All new in Düsseldorf

In just three months, KD gave the former MS Warsteiner a technical and visual makeover costing around 350,000 euros. Instead of mahogany, smoked glass and brass, brushed stainless steel, glass and modern cream and grey shades now create a fresh and modern look. A new lighting and sound concept was also essential to transform the ship into a real event yacht suitable for a wide array of occasions, from parties to gourmet dining.

Home port Düsseldorf

Before we “cast off” from the KD jetty in Düsseldorf on the day of the christening, the readers of Düsseldorf’s largest daily newspaper, the Rheinische Post, were called on to find a new name for the former MS Warsteiner. This readers’ competition also kicked off a partnership between KD and Rheinische Post, which is initially set to last for three years. The people of Düsseldorf were extremely keen to give “their ship” a new name, as seen by the huge number of suggestions sent in. The jury, consisting of employees from Rheinische Post, Düsseldorf Marketing and KD, was ultimately won over by the beautiful name Rhein­Poesie – and not only because the letters R and P are represented so prominently. “We are very pleased to be entering into a partnership with Rheinische Post, because in them we have found a partner who can reach the people of Düsseldorf.

For RP readers and “Abocard” subscription holders there will be a lot of attractive advantages, such as discounts on all tickets; Tom Bender, Managing Director of Rheinische Post Verlagsgesellschaft, is looking forward to the journey together.

Celebrity godmother

The christening day was not just a very special occasion for the two partners and their guests. Verona Pooth – a real Hamburg lass and therefore practically raised on the water – also experienced a premiere: her first ship christening. In a cheerful mood she took the champagne bottle and, after a few warm words and blessings, smashed it on the side of the ship. After such a delightful christening, the event yacht could depart right away for its first trip. Also on board: lots of good-humoured guests of the christening who enjoyed the first cruise to the full and basked in beautiful sunshine.

Maiden voyage a success

While sparkling wine, finger food and beer were served on board, Linda Kaiser, Head of Public Relations of the Trade Association for Industrial Services, was able to get an idea of the quality of the onboard service. She had chartered the ship for the end of May to show international guests the most beautiful sides of Düsseldorf and the Rhine. RP editor-in-chief Michael Bröcker wondered out loud when he boarded the ship whether an editorial conference could be held on board now and then. His summary of the partnership: “The MS RheinPoesie is bright, friendly, modern and simply fits in wonderfully here in the Rhineland. I’m already looking forward to KD’s new dinner cruises with great food and a fantastic view of the beautiful city of Düsseldorf”.

Welcome on board

The event yacht successfully completed its first voyage under a new name and with a new look, and then immediately commenced its extensive programme: with its new flagship in Düsseldorf, KD has added many exciting new items to its programme in the North Rhine-Westphalia state capital. Foodies will get their money’s worth, as will party-goers and day-trippers. The ship sails six times a day to show guests the Düsseldorf Rhine panorama for one hour. The chilled-out evening cruise along the illuminated city skyline is a perfect setting for a cosy after-work beer on balmy summer evenings.

Those who prefer to hit the dancefloor now have a new venue to check out in Düsseldorf: MS RheinPoesie offers the perfect open-air feeling with no fewer than six new party formats. In summer, the “No Limits” party series offers unlimited chart hits and alcoholic and soft drinks. And guests are sure to love the first headphone party on the Rhine: “Silent Beats”. “Funky Friday” also attracts the over-30s crowd to dance and party in the open air.

And we are shooting for the stars with our exquisite, exclusive dinner cruises with top chefs. Düsseldorf star chef Holger Berens, who is at home not far from the ship with his “Berens am Kai”, will be on board as guest chef on 17 July. Philipp Wolter (13 September), the Michelin-starred chef from the “Phoenix” in the “Dreischeibenhaus”, also doesn’t have far to travel to the ship. The team of top chefs in Düsseldorf is completed by one of the few women to have a Michelin star: Erika Bergheim from the restaurant Laurushaus, part of Essen’s Schlosshotel Hugenpoet. She will be serving up culinary delights on board the MS RheinPoesie on 16 August.