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KD Cruise Services Review (Köln-Düsseldorfer Rheinschiffahrt): Cruise Ship Guide, Itineraries, Bookings & Deals

KD Cruises, also known as Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) Rheinschiffahrt AG, is a renowned provider of river cruises along the majestic Rhine River in Germany. With a fleet of elegant ships, rich history, and a commitment to providing exceptional service, KD Cruises offers travelers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty of the Rhine. At the heart of KD Cruises’ fleet are its meticulously maintained ships, each offering a blend of classic elegance and modern amenities. From the moment guests step onboard, they are greeted with warm hospitality and a sense of tradition that harkens back to the golden age of river cruising.

In This Article...

• 1 In a Nutshell…
• 2 The KD Cruise Services Cruises Fleet
• 3 Destinations of KD Cruise Services Cruises
• 4 The History of KD Cruise Services Cruises
• 5 Conclusion
• 6 Pin to Pinterest

In a Nutshell…

KD Cruises  offers tours by ship on the  Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers . Passengers can enjoy  scheduled cruises ,  panorama cruises , and  event cruises . Two-in-one tickets  are available, combining cruises with other attractions. KD operates the  White Fleet of the Rhine , the most experienced river cruise company in the world. With over  185 years of history , KD runs daily services along the entire stretch of the Rhine between  Cologne and Mainz . The fleet offers a  winter timetable  with a special service designed for group customers. Sightseeing from the river is available from  March 30 to October 20, 2024 . The KD fleet includes a variety of ships, each offering unique experiences and amenities. KD provides a  Service Centre  to assist with customer inquiries and frequently asked questions. The company also offers  charter services  for private events and parties.

KD Cruises is a German river cruise line that offers unique and immersive travel experiences to some of the world’s most fascinating destinations. With a fleet of 18 ships, KD Cruises provides guests with a personalized and intimate cruise experience, with a focus on adventure, exploration, and cultural immersion.

One of the standout features of KD Cruises ships is their size. The ships are small, with a capacity for between 80 and 200 guests. This allows for a more personalized and intimate experience, with a high staff-to-guest ratio and attentive service. The ships are also designed to navigate narrow waterways and shallow waters, allowing guests to explore destinations that larger ships cannot access.

The cabins on KD Cruises ships are comfortable and well-appointed, with modern amenities and tasteful decor. The cabins feature comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and air conditioning, as well as windows or balconies that provide guests with stunning views of the passing scenery. The ships also feature a range of public spaces, including lounges, bars, and libraries, providing guests with plenty of space to relax and socialize.

The dining experience on KD Cruises ships is exceptional, with a focus on regional cuisine and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The ships feature a range of dining options, from casual buffets to formal, multi-course meals. The menus are designed to showcase the flavors and ingredients of the destinations the ship visits, providing guests with a unique culinary experience. The ships also offer a range of beverages, including fine wines, beers, and spirits, as well as soft drinks and coffee.

The entertainment options on KD Cruises ships are varied and engaging, with a focus on enrichment and cultural immersion. The ships offer a range of lectures and presentations, led by expert guides and local experts, providing guests with a unique insight into the history, culture, and traditions of the destinations they visit. The ships also offer a range of activities and excursions, including hiking, biking, and guided tours, providing guests with the opportunity to explore the destinations they visit in depth.

The ships’ staff is attentive and professional, ensuring that every guest is well taken care of and has a memorable experience onboard. The staff is knowledgeable and experienced, providing guests with a safe and comfortable journey. The ship’s crew is also passionate about exploration and adventure, providing guests with a unique and authentic travel experience.

KD Cruises ships offer a range of itineraries and destinations, with a focus on Europe’s most iconic rivers, such as the Rhine, Danube, and Seine. The ships’ smaller size allows them to navigate narrow waterways and shallow waters, providing guests with access to destinations that larger ships cannot reach. The ships’ itineraries are designed to showcase the best of each destination, with a focus on cultural and historical landmarks, as well as natural wonders.

One of the standout features of KD Cruises is its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. The company has been a leader in the industry in implementing eco-friendly practices and technologies, such as advanced waste management systems and energy-efficient engines. The ships are also designed to minimize their environmental impact, with a focus on preserving the natural beauty of the destinations they visit.

KD Cruises ships offer a unique and immersive cruise experience that combines intimacy and adventure with luxury and comfort. The ships’ smaller size allows for a more personalized and intimate experience, with a high staff-to-guest ratio and attentive service. The cabins are comfortable and well-appointed, while the dining options are exceptional, with a focus on regional cuisine and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The entertainment options are varied and engaging, with a focus on enrichment and cultural immersion. The excursions and activities provide guests with the opportunity to explore the destinations they visit in depth. The ships’ staff is attentive and professional, ensuring that every guest has a memorable experience onboard. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, KD Cruises ships are sure to exceed your expectations. With a commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, KD Cruises is a cruise line that you can feel good about supporting.

The KD Cruise Services Cruises Fleet

The fleet of KD Cruise cruise ships represents a remarkable blend of elegance, comfort, and captivating travel experiences, offering passengers an unforgettable journey along the stunning rivers of Europe. With their sleek design, top-notch amenities, and exceptional service, KD Cruise ships provide a truly immersive and enchanting river cruising experience.

The moment passengers step on board a KD Cruise ship, they are greeted by an ambiance of sophistication and refined luxury. The ships boast contemporary and stylish interiors, featuring tasteful décor, modern furnishings, and an atmosphere that exudes elegance. Every detail is meticulously crafted, from the beautifully appointed public spaces to the spacious cabins and suites, ensuring a comfortable and indulgent stay for all guests.

The cabins and suites on KD Cruise ships are designed with the utmost attention to detail, offering a serene sanctuary for passengers to relax and unwind. The accommodations are tastefully decorated, featuring plush bedding, modern amenities, and large windows or balconies that provide panoramic views of the picturesque river landscapes. Guests can enjoy the ever-changing scenery from the privacy and comfort of their own cabins, creating a truly immersive experience.

Service on board KD Cruise ships is exemplary, with a dedicated and attentive staff that strives to exceed passengers’ expectations. From the moment guests step on board, they are greeted by a warm and friendly crew that is committed to providing personalized service and ensuring a memorable journey. The staff members are knowledgeable, professional, and always ready to assist, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere throughout the cruise.

Dining on a KD Cruise ship is a culinary delight. The ships offer a range of dining venues, each providing a unique and exceptional gastronomic experience. From elegant fine dining restaurants to casual bistro options, passengers can savor delectable cuisine prepared by skilled chefs using the finest ingredients. The menus showcase a variety of culinary delights, often featuring regional specialties and dishes that reflect the local flavors and traditions of the destinations visited. With attentive service and stunning river views as a backdrop, dining on a KD Cruise ship is an unforgettable experience.

The onboard amenities and facilities on KD Cruise ships are designed to enhance passengers’ comfort and enjoyment. The ships often feature spacious lounges, bars, and observation decks where guests can relax, socialize, and marvel at the scenic beauty of the rivers. Wellness areas offer opportunities for rejuvenation and relaxation, with options such as fitness centers, spas, and sometimes even swimming pools. Additionally, the ships often host engaging activities and entertainment, ensuring that passengers are entertained and engaged throughout their journey.

One of the highlights of a KD Cruise is the captivating itineraries that take passengers on a journey through the heart of Europe’s most picturesque regions. From the majestic Rhine to the enchanting Danube, KD Cruise ships explore iconic waterways, allowing guests to discover charming towns, historic landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes. The itineraries are carefully curated to provide a balance of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and enriching experiences, ensuring that passengers gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the destinations visited.

Destinations of KD Cruise Services Cruises

KD Cruise, formally known as Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH, is renowned for its scenic voyages along some of Europe’s most storied rivers. Here’s an expanded look at the destinations and sailing routes of KD Cruise ships:

Embarking on a Journey of Riverine Splendor  KD Cruise ships set sail on the tranquil waters of the Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers, offering passengers a unique vantage point to witness the beauty of these historic waterways. The company’s fleet navigates through the heart of Europe, connecting cities and landscapes that are steeped in history and natural beauty.

The Rhine: A River of Tales and Castles  The Rhine is perhaps the most iconic of KD’s routes, where the ships glide past a panorama of vineyard-laden hills, medieval towns, and imposing castles. The journey takes travelers through the Romantic Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its legendary Loreley rock and the picturesque towns of Rüdesheim, St. Goar, and Boppard.

The Main: A Conduit of Culture  The Main River, with its serene flow, offers a different flavor of cultural immersion. KD Cruise ships sail through bustling metropolises like Frankfurt, where modernity meets tradition, and smaller towns that showcase the region’s rich history and architectural marvels.

The Moselle: A Meandering Path Through Wine Country  The Moselle cruises are a treat for wine connoisseurs and nature lovers alike. The river, known for its sharp bends and peaceful pace, winds through some of Germany’s most renowned wine regions. The ships often stop at Cochem, where passengers can explore the Reichsburg Castle or partake in local wine-tasting events.

Seasonal Sailing and Special Events  KD Cruise offers a variety of seasonal and special event cruises. From the vibrant blooms of spring to the festive markets of winter, each season brings a new reason to embark on a river cruise. The company also organizes event cruises, including gourmet delights, entertainment parties, and fireworks displays, adding an extra layer of excitement to the journey.

A Fleet Designed for Discovery  The KD fleet comprises several ships, each designed to offer comfort and panoramic views. Whether it’s a round-trip panorama cruise from major cities like Cologne and Düsseldorf or a scheduled cruise along the nostalgia route, passengers are assured a memorable experience.

Accessibility and Convenience  KD Cruise ensures that embarking on a river adventure is as convenient as possible. With landing stages strategically located in key cities and towns along the rivers, passengers can easily hop on and off, exploring the sights at their own pace.

A Commitment to Service  At the heart of KD Cruise’s operations is a commitment to exceptional service. The company’s Service Centre is always ready to assist with inquiries, ensuring that every aspect of the cruise experience is seamless and enjoyable.

Chartering Memories  For those looking to celebrate special occasions on the water, KD Cruise offers charter services. Private events and parties find a moving backdrop against the scenic riverscapes, making for unforgettable celebrations.

In conclusion, KD Cruise ships sail through a tapestry of Europe’s finest riverine landscapes, offering journeys that are as diverse as they are delightful. From the historic Rhine to the picturesque Moselle, each cruise is an invitation to explore, relax, and create lasting memories aboard KD’s floating havens of leisure.

The History of KD Cruise Services Cruises

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD), a prominent river cruise operator based in Cologne, Germany, has a rich history dating back to 1826. The company’s enduring legacy is characterized by its significant contributions to the development of river cruising in Europe and its commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences to passengers.

Köln-Düsseldorfer traces its roots to the early 19th century when the first steamboats arrived on the Rhine from England. The company’s historical journey began when the Preussisch-Rheinischen Dampfschiffahrtsgesellschaft (PRDG) and Dampfschiffahrts-Gesellschaft für den Nieder- und Mittelrhein (DGNM) were established, leading to a period of intense competition and growth in freight and passenger traffic along the Rhine. The company’s establishment in 1925 as the Köln-Düsseldorfer Rheinschiffahrts GmbH marked a pivotal moment in its history, consolidating its position as a leading river cruise operator in the region.

In 2000, KD Line was acquired by Viking Cruises, the largest river cruise line in the world, signaling a new chapter in the company’s journey. This acquisition allowed Viking Cruises to leverage KD’s 40 years of river cruising experience and rights to prime docking locations in key European cities, further strengthening its position in the industry. The synergy between the two companies led to significant growth and modernization initiatives, shaping the future of river cruising in Europe.

Köln-Düsseldorfer’s fleet, comprising 14 cruise ships operating on the Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers, is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing exceptional river cruise experiences. The company’s historical significance is further underscored by the PS Goethe, the last example of paddle propulsion, which remains the only vessel serving with KD. The conversion of this vessel to diesel-hydraulic propulsion in 2008–2009 marked a significant technological advancement for the company, demonstrating its dedication to innovation and modernization.

The rich history of Köln-Düsseldorfer is intertwined with the economic and cultural development of the regions it serves. The company’s role in facilitating trade and passenger travel during the industrial revolution and its contributions to the growth of tourism in Germany have left an indelible mark on the history of river cruising. The Lorelei rock, a famed day outing for pleasure seekers, is emblematic of the company’s cultural impact and the memorable experiences it has provided to travelers over the years.

Following its acquisition by Viking Cruises, Köln-Düsseldorfer has continued to play a pivotal role in the growth and modernization of river cruising. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences, its dedication to technological innovation, and its rich historical legacy have positioned it as a leader in the river cruise industry. Köln-Düsseldorfer’s enduring legacy continues to shape the modern landscape of river cruising, offering travelers the opportunity to embark on unforgettable journeys through Europe’s most captivating destinations.

Köln-Düsseldorfer’s history is characterized by a legacy of innovation, economic and cultural impact, and a steadfast commitment to providing exceptional river cruise experiences. The company’s acquisition by Viking Cruises and its enduring commitment to growth and modernization highlight its pivotal role in shaping the river cruise industry. As Köln-Düsseldorfer continues to redefine river cruising in Europe, its rich historical legacy remains a testament to its enduring impact on the travel industry.

Köln-Düsseldorfer’s historical significance, technological innovation, and continued growth and expansion underscore its position as a leader in the river cruise industry, offering travelers a transformative and immersive travel experience.

KD Cruises offers a variety of cruise options, from leisurely sightseeing tours to multi-day voyages that explore the Rhine’s most iconic destinations. Whether admiring the medieval castles of the Rhine Gorge, exploring charming towns like Rüdesheim and Koblenz, or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of cities like Cologne and Düsseldorf, every cruise with KD Cruises is a journey of discovery.

One of the highlights of cruising with KD Cruises is the opportunity to experience the Rhine’s breathtaking scenery from the comfort of the ship’s spacious decks. Whether enjoying a leisurely lunch on the sun deck or sipping a glass of wine as the sun sets over the river, guests are treated to panoramic views that showcase the natural beauty of the Rhine Valley.

In addition to its scenic cruising routes, KD Cruises also offers a variety of onboard activities and amenities to enhance the guest experience. From live music and entertainment to informative lectures and wine tastings, there is always something to keep guests entertained and engaged during their journey.

Of course, no cruise with KD Cruises would be complete without indulging in the region’s world-renowned cuisine. Guests can savor delicious meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by fine wines from the Rhine Valley. From traditional German specialties to international cuisine, there is something to delight every palate onboard.

One of the hallmarks of KD Cruises is its unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service to every guest. From the friendly and attentive crew to the knowledgeable onboard staff, guests can expect nothing but the highest level of professionalism and hospitality throughout their journey.

In conclusion, KD Cruises offers travelers a truly memorable and immersive way to experience the beauty of the Rhine River. With its elegant ships, scenic cruising routes, delicious cuisine, and exceptional service, KD Cruises sets the standard for excellence in river cruising and ensures that every guest enjoys a truly unforgettable journey along the Rhine.

– Reviewed by Contributing Author Silvester Thomson

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N.B. – The information on this review has been compiled by contributing author and Cruise Expert Silvester Thomson for thedigitalglobetrotter.com and is provided “as is” for the convenience of online readers. The Sources come from personal opinions, online research on official and unofficial websites, and in some cases with the help of AI generated content. It should not be taken as fact, as it can be mistaken or altered by future ship modifications from the cruise line done after review. Thedigitalglobetrotter.com does not and cannot verify all information and should not be taken as granted fact. All readers must take measures to find reliable facts by their travel agent or from the official page of the cruise line to verify any doubts.

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• Departure times and availabilities vary depending on the date and location. Some cruises may not be operating on certain dates. Please see the detailed timetables below.
• Click the file below for departures between Cologne and Mainz. The Rhine Timetable 2020.pdf
• Click the file below for departures in the the Moselle between Koblenz and Cochen. Moselle Timetable 2020.pdf
• The voucher must be exchanged at the KD ticket office for a ticket at the boarding pier in the city that you board in.
• All children under 4 are free of charge. Child prices are available for children aged 4-13 (approximately 6 EUR per child). This is payable direct to staff on board on date of travel.
• At the time of booking, please select the date that you intend to use the pass.
• Your KD Rhine Pass is valid for travel on all scheduled KD day cruises between Cologne and Mainz, as well as the Moselle between Koblenz and Cochen.
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Rhine River Vacation and Cruise Guide

The KD Cruise Line (KD Koln-Dusseldorfer Line) is one of the largest companies that provides river cruises on the Rhine River. The KD Fleet is comprised of 14 vessels which operate between Mainz and Cologne Germany.

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Rhine and Mosel Riverboat Cruise Lines from Koblenz in Germany

KD (Köln-Düsseldorfer) and other cruise lines offer Rhine River day-trip excursion cruises from Koblenz in Germany. Special offers and discount deals are available.

Koblenz, at the center of the Middle Rhine Valley, is a great departure port for cruising on the Rhein and Mosel River in Germany. KD (Köln-Düsseldorfer) is the largest operator of day-trip cruises on the Rhine River and has a strong presence in Koblenz. Smaller companies offer panorama hour-long sightseeing cruises from Koblenz, as well as longer cruises to see the castles and Loreley Rock. These cruise lines are often slightly cheaper than KD while special birthday, senior, and family offers may bring ticket prices down too. Cruises on this part of the Moselle are usually only in the vicinity of Koblenz — longer Mosel cruises are easier upriver from Cochem, Bernkastel-Kuess, or Trier.

Day-Trip Cruises on the Rhine River from Koblenz

Several riverboat cruise lines operate on the Rhine and Mosel Rivers from Koblenz. Some lines cooperate so it is not that uncommon to buy a ticket from say KD and actually cruise on GPS. However, note that discounts are not always applied when cruising on partner boats.

Prices between the various cruise lines do not vary widely but in some cases, special deals and offers can make a significant difference in ticket prices. The smaller companies are often slightly cheaper than KD but not always or for all destinations. Smaller companies often have only a single cruise per day making a return trip with sightseeing en route more complicated or impossible.

For reference, KD prices from Koblenz are one-way (return) around €55 (€61) to Rüdesheim, €36 (€41) to St Goar / St Goarhausen, €19 (€22) to Boppard, and for the rare downriver cruises around €39 (€44) to Remagen and €55 (€61) to Bonn. Returns are hardly more expensive but indicate when buying tickets if planning to interrupt a journey en route.

Online tickets are increasingly available but reservations are rarely needed for scheduled Rhine River day-trip excursion cruises, especially outside the high season, but are often required for special event cruises such as the popular Rhein in Flammen firework displays.

• Schifffahrt means shipping. The current German spelling rules require three fs but the older double-ff spelling is still often seen on signs and in company names.

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) Rhine River Day-Trip Cruise Line

The largest day-trip excursion boat cruise line operating on the Rhine is Köln Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt, more commonly abbreviated to KD (pronounced kah-deh). KD has the largest number of boats and the largest number of cruises. The larger number of cruises makes it easier to stop en route for sightseeing and to continue the cruise on a later boat. (Indicate at the time of buying tickets any stopover plans – the ticket price will usually be the same but separate tickets may be issued for separate legs of the cruise.)

During the high season, KD has at least one daily boat cruise between Koblenz and Rüdesheim — usually on the historic paddle steamer RMS Goethe dating from 1913. Other cruises from Koblenz usually terminate in the Loreley area (St Goar / St Goarhausen). More boats depart from Boppard, which is a quick 15-minute train ride from Koblenz .

Currently, no regular excursion cruises go downstream from Koblenz, although some are available when boats are repositioning for major events. Many boats depart daily from Linz (35 minutes by train) to Bonn and Cologne .)

KD also offers frequent panorama cruises from Koblenz of one to two hours in cooperation with Reederei Gilles (see below).

One of the Koblenz-Rüdesheim cruises during the high season is on the RMS Goethe paddleboat steamer dating from 1913. (Like the historic paddle steamboats operating on for example  Lake Geneva in Switzerland , this historic steamboat goes at the same speed as its modern rivals.)

Saving Deals and Discounts on KD Rhine Cruises

Special savings offered by KD Rhine River day-trip boat cruises include:

• up to 20% off when arriving by train at the departure port. (This train-boat offer is not available from other cruise lines.)
• two for the price of one on an exact birthday date.
• 50% off for scholars and students under 27.
• 20% off for seniors over 65 years old.

Family and child discounts on KD lines:

KD has several special deals for children and families. These include:

• Free for children under 4.
• €8 for children 4 to 13 for all cruises.
• Free for up to 3 children (4-13 years) per accompanying paying adult on Wednesdays.
• Family tickets for two adults and two children up to 16 – €79 for scheduled cruises.

Savings deals cannot be combined.

Bicycles on KD Rhine Riverboats:

Bicycles are transported if space allows on KD Rhine River boats for €3.50 per bicycle per cruise (return is double).

On Tuesday and Thursday, two cyclists traveling together pay only one cruise fare but, rather oddly, do pay for each bicycle. (This bicycle deal is not valid on KD partner cruise lines.)

The KD Rhine Pass savings deal has not been on sale in recent years but Get Your Guide offers easy booking (and often sensible cancelation options) for day-trip cruises on the Rhine departing from many popular cities such as Cologne , Düsseldorf , Bonn , Koblenz , Boppard , Ruedesheim , Cochem , and Frankfurt . Most cruise lines now also accept online ticket purchases but several still prefer to sell tickets directly at the quay or on board cruise boats.

Rhine and Mosel Riverboat Cruise Lines in Koblenz

Several further smaller boat companies operate cruises on the Rhine and Mosel River from Koblenz. These often have special cruises to interesting destinations but only a few times per year, or only a single cruise destination per day. Many also do panorama cruises of the lovely Koblenz region — often it is simply the best choice to pick the first boat to depart, as prices are roughly the same, as are the boats and scenery.

Personenschifffahrt Giles Boat Trips from Koblenz

The Koblenz-based  Personenschifffahrt Giles  operates cruises for KD on both the Rhine and Mosel but also has numerous special day-trip cruises on its own program to various sights along the Rhine and Mainz. These special cruises are often excellent value for money but the schedule varies annually.

More useful for most casual visitors to Koblenz are the one-hour panorama or sightseeing cruises offered several times per day by Giles from Easter to November 1. These circular cruises offer passengers the opportunity to see amongst others the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers, several castles and historic buildings, as well as the only inhabited river island in Germany.

Gilles also cruises from Koblenz to Winningen on the Mosel River. This cruise includes passing through a lock – something not used on the Rhine River at all.

These sightseeing cruises are around €12 per person and €17 for the two-hour cruises that go up the Mosel River.

Schifffahrt Hölzenbein Rhine Cruises from Koblenz

Schifffahrt Hölzenbein  is another smaller Koblenz-based riverboat cruise company affiliated with the Weisser Flotte group that sails on many parts of the Rhine. Hölzenbein boats cruise as far upriver as Rüdesheim but shorter cruises to the Loreley Valley and Boppard are more common.

Hölzenbein has discount offers similar to KD although the savings are often less generous. In contrast to KD, Hölzenbein transports bicycles for free.

Marksburgschiffahrt Vomfell Rhine Cruises from Koblenz

The  Marksburgschiffahrt Vomfell  is another smaller cruise line with day-trip boat excursions on the Rhine from Koblenz. Boats connect Koblenz with Braubach (or Spay) up to four times per day with stops at many smaller towns such as Niederlahnstein, Stolzenfels, Oberlahnstein, Rhens, and Braubach (Marksburg), which give easy access to several large castles in the Koblenz region. Ask for combination tickets that include both cruise and admission to castles and other sights.

Gebr Kolb for Moselle River Cruises

Gebr. Kolb offers many cruises on the Moselle River but mostly from towns further upstream such as Cochem, Traben-Trarbach, Bernkastel-Kues, and Trier but a few cruises are also available to Koblenz.

• Rhine and Mosel River Day-Trip Cruises from Koblenz for more information on travel times and the cruise season, as well as maps.
• Boat Cruises on the Mosel River from amongst others Koblenz, Cochem, Bernkastell-Kues, and Trier
• Transportation to Koblenz – reaching the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers by plane, car, train, boat, or bicycle
• Visit Burg Eltz – the most romantic (and authentic) castle in the Mosel Valley near Koblenz
• Deutsche Bahn railway connections to Koblenz
• Koblenz Tourist Information

More on the Rhine River in Germany

Day-Trip Excursions and Pleasure Cruises on the Rhine River:

• cruise from Rüdesheim ( cruise lines ), Koblenz ( cruise lines ), winter & Christmas
• from Frankfurt — fast trains to the Rhine , or slow boat to the Rhine
• from Mainz and Wiesbaden
• Savings Tips , Best Cruise Lines
• Lower Rhine — Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bonn to Linz
• Special events: Cruises to Rhine in Flames Fireworks , Christmas and New Year’s Cruises in Cologne , Düsseldorf , Frankfurt , and Rüdesheim
• Moselle River Cruises ( Cochem , Bernkastel-Kues, Trier, Koblenz , Burg Eltz )
• Cruises on the Main River in Frankfurt (or better By Train from Frankfurt to the Best Rhine Cruises )
• Cruises from Worms, Mannheim, Heidelberg (on the Neckar River)
• Cruises from Speyer
• Rhinefalls (Rhine Waterfalls, Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein, Kreuzlingen) in Switzerland

Tips and Savings on Day-Trip Rhine Cruises

• The best part of the Rhine for day-trip excursion cruises in the Middle Rhine between Rüdesheim / Bingen and Koblenz . See Savings Tips and the Best Cruise Lines cruising in the Loreley Valley.
• Check train times for Germany (and most of Europe) at German Railways .

About the author:

Henk Bekker

Henk Bekker is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing online. He is particularly interested in history, art, and culture. He has lived most of his adult life in Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark. In addition to European-Traveler.com , he also owns a travel website on the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland and maintains statistical websites on car sales and classic car auction prices . Henk holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and an MSc in Development Finance from the University of London.

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Rhine River Cruises with KD Rhine

By Helen Page 1 Comment

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RHINE RIVER CRUISES YOU CAN DO ON YOUR OWN:

Rhine river cruise

River cruises have become a very popular travel alternative these day and is a keen competitor to the coach tour holidays for people who prefer organised holidays.

The Rhine is of course one of the the main rivers where river cruises operate as the scenery along the Rhine is simply spectacular .  All the major river cruise companies have boats that ply the Rhine.  From historic castles to beautiful church spires to endless stretches of vineyards , the Lorelei ,  there’s a lot to see.

Doing it yourself

If you don’t fancy going on an extended organised river cruise or if you only have a few days to spare, you can still enjoy a cruise on the Rhine by purchasing a day ticket . The KD Rhine Pass allows you to travel on scheduled KD day cruises between Cologne and Mainz . All you have to do is present your KD ticket onboard any KD ship and you can travel the Rhine and Moselle rivers for one whole day. KD’s extensive and reliable timetable allows you to disembark as often as you like at the many interesting stops, do sightseeing at the towns and villages, and spend as much or as little time as you would like at each stop.

The pass can be used as a one way ticket to get from one city to another, or can also be used as a return trip to spend a day elsewhere along the river – the choice is yours! You don’t have to commit yourself to a certain route in advance and can make decisions as you go. The cost is very reasonable and this is a fantastic alternative to coach or rail travel, while viewing the Rhine Valley from it’s best vantage point – the Rhine itself!

Highlights of the KD Rhine Pass include:

• travel by boat and see the sights from the water
• multiple departure times and locations available

It is recommended that you book your ticket in advance to ensure your reservation. The boats are frequently sold-out . You can purchase one-day tickets for:

KD Rhine River Pass from Koblenz KD Rhine River Pass from Cologne KD Rhine River Pass from Mainz

For further details of the Rhine River Pass and other Rhine River cruises, click HERE .

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About Helen Page

Helen Page is a prolific blogger and ardent traveller; she runs Travelsignposts with her professional writer and photographer husband Tony.

February 1, 2011 at 6:03 pm

I appreciate you for this kind of useful posting. I like your Article.

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Who is behind Travelsignposts?

We're Helen and Tony Page , and we love travelling - lucky as we've been doing it for the last few decades!

Tony has long been a professional photographer and writer, but Helen now writes most of the posts and takes a lot of photos herself!

Travelsignposts is our main travel planning site, but we've just launched Travelsignposts China and Tony also runs the Travelsignposts Photo and Guerrilla Travel Photography web sites, as well as publishing the Take Better Digital Photos and Guerrilla Travel Photography eBooks.

Read more about Helen and Tony or contact them .

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• Scheduled cruises
• Panorama cruises
• Two-in-one Ticket
• Duesseldorf
• Gourmet Delight
• Entertainment
• Advent season
• Mainz/Koblenz
• Event Cruises
• Charter Service
• Download the KD timetable
• Hiring your own ship for an event

The German Corner with its monument of the emperor, the Elector's Palace. the mile-long river promenade, Stolzenfels Castle, the embodiment of Rhine romanticism, and towering above them all: Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The spectacular cable car across the Rhine, the wine village, the Forum Confluentes ... and so much more. Koblenz is not only one of the oldest cities in Germany, but also one of the most many-sided with regard to its tourist attractions. 

Ticket Office Koblenz

Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 56068 Koblenz Breite/Lat: 50.359752 Länge/Lon: 7.604660

Tel. 0261 – 1291610 Fax 02 61 / 16 06 97 E-Mail: kd-koblenz(at)k-d.com

Useful Information

Information concerning the landing-stage.

• The KD landing-stage in Koblenz is accessible to passengers with restricted mobility.
• Passengers are requested to be at the landing-stage 15 minutes before the scheduled sailing time. 
• Passengers who have not purchased their ticket at the KD ticket office in Koblenz are requested to report at the ticket office.
• Payment options: cash, Maestro, credit card (Eurocard, Mastercard).

Getting to the landing-stage by public transport

From Koblenz Main Station take no. 1 bus in the direction of Altstadt/Deutsches Eck to the stop Rheinstrasse/Fähre. From here approx 2 min. walk. From Koblenz Stadtmitte (city centre) Station 3 min. walk to Löhr Centre bus station. From here take no. 1 bus in the direction of Altstadt/Deutsche Eck to the stop Rheinstrasse/Fähre. From here approx. 2 min. walk. Alternatively it is a 20 minute walk from Koblenz Stadtmitte Station. 

Getting to the landing-stage by car

From the north (Cologne/Bonn) take autobahn A61 to Koblenz interchange, then autobahn A48 to exit Koblenz North (B9 main road) or autobahn A3 to Dernbach interchange then onto autobahn A48 to exit Koblenz North (B9 main road) and continue towards city centre. From the south (Mainz, Ludwigshafen) take autobahn A61 to exit Waldesch/Koblenz, then continue on B327 main road towards city centre. 

From the east (or from Frankfurt area) take autobahn A3 to Dernbach interchange, then autobahn A48 to exit Koblenz North and on main road B9 towards city centre.

From the west (Trier) take autobahn A48 to exit Koblenz North then on main road B9 towards city centre.  Please note that there are no parking places near the landing-stage. We advise you to use one of the following multi-story car parks: Görresplatz - approx 5 min. walk from the landing-stage Schloss - approx 9 min. walk from the landing-stage Car park on Peter-Altmeier-Ufer - approx 8 min. walk from the landing-stage  Schängel Centre - approx 8 min. walk from the landing-stage.

Information for coaches

Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer (Rhine) There are 8 parking spaces and 5 drop off/pick up places for coaches on Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer (Rhine promenade), in close proximity to the landing-stage.

Further information on driving a coach into the city and on where to park is available from Koblenz Tourist Information. 

Please note that the Europa Bridge towards the city centre is closed to traffic over 3.5t. There are diversions signposted to the city centre from the A48 at exit Bendorf on the B42, from Koblenz interchange via the exit Koblenz-Metternich and from the A48/B9 interchange.

Suggested tours

Nostalgia route.

Our highlight on the romantic Middle Rhine – on the trail of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pure nostalgia is offered between Koblenz and Rüdesheim. Experience the most famous sights on the river which embodies German Romanticism in authentic surroundings on board the paddle steamer GOETHE.

• KD departure time from Koblenz: 09.00

Trip to castles

Nowhere else are there as many medieval castles as on this inimitable section of the Rhine, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2002. To mention just three of them: Ehrenbreitstein Fortress at the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz, Stolzenfels Castle and the uniquely well-preserved Marksburg Castle in Braubach, to mention just three.

• KD departure times from Koblenz: 09:00 and 14:00

Combined ticket cable car & fortress

A tour on and over the Rhine. Purchase our combined ticket and experience the beauty of the Rhine in and around Koblenz on the water and from lofty heights. This includes a boat trip through the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley plus a spectacular cable car ride up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

Offers on site

Public city sightseeing tour – koblenz’s romantic old town.

Get to know one of Germany’s oldest cities on a tour of the historic old town. The romantic lanes between the Basilica of St. Castor and the Church of Our Lady, the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial on the Deutsches Eck, the Schängelbrunnen fountain by the city hall and the Forum Confluentes with the Romanticum on Zentralplatz square are just a few of the attractions.

By cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

A trip on the Koblenz cable car will give you a spectacular view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It is Germany’s first tricable gondola lift and is one of the most modern cable car systems in the world. More than ten million guests have ridden in one of the eighteen panorama gondolas since 2011 and have travelled up to the plateau where Ehrenbreitstein Fortress stands. By the way, this presents no problems for persons with limited mobility, because the cable car is 100% barrier-free.

Discover the interactive experience exhibition in which the romantic Middle Rhine Valley is recreated with all the variety and special features it offers on around 800 m²: Set off on a fantastic journey through time as a passenger on a steamship, experience the romance of the Rhine at first hand and get to know the Rhine in all its guises and with all the exciting legends and fairytales connected with it.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

Over recent years the fortress itself has evolved into one of the most important cultural centres in the region. Around 700,000 people from all over the world visited and experienced Ehrenbreitstein in 2015. The current fortress was built between 1817 and 1828, but it is much older in origin. An adventure route covering 5,000 years of history extends through the entire site. It takes you over the paths on which Prussian soldiers once patrolled, deep into an excavation site shown using multimedia, and high up to the flag tower with its magnificent view. The Landesmuseum Koblenz in Ehrenbreitstein Fortress comprises four exhibition houses. With its focus on an archaeological tour, the “Wine Region Rhineland-Palatinate” and sophisticated photography, the museum offers an astonishingly wide range of topics. The cultural highlight of 2016 is the special exhibition Eiszeitsafari (“Ice Age Safari”), which will take place from 20 March to 30 October. The rich variety of around 400 large and small events per year is also remarkable.

Tourist Information Koblenz

Zentralplatz 1 56068 Koblenz Tel. 0261-19433 Fax 0261-1291620 E-Mail info(at)koblenz-touristik.de

Do you have any questions? We will be happy to help you!

Service centre.

Tel. +49 (0)221/2088-318 Fax +49 (0)221/2088-345

info(at)k-d.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find the answers to the most important questions about KD's services.

The KD FAQs

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