Deutschland music cruises
The MS Deutschland, a 520-passenger ocean liner of Peter Deilmann Cruises (Alexandria, VA; 800/348/8287, www.deilmann-cruises.com), offers theme cruises, including classical music cruises. I was aboard for the Sept. 18-Oct. 1, 2008, classical music cruise from Hamburg, Germany, to Monte Carlo, Monaco.
The basic cruise cost started at $5,391 per person, double occupancy, and included airfare from New York, European airport transfers, meals, all shore excursions and all musical performances aboard the ship. Additional costs were $265 air taxes, $125 port charges and $130 fuel surcharge.
I paid an add-on of $150 to leave from Seattle, flying Lufthansa to Frankfurt nonstop, with a connecting flight to Hamburg.
Ports of call included Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Honfleur, Lorient, Lisbon, Valencia, Sète and Monte Carlo. Shore excursions, included in the cost, were well organized and interesting, with well-informed local guides.
Aboard ship there was a comfortable, elegant ambience, with an international group of passengers and crew. A captain’s party was held for repeat Deutschland cruisers; two-thirds of the passengers had been aboard previously. I had been on two of the classical music cruises, one from Lisbon to Venice in April ’05 and one from Málaga to Athens in October ’06.
The 20-piece Württemberg Chamber Orchestra Heilbronn (Germany) was on board for this cruise, the same orchestra that had been on board in 2005 and 2006. The 2006 cruise was entitled “Homage to Mozart,” celebrating the 250th anniversary of his birth. In 2008, 12 solo musicians were also brought on board to play with the orchestra and give recitals. I counted 25 concerts and recitals during the 12-day cruise.
Lectures about the music, get-togethers with the musicians and shore-excursion presentations all were well done.
The ship’s staterooms are beautiful and roomy. I have booked inside and outside cabins and found both very comfortable. I am quite tall, yet I found the bed quite ample. Each has a cozy duvet. There is plenty of space in closets and bath.
A variety of programming was available on the room TV. The ship’s newsletters as well as US and world news newspapers are placed in each cabin daily. Complimentary fresh fruit was always available.
The dining is superb. Restaurant Berlin offers a good variety, including chef’s suggestion, vegetarian and wellness menus (for those counting calories). One also may dine in the Four Seasons (Vier Jahreszeiten), recognized by the Chaine des Rôtisseurs, at no additional cost. Those who prefer to dine informally may do so at the Lido buffet.
The Deutschland’s next music cruise, “Baroque Music Festival,” May 21-June 3, 2009, will honor Georg Friedrich Händel on the 250th anniversary of his death, sailing Hamburg-London-Aberdeen-Ullapool-Dublin-Cobh-Brugge-Hamburg (from $5,965).
Being aboard the MS Deutschland for three classical music cruises, I would rate the experience as A+ in all regards. Fine accommodations, a fascinating variety of ports of call, superb dining, friendly and helpful crew, interesting lectures, and excellent concerts and recitals in an elegant setting combine to make an unforgettable cruising experience.
I would be happy to answer any questions. E-mail me c/o ITN.
KATHRYN WHITMER
Bellingham, WA