Company Overview:
In the 1980's, the German-owned Deilmann pioneered the design and
construction of ships specifically for river cruising that offered a
small, floating-hotel level of luxury. With nine riverboats (and the
deep-sea cruise ship Deutschland), Deilmann is Europe's second largest
riverboat company, offering seven- to 17-day European river cruises
and cruise-tour packages in 14 countries from late March to early
November, often docking within walking easy walking distance of
picturesque villages and towns, often including overnight stays.
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All-inclusive cruise/tour packages feature the cruise (with
sightseeing tours), a stay in a hotel with breakfast and city
sightseeing, and transfers, some by rail. Announcements are only in
English and German, and English-speaking passengers have a dedicated
hostess. There are both menus and buffet selections for breakfast and
lunch, while dinners, often themed to a particular locale, may
comprise as many as nine courses; bring a healthy appetite! The
cuisine is geared to the international passenger mix.
Rated as either four- or five-stars (seven of the nine ships in
service have five) the riverboats all have cabins on two decks,
private bathrooms, large windows, telephones, TV (on all but two
boats), radio, hair dryers and terrycloth robes (the last two only on
request on some boats). European-style duvets keep you warm at night.
Two boats have a few inside cabins. All cabins, corridors, and
restaurants are exhilaratingly smoke-free.
All Deilmann river ships have elegant furnishings, panoramic dining
rooms and lounges, spacious sundecks, gift shops, and an infirmary
attended by a bona fide physician. The 100-cabin Mozart, the fleet's
most popular, offers both the roomiest cabins (203 square ft.) and the
roomiest suites ( 406 square ft.) of any river ship afloat. Moreover,
It boasts such unusual amenities for river cruise vessels as an indoor
pool, solarium, sauna, and fitness center.
The company prides itself on service, pointing to its remarkable ratio
of one crew member to every 2.5 passengers. It's also proud of how
well it feeds its passengers � six lavish meals daily, including
afternoon tea and a midnight snack, with main meals served at single
seatings in panoramic dining rooms. It should surprise no one that in
2005, the readers of Conde Nast Traveler ranked Deilmann in the top 10
in small-ship cruising for the sixth successive year.
Fellow Passengers:
Expect a mix of English- and German speakers, few of whom will ever
see their 40s again. Formal attire (suits & cocktail dresses, the
latter preferably on ladies only) is requested two nights, informal
(jackets for men) other nights.
Shore Excursions:
There is an extra, albeit reasonable, charge for shore excursions,
though they are included in cruise/tour packages. Half-day and
full-day excursions for English speakers are available in most ports,
though sometimes those who strike out on their own enjoy themselves
more. English speakers have a separate vehicle and guide.
Special Programs:
Fully escorted and independent cruise tours of 12 to 17 days or
two-week, back-to-back cruises provide time to explore at leisure.
Theme Cruises:
The 2006 season has been the second in which Deilmann has offered
special-interest programs. There have been golf cruises on the Seine,
Rhone and Danube; countryside cycling on cruises on the Danube, Seine,
Rhone and Elbe in France, Germany, Austria and Hungary; and music
cruises on the Danube and Seine. Garden cruises on the Rhone, Seine,
Rhine and Danube have been very popular, as too have hiking cruises on
the Princesse de Provence on the Rhone. Golf. Garden, music and
equestrian cruises are offered also on Deutschland ocean voyages on
Mediterranean and Atlantic sailings. Americans seem to favor
itineraries involving the Danube, Seine, Rhone and Rhine Rivers.
Tipping:
Recommended gratuities per person, per day are: cabin steward $4.00
and wait staff $8.00.
