share in this special anniversary and to give back a little of that sense of connection,” says KD Nina Luig.

Special merchandise items for KD

Under the hashtag #kdmoments, KD is telling its story in a variety of ways KD anniversary year: 200 stories, faces, and secrets will be brought to life across various channels. To complement this, KD fans can look KD select merchandise items such as polo shirts, caps, keychains, and cotton bags. In addition, several special anniversary editions are being released—including an anniversary wine, a “Gin de Cologne” edition, and a specially developed curry sauce. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage Storybox is being released in a special KD .

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PRESS CONFERENCE

v.l. Nicole Becker, Director of Marketing & PR, Danilo Schulz, Kapitän MS RheinVision, Nina Luig, Geschäftsführerin KD<br>© KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH

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