Seamus Hammond
KD, or Köln-Düsseldorfer, is the largest operator of day cruises and pleasure boats on the Rhine River in Germany. With a history spanning over 185 years, KD is the only shipping company to run daily services along the entire stretch of the Rhine between Cologne and Mainz. The cruise line offers many round-trip panorama cruises in Cologne, with up to six departures per day. The KD panorama cruise starts and ends in the heart of the Old Town, and during the one-hour cruise, passengers can enjoy the city's unique panorama while learning about its history. The KD landing stage is just a five-minute walk from Cologne's famous cathedral.
What You'll Learn
KD Rhine Cruise: Take a tour of the world cultural heritage where the German castle stands
The KD, or Köln-Düsseldorfer, Rhine cruise is a great way to experience the beauty of the Rhine River and its surrounding castles. Here is some information to help you plan your tour:
The KD Rhine Cruise Experience
The KD cruise line offers a unique perspective on the Rhine River, one of the most famous waterways in the world. With a long history of over 185 years, KD is the most experienced river cruise company and the only shipping company that operates daily services along the entire stretch of the Rhine between Cologne and Mainz. The cruise line has 14 ships in its fleet, providing countless ways to enjoy the sights and experience the Rhine.
Itinerary and Stops
The KD Rhine cruise typically covers the Romantic Middle Rhine between Rüdesheim, the Loreley in St. Goar, and Boppard. Along this route, you will pass by numerous castles, including Stolzenfels Castle, Marxburg Castle, Sterrenberg Castle, and many others. The cruise also offers stunning views of the river valley, with its farmland and medieval buildings. This section of the Rhine, known as the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, is renowned for its romantic scenery and was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2002.
Boarding Options and Transportation
The KD cruise has multiple boarding options, with 32 terminals from Cologne to Mainz. The main operating routes include three voyages: Cologne to Linz, Koblenz to Rüdesheim, and Boppard to Mainz. It is important to note that there is no direct boat from Cologne to Mainz. The sailing season for these cruises is typically from March to October.
To get to the KD ferry terminal in Koblenz, you can take the DB Deutsche Bahn from the central station and walk about 1.5 kilometers to the pier on the Rhine. Along the way, you'll pass by the LÖHR CENTER Koblenz shopping center and various monuments. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the cross-city movement by using the DB pass to board fast rail lines such as IC or RE to and from the KD ferry terminals, saving time and money.
Onboard Experience
The KD cruise ships vary in size, with 12 types of boats available. The MS Stolzenfels, the fourth-largest ship, is commonly used for cruises on the Middle Rhine. It has three stories, with wheelchair access to the middle deck. The upper deck features an open-air bar and lounge chairs, perfect for sunbathing. There is also a restaurant and indoor seating on both sides of the walkway, ensuring comfortable sightseeing regardless of the weather.
Additional Tips
If you're looking for a shorter voyage, you can consider disembarking at one of the many scenic towns along the way, such as St. Goar. Additionally, KD offers short-distance cruises within urban areas, providing a convenient option for those who want to explore Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and other cities from the water.
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KD's Cologne-Düsseldorf cruise route and ticket
KD (Köln-Düsseldorfer) is the world's most experienced river cruise company, with a history spanning over 185 years. It is the only shipping company that runs daily services along the entire stretch of the Rhine between Cologne and Mainz.
KD offers a one-hour panorama cruise in Cologne, which starts and ends in the heart of the Old Town. The cruise has up to six daily departures (10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30, and 18:00) and costs €18 for adults, €9 for children/pupils/students, €14.40 for seniors, and €46 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Tickets can be purchased online, at the KD head office, or at KD ticket offices on-site at the wharfs.
In addition to the Cologne panorama cruise, KD offers various cruises that cover different sections of the Rhine River. These include:
- Day trip from Düsseldorf to Cologne
- Evening Panorama Cruise Düsseldorf
- Day trip from Cologne to Zons
- Day trip from Düsseldorf to Zons
- Day trip from Düsseldorf to Duisburg
- Day trip from Düsseldorf to Monheim
- Day trip from Cologne to Monheim
- Evening Panorama Cruise Cologne
- Evening Panorama Cruise Bonn
Where in Cologne Does the KD Rhine Tour Stop?
The KD panorama cruise in Cologne starts and ends in the Old Town, with the landing stage located just a five-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral.
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KD Rhine Day Cruises: The most experienced river cruise company in the world
KD, the White Fleet of the Rhine, is the most experienced river cruise company in the world. With a history spanning over 185 years, KD is the only shipping company that runs daily services along the entire stretch of the Rhine between Cologne and Mainz. On the Romantic Middle Rhine between Rüdesheim, the Loreley in St. Goar, and Boppard, KD's modern ships cruise all year round.
The KD fleet consists of 14 ships, offering guests countless ways to enjoy the sights. The company provides daily up to six departures for its one-hour panorama cruise in Cologne, with tickets priced at €18 for adults, €9 for children and pupils, and €14.40 for seniors. A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) costs €46. The cruise includes explanations of the sights and offers food and drinks à la carte.
In addition to its panorama cruises, KD also offers various day-trip cruises along the Rhine River, including the popular Middle Rhine (Loreley Valley) between Rüdesheim/Bingen and Koblenz. This section of the river is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts numerous castles and romantic villages. Day cruises generally do not depart from Cologne to the Loreley Valley, but travellers can take frequent trains from Cologne to Bingen, which take around 90 minutes to 2 hours.
For those seeking a shorter cruise option, KD offers a 30-minute cruise between Cologne and Köln-Porz, priced at €17 for one hour. This cruise provides a glimpse of Cologne's picturesque city skyline and is a great option for those short on time.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing day trip along the Rhine or a quick cruise to take in the sights of Cologne, KD Rhine Day Cruises has something for everyone. With their extensive experience and range of cruise options, KD is the perfect choice for exploring the beauty of the Rhine River.
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KD's cruise experience on the Rhine
KDs is the largest operator of day cruises and pleasure boats on the Rhine River in Germany. With a history spanning over 185 years, KD is the only shipping company to run daily services along the entire stretch of the Rhine between Cologne and Mainz. The company offers many round-trip panorama cruises in Cologne, with up to six departures per day. The cruise starts and ends in the heart of the Old Town, with the KD landing stage just a five-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral. During the one-hour cruise, passengers can enjoy the unique city panorama while learning about the city's history, peculiarities, and inhabitants. Tickets for adults are €18, while children and seniors get discounted rates.
In addition to the short cruises in Cologne, KD also offers longer day-trip cruises along the Rhine River. The most popular section for these cruises is the romantic Middle Rhine between Rüdesheim/Bingen and Koblenz, which includes the Loreley Rock, numerous castles, and romantic villages. This stretch of the river is a UNESCO World Heritage site. KD has several cruise options along this route, with departures from Rüdesheim/Bingen, Koblenz, and other towns along the way. The cruise experience is relaxing and scenic, passing by castles, vineyards, and pretty villages. The boats are comfortable and well-maintained, with plenty of space and food and drink available on board.
Passengers can choose from different types of boats, including modern ships and the historic sidewheel steam-powered vessel MS Goethe. The cruise duration varies depending on the route and can range from a few hours to a full day. The cruises are a great way to explore the Rhine River Valley and its attractions, including the famous Loreley Statue and the many castles along the river.
Overall, KD offers a range of cruise experiences on the Rhine River, from short panorama cruises in Cologne to longer day trips along the Middle Rhine. With its long history, comfortable ships, and scenic routes, KD provides a great way to explore the beauty and history of the Rhine River Valley.
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KD's cruise facilities
K-D, or Köln-Düsseldorfer, is the largest operator of day cruises and pleasure boats on the Rhine River. With a history spanning over 185 years, it is the most experienced river cruise company in the world and the only shipping company to run daily services along the entire stretch of the Rhine between Cologne and Mainz.
K-D offers a range of cruise options, from short panorama cruises to longer day trips, and even the option to hire your own ship for an event. The company has 12 types of boats of different sizes, including the MS Stolzenfels, a three-story cruise ship with a restaurant, an open-air bar on the upper deck, and many lounge chairs in the outdoor area.
The K-D cruise experience offers a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings. The one-hour panorama cruise in Cologne, for example, provides a floating sightseeing tour of the cathedral city, with departures up to six times a day. For those looking for a longer cruise, K-D offers day trips from Düsseldorf to Cologne, medieval Zons, or Duisburg, including lunch and time for sightseeing.
In addition to its regular cruises, K-D also operates short-distance cruises within urban areas, such as Cologne and Düsseldorf, providing a convenient and scenic way to get around the city.
K-D's cruises are a great way to take in the stunning scenery of the Rhine River, including the Romantic Middle Rhine between Rüdesheim, the Loreley in St. Goar, and Boppard, where modern ships cruise all year round. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, known as the Romantic Rhine, is a particularly picturesque stretch of the river, boasting over 40 castles and other medieval buildings, farmland, and valley landscapes.
K-D's cruises are not just limited to the Rhine River; they also offer voyages on the Rhine's tributary, the Moselle, between Koblenz and Cochem. This provides passengers with yet another opportunity to explore historic castles and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.
Whether you're looking for a short panorama cruise or a full-day excursion, K-D has a range of cruise facilities and options to suit your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
KD Rhine Tours depart from the KD landing stage in Cologne, which is only a five-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral.
The KD Rhine Tour lasts for one hour.
The KD Rhine Tour costs €18 for adults, €9 for children and students, and €14.40 for seniors. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs €46.
