My first question when I returned from my trip on Peter Deilmann's MV Mozart was, "Why doesn't every company that does incentive programs to Europe do a river cruise?"  The only answer I could come up with was, "They can't possibly know it exists."

River cruising....what a fantastic way to get the most out of a trip to Europe!  The ship takes you to all of the points of interest along the river, be it the Elbe, Danube, Rhine, Rhone, etc and then does the job of a DMC by selecting and operating the best tours in each region with English speaking guides.  These cruises generally hit two or three countries in-route, and the cruise line eliminates the need for you to hire specialists in each foreign land to assist you with your program.  Nirvana!

By a long shot, the Peter Deilmann EuropAmerica Cruise Company is the finest river ship company in the world.  Featuring only four and five star products, Deilmann has a fleet of consistently well-maintained quality vessels, with the largest and most deluxe being the MV Mozart.  The food and service are on par with Seabourn and Radisson throughout the fleet of eight river ships (the well-received Cezanne will be joining the fleet next year), a 5-star ocean-going cruise ship, the Deutschland and a 50-passenger sailing ship, the Lili Marleen to name just two.  The ships are spotless. 

Original works of art from Mr. Deilmann's private collection, tiffany glass and rich woods adorn each vessel, which have elegant European decor and a warm, welcoming ambiance.   This is a far cry from most other river ships, which are sparsely furnished in vinyl and florescent lighting, offering little or no elegance.  It is also important to understand that Deilmann vessels have almost twice as many crew on board, with a passenger to staff ratio of 2.5.  Most others are 4 or 5 to 1.  Obviously, this translates to better food and service throughout. 

You may be surprised to know that an average of 40% of the passengers that travel on Deilmann's river ships come from North America.  This is the only river ship company that maintains a full sales office in the United States to service its passengers.  In addition, the on board personnel are fully trained to understand the needs of American individual travelers and incentive groups. 

This is also the only company I know of that will let you purchase part charter space in any cabin amount.  For instance, the Mozart carries 198 passengers. If you want to do a non-exclusive part charter for 100 or 150 passengers (for example), you will get the same per person rate (as if you had chartered) but will only have the financial liability for your part charter portion.  Rates are surprisingly affordable.  Call for details.

The MV Mozart 

The Mozart carries 198 passengers in identical 203 square foot outside cabins.  80% of the cabins have queen beds, while 20% offer twin bed accommodations.  A large number of the cabins are adjoining, so that you can offer suites to your VIP clients.  In addition, there are three inside cabins for travel staff. 

Cabins are beautifully appointed and feature double closets that all lock with a key (therefore a wall safe is not needed), color TV, mini bar, sofa, coffee table, and large picture windows.  Feather pillows and eiderdowns are standard, with synthetic materials available upon request.  Bathrooms are large and feature a stall shower with a door (no curtains here!), hair dryer and terry robes upon request.  Storage is plentiful both in the bathroom and in the cabin itself.  

The Mozart has more public space than any other river ship.  In addition to her single-seating dining room, the ship features a bar, small cafe, walk around boutique, library, meeting room, entertainment lounge, beauty salon and a fitness center with indoor heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, tanning bed and massage room.  There are six meals a day, in addition to two complimentary ship-wide cocktail parties.  Many of the wine selections on the ship are from the region in which the ship travels.  In the evening, there is European-style

entertainment.  I enjoyed the musicians and singers and found them much more relaxing and entertaining than having to attend a Broadway-style show every night.

River cruises operate from early April through the end of October.  They are generally seven nights in duration.  You can charter a ship just before or after the season for less nights and only pay for the nights you use.  It is possible to charter ships on the same river in tandem.

Popular 7-night Itineraries

• 5-star Mozart (198 pax) and 4-star Danube Princess (200 pax) - on the Danube going r/t Passau (Germany) featuring Vienna and Budapest

• 5-star Katharina (79 pax) - on the Elbe going from Berlin to Prague

• 5-star Dresden (106 pax) and 4 star Konigstein (58 pax) - on the Elbe going from Dresden to Hamburg

• 4-star Princess de Provence (140 pax) - on the Rhone and Saone going r/t Lyon

• 5-star Cezanne (98 pax) - on the Rhone going from Lyon to Avignon

• 4-star Prussian Princess (138 pax)- on the Rhine, Moselle & Main Canal.  This ship does many different itineraries, including r/t Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Basel, Amsterdam to Trier, Basel to Passau, Mainz to Amsterdam, Mainz to Passau, r/t Mainz and Mainz to Vienna     

This company puts out a terrific user-friendly brochure, complete with deck plans, ship descriptions, city highlights and tour information.  If you would like one or more, please complete our enquiry form.

Following are some comments from your incentive house colleagues:

Ira Almeas, Owner, Impact Incentives:   "The Mozart is truly a five-star product from the richness of the public areas, the size and details in the guest cabins, the prompt service of the staff and the quality and presentation of the cuisine. I think I prefer the river cruise experience to that of the ocean vessels because you do not "feel" the motion of the ship whilst sailing. In addition, there are plenty of sights to see along the journey."

Lois McPherson, Independent Purchasing Agent:  "The Mozart is a fabulous way to see so much of Europe without having to pack and unpack several times. It's like staying in a deluxe hotel with ever-changing countryside views. The staff was impeccable and the food was outstanding. Having sailed this vessel three years ago, I was very pleased with the recent refurbishment done on the Mozart."

Tricia Hirtzinger, Purchasing, Excellence In Motivation:  "We would be doing a disservice to our clients if we did not share the Mozart with them!  It is an outstanding incentive product that exceeds the expectations of the most well-traveled incentive winner."

Cathy McCoy, Account Executive, Navigant Meetings and Incentives: "A unique cruising experience with exquisite food, superb service and views beyond belief.  The best curry with ginger cream soup I have ever had!"

So, to sum it all up, just imagine you check into a five-star European hotel and the hotel accompanies you from city to city.  That is what river cruising is all about.  I can't think of a better way for a novice or experienced group to see the best of what Europe has to offer.  I highly recommend both the river experience and the Peter Deilmann Cruise product for your next European incentive program.