MS RheinGalaxie Eventschiff

MS RheinGalaxie Eventschiff is KD’s newest and most modern event ship, originally scheduled for inauguration in May 2020. The riverboat is under construction at the Scheepswerf De Hoop shipyard in Lobith (Netherlands). This new “floating party” ship has an impressive maximum passenger capacity of 1000 guests (in addition to staff and crew). She is designed for private charters and event cruises departing from the homeports of Cologne (Köln) and Düsseldorf.

The vessel (ENI 02338487) is Germany-flagged (MMSI 211371550) and registered in Cologne.

The shipowner, KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH, is a subsidiary of Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD Cruises), which is owned by Viking Cruises. Founded in 1826, KD Line is a Cologne-based company with a fleet of 14 cruise vessels operating on the Moselle, Rhine, and Main rivers. In 2000, Köln-Düsseldorfer was acquired by Viking Flusskreuzfahrten AG (Viking River Cruises), the world’s largest river cruise company.

RheinGalaxie’s best-known fleetmate is the 2004-built RheinEnergie Eventschiff (ENI 04803020), KD’s only catamaran and Europe’s largest river cruise ship by usable space (2000 m2 / 21,530 ft2). RheinEnergie operates mainly between Cologne and Bad Honningen, and on private charters between Mainz and Düsseldorf. She gained global attention on August 18, 2005, when Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger) boarded the ship in Cologne. KD Line’s current fleet includes the following vessels (by homeport):

• (Cologne) MS RheinGalaxie, MS RheinEnergie, MS RheinFantasie, MS Asbach, MS Jan von Werth, MS Moselprinz, MS Loreley, RMS Goethe (1913-built paddle steamer)
• (Düsseldorf) MS RheinPoesie, MS RheinKrone, MS RheinGalaxie
• (Bonn) MS Stolzenfels; (Mainz) MS Godesburg; (Frankfurt) MS Palladium; (Rüdesheim) MS Boppard

RheinGalaxie was specifically designed to host large-scale events, including corporate meetings, business and academic conferences, product presentations, incentive events, musical and theatrical performances, themed and private parties (DJ, concerts, anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, celebrations), holiday fairs, art exhibitions, and themed cruises (brunch, dinner, culinary, cultural). Unlike most KD vessels, RheinGalaxie is not used for regularly scheduled cruises but primarily for private charters.

The vessel was designed by the Dutch firm René van der Velden Design BV, known for its expertise in luxury yacht design. The ship’s superstructure features clean lines and large indoor and outdoor open spaces. Interior areas receive abundant daylight through floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows. All staff and crew cabins are on the Lower Deck, each with small round porthole windows. Also located aft on the Lower Deck are the machinery rooms (engines, propulsion, fuel and water tanks, sewage treatment plant, AC room) and storage rooms (food, beverages). The interior décor incorporates large LED screens, a combination of light and dark woods, and soft, understated colors for walls and upholstery.

A distinctive design feature is the ship’s rectilinear, pointed bow—reminiscent of classic transatlantic liners—unlike the rounded bows typical of European riverboats. The vessel also has an innovative exterior lighting system, making her instantly recognizable at night.

Signature onboard facilities include three passenger decks, two salons (Forward and Aft), a large midship Lobby (Atrium with grand staircase), a Bar Lounge, and a Sundeck (outdoor party deck) featuring the Star Rock Gallery and Skywalk (a VIP viewing platform above the Sundeck). The open-air Star Rock Gallery (85 m2 / 915 ft2) serves as an outdoor disco/nightclub with a dance floor, elevated stage for live performances, and DJ booth.

Most KD Line vessels are Malta-flagged (registered in Valletta). KD’s year-round charter service is offered on 12 riverboats, serving 40 locations on three rivers (Moselle, Rhine, Main). Charter deals accommodate guest capacities from 65 to 1600. Charter pricing (per person) starts at EUR 100 (Bronze Package, 5-hour rental) and increases to EUR 130 (Silver Package, 6-hour rental), EUR 160 (Gold Package, 6-hour rental), and up to EUR 200 (Platinum Package, 10-hour rental). Depending on the selected package, pricing includes buffet dining, snacks and beverages, sparkling wine or cocktail reception, and live DJ programming (sound and lighting).