DCS Alemannia

DCS Alemannia cruise ship was built in 1971 in Wiesbaden (Germany). The riverboat is currently owned by Basel-based Breeze River Cruises GmbH and operated under charter by DCS Touristik. The previous charterer was the Stuttgart-based company Nicko Tours (a subsidiary of Mystic Cruises). Until 2007, the ship (then named "MS Germany") was chartered to Viking River Cruises.

MS Alemannia cruises on the Rhine River, with roundtrip departures from her homeport Cologne, Germany, and itineraries between Amsterdam, Holland and Basel, Switzerland.

DCS-Touristik GmbH, founded in 1985, is a Nagel, Germany-based company specializing in bus-and-cruise travel excursions. Its cruisetour program includes river cruises, group bus tours (often themed or city-focused), and wellness- or music-themed excursions. The company's charter fleet includes 8 vessels operating on the Rhine-Main-Danube rivers, as well as on the Nile (Egypt) and Volga (Russia).

The onboard language is German, and the currency is EUR. Payments can be made using credit cards (Eurocard, Euro-Cheque card, MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Diner's Club). The ship does not have an infirmary (resident physician or nurse); in emergencies, passengers are transferred to land-based hospitals. Shore excursions are optional and available at an additional cost (not included in the DCS-Touristik fares).

Cabins

DCS Alemannia staterooms (92 in total) accommodate up to 184 passengers (double occupancy). All standard cabins are outside-facing, equally sized (12 m² / 130 ft²), and feature two separate lower twin beds, cabinets, a wardrobe, large mirrors, a low table with two armchairs, and an en-suite bathroom (glass-enclosed shower, toilet, washbasin, hairdryer, towels, and a shaver-only socket). Amenities include an HDTV (satellite reception, ship information channel, real-time bow camera views), an electronic safe (in the closet), onboard intercom phone, 220 V power outlets, and individually controlled air-conditioning. One of the lower beds is foldable and can be stowed during the day to create extra space.

Suites are located on the Upper Deck, larger in size (24 m² / 260 ft²), and offer a double bed (convertible to two twins) and an expanded seating area with a mini-bar. Only Upper Deck cabins have opening (tiltable) windows, while Main Deck cabins have two small non-opening windows.

Some cabins are configured as Triples (two lower beds plus one upper bunk) but retain the same size as standard Doubles.

Shipboard amenities

MS Alemannia features a midship-located Dining Room Restaurant (Panorama) with large windows, single-seating capacity, and open seating. On embarkation day, passengers may reserve a specific table for the duration of the cruise. The restaurant serves both traditional dishes inspired by visited destinations and international cuisine. A highlight of each voyage is the Gala Dinner, featuring a gourmet menu and an Ice Parade.

Additional facilities include a Reception Desk (24-hour guest service), Tour Office (for excursion information and booking), and a Library located in the Lobby (also functioning as a small Gift Shop) offering souvenirs, books, board games, and a table with four armchairs. A stairlift is available for guests with limited mobility.

The Sun Deck includes a heated swimming pool flanked by two retractable awnings (roofed, shaded seating with tables, chairs, and full bar service) and an aft games area with a Giant Chess Set. The adjacent sunbathing area is furnished with loungers and deckchairs.

The fore-located Bar Lounge Panorama (on the Upper Deck) has large panoramic windows, comfortable seating (two-seat sofas, armchairs, round tables), a grand piano (with live performances by the resident pianist), and its own bar. Onboard entertainment includes daily live music, cooking demonstrations, quiz games, bingo, a crew show, themed dance nights, enrichment lectures, media presentations (related to the cruise itinerary and destinations), a pirate-themed evening, and live musical performances by guest artists joining in select ports.

The Salon-Bar serves morning coffee and afternoon tea with light snacks. In keeping with DCS-Touristik tradition, all guests are welcomed onboard with mulled wine. The river cruise experience includes formal events such as the Welcome Dinner (on embarkation day) and the complimentary Farewell Cocktail Reception (on the evening before disembarkation). The Gala Dinner, featuring the "Ice Parade", is another highlight offered once per voyage.

The company offers optional shore excursions (not included in the fare) in all visited ports. Land tours may include sightseeing, city walking tours, cycling trips, or bus excursions to nearby attractions. All guided shore excursions include complimentary portable audio headsets.

MS Alemannia cruise fares are inclusive of all onboard meals (buffet breakfast, waiter-served lunch and dinner, afternoon coffee with cake, and midnight snacks), Welcome Cocktail party, Welcome Dinner, Gala Dinner, onboard entertainment, ship tour, and port taxes. The fares do not include flights, transfers, excursions, insurance, gratuities, beverages, or personal expenses.