Questions

1. Is the ship in excellent condition? There brochure says she is refurbished annually is this true?

2. Will an American that speaks little German but enjoys other cultures feel welcomed?

3. From the pictures I've seen I like the decor of the ship and I am fine with the fact that the evening entertainment is not typical of the large U.S. based ships. Is the dress code on this ship coat and tie every evening with black tie on formal nights? Are there any less formal evenings.

I'm planning to get a group together to go on this trip so I'm trying to find out if this ship will work for us.

Thanks for any input.

I would like to cruise to Norway some time between May 9 and May 27 2006. Deutschland has a pretty nice (sceneic) itinerary on May 16. There are other ships. The Braemar and Oriania both have cruises during this period although I didn't like their itineraries quite as much. Norwegian Coastal Voyage is not an option for some of my travel companions (don't ask why!).

Thanks again; any other input would be appreciated.

Concerning Deutschland: She is not 'bad' - but a bit overpaid for what she is. (small cabins etc.) As said: For a good itinery or if you like this 'retro style' she is fine.

[ 10-11-2005: Message edited by: Ernst ]

I’ve not cruised on this ship, but I have visited her a couple of years ago. Her ‘Grand Hotel’ interiors are stunning. They are probably some of the most attractive afloat. I would imagine that she is maintained to be immaculate at all times. She was when I saw her and she was not a new ship, even then.

The German staff mostly speak good English as it is the ships ‘second language’. The ‘Cruise News’ sheets were available in English. My main concern about cruising on her would be cultural factors of mixing with many Germany speaking guests. I would imagine the onboard atmosphere is formal.

I understand that the entertainment is ‘international’ in style, but I’m not sure how this is achieved. She actually has a ‘ballroom’ rather than a ‘Theatre’ so don’t expect big Broadway productions.

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Originally posted by seatrial:

I would like to cruise to Norway some time between May 9 and May 27 2006. Deutschland has a pretty nice (sceneic) itinerary on May 16. There are other ships. The Braemar and Oriania both have cruises during this period although I didn't like their itineraries quite as much. Norwegian Coastal Voyage is not an option for some of my travel companions (don't ask why!).

Seatrial

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'QE2' is off to the Fjords on May 19th, 2006

Although perhaps in a different league, 'Albatros' and 'Lili Marleen' also cruise the Fjords that period, as does Thomson's 'Celebration'.

I also read a Louis cruise ship should do the route, as do the MV 'Van Gogh' and the 'Athena'.

'Marco Polo' is in the Mediterranean and on her way to the North in May 2006.

MSC has the 'Rhapsody' and, I think, the 'Lirica'

The Fjords will be quite busy in MAy 2006 !

[ 10-11-2005: Message edited by: Ernst ]

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1. Is the ship in excellent condition? There brochure says she is refurbished annually is this true?

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seatrial,

like most ships operating on the German market, the "Deutschland" is refurbished annually. Her last drydocking earlier this year included a significant expansion of the spa area. The ship looked immaculate when I was on board in July.

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2. Will an American that speaks little German but enjoys other cultures feel welcomed?

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Of course it always depends on the passenger mix on your cruise, but generally, there will always be plenty of fellow pasengers who speak English and virtually all crew members are also fluent in English.

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Is the dress code on this ship coat and tie every evening with black tie on formal nights? Are there any less formal evenings.

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While a tie isn't required every night, a coat is. Most male passengers will be wearing ties, however.

Best,

Does anyone have a photo or two of the Deutschland suitable in size for a computer desktop wallpaper. I can't seem to find any large photos of the ship.

Thanks again,

But you are not impressed by her decor and still would like to try a 'non US' ship I would - as said - recommend the finally much better, but also a bit more expensive Europa or the lovely Hanseatic.

[ 10-11-2005: Message edited by: Ernst ]

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Originally posted by seatrial:
I'm wanting a ship that will provide a trip comparable in quality to that of QM2.

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I think there are strong parallels in terms of decore and service, although as you say, they are very different ships.

I think QM2 fans might regard the QE2 as dissapointing. There are of course the likes of Seabourne.

The excellent Ship Parade has a nice ship tour of the Deutschland.

[ 10-11-2005: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

seatrial, if any of the pics of mine in the galleries take your fancy for a desktop, I can let you have a suitable file without my name strewn across it.

Thanks for your reply and thank you for the pictures; very nice. I have been to the German website for Deutschland; however, my German is not so good. I did notice that the German brochure for Deutschland is much more extensive than the English-language brochure. I guess this is to be expected. Does anyone know if menus can be provided in English on the ship and how the language barrier might affect shore excursions. It is my understanding that Peter Deilmann does offer limited English language excursions. However, I wonder if any of these excursions will be the good ones like glacier hiking in Norway, etc.

Thanks,

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Originally posted by seatrial:
Does anyone know if menus can be provided in English on the ship and how the language barrier might affect shore excursions.

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You may find their toll free / fax numbers and Email address on the site for further assistance.

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MS Deutschland has been created primarily for the Northern European traveler. However, discriminating individuals from around the world are invited to enjoy her gracious ambiance as well. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

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[ 10-13-2005: Message edited by: Ocean Liners ]

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Ernst wrote:
I think you will easily survive aboard a 'German' vessel speaking English only - the crew will able to comunicate with you in English and they can provide you with English menues or daily programs. (I have seen this on other German ships and can not imagine that the Deutschland is not able to do that) English shore excursion might be a problem as there are usually only a few (if any) English speaking passengers - not enough to fill a bus - but with some good will you can still participate and enjoy the German tours, also one might be able to arrange something for you or your group.
I would say the language barrier is not big a problem.

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Language is never a barrier. As Ernst said, there is the crew and staff, also among the passengers you’ll always find someone who can speak English. As for the tours, you can always organize something beforehand, maybe a guide book or some other written information. Find out from the cruise line how they can help you.

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