Our Independent Opinion

Deutschland

The basics
Deutschland entered service in 1998 and carries 548 guests and a crew of 240. The onboard style is unlike anything currently at sea – a real tribute to 1920’s ocean liners, with wrought iron staircases, rich woods, intricate brass work and detailed ceilings. The main ballroom is beautifully decorated, with crystal chandeliers, brass handrails, works of art on the walls and small tables complete with delicate lamps. This would rival the great Queen Elizabeth II’s Queens Room for 1920’s glamour. The whole ship is so well decorated that it really feels like a hotel rather than a cruise ship. It also has an indoor pool – not seen on many ships these days – surrounded by the wellness spa and therapy rooms.

We like
We really like the Lili Marleen Salon – situated in the middle of the deck with open sides to the corridor – again beautifully decorated, complete with the first working fireplace on a cruise ship. It’s a great venue for a quiet drink, chat or to listen to the 3-piece orchestra.

What you should know
As the name suggests, you will find a passenger mix of German and English speaking guests with a German theme throughout including the Old Fritz Pub where a bratwurst is always available. Please also note she does not have any balcony cabins.

May we suggest
The food on Deutschland is superb – expertly served by German waiters and waitress. The Four Seasons Restaurant can hold all guests in one sitting, and the quality of food, surroundings and ambience is unparalleled in modern cruise ships.

Recommended for
We would recommend the Deutschland for mature couples who like a European holiday, on a vessel more akin to a country house hotel than a cruise ship.

Peter Deilmann River Cruises

The basics

Peter Deilmann River Cruises operates a fleet of 5-star vessels throughout Europe.

• The MV Mozart was built in 1987 and can carry 207 passengers in 100 cabins, with 80 staff and crew.
• The MV Heidelberg was built in 2004 and can carry 110 passengers in 56 cabins, with 56 staff and crew.
• The MV Katharina Von Bora was built in 2000 and can carry 79 passengers in 41 cabins, with 30 staff and crew.
• The MV Frederic Chopin was built in 2002 and can carry 79 passengers in 41 cabins, with 30 staff and crew.
• The MV Dresden was built in 1991 and can carry 108 passengers in 54 cabins, with 47 staff and crew.
• The MV Dresden was built in 1991 and can carry 108 passengers in 54 cabins, with 47 staff and crew.
• The MV Casanova was built in 2001 and can carry 96 passengers in 48 cabins, with 32 staff and crew.
• The MV Cezanne was built in 1992 and can carry 100 passengers in 50 cabins, with 41 staff and crew.
• The 4-star MV Princess de Provence was built in 1992 and can carry 148 passengers in 71 cabins, with 60 staff and crew.

We like
The fleet is refurbished annually, and are decorated in the style of a country house, with touches of art deco here and there. Cabins have large picture windows or full-length French doors for spectacular river views.

 

What you should know
Facilities vary - some river vessels have an indoor pool plus a solarium and sauna.

May we suggest
Food on board is excellent, with up to six courses being served in the evening.

Recommended for

We would recommend the Peter Deilmann river vessels for mature couples and singles looking for an alternative trip to Europe, who want to accomplish this in luxurious surroundings with decent-sized cabins.