MS RheinGalaxie is the latest event ship of German river cruise operator Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD). It is the company’s first new-build since 2011.
The construction of the new, ultra-modern ship was approved in March 2019. Launched at the De Hoop shipyard in Lobith, Netherlands in March 2020, the ship is being built at a cost of approximately €13m ($14.67m). Yacht designer Rene van der Velden created a unique design concept for the ship.
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The ship will join KD’s fleet that includes MS RheinFantasie, MS RheinPoesie, MS RheinEnergie, MS Jan von Werth, and MS Moselprinz.
MS RheinGalaxie event ship will cruise on the Rhine river in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
Construction of MS RheinGalaxie
The arrangement of the instruments was started in December 2019, while the animations of the interiors were unveiled in January 2020.
The construction of the hull was completed at the NMC shipyard in Nieuw-Lekkerland, in February 2020, before being transported to Lobith for the interior work. Work at the De Hoop shipyard includes the installation of kitchen equipment, interior equipment, engines, technology, windows and cabins.
MS RheinGalaxie ship design and features
The ship has an overall length of 85m and a beam of 14m, with a usable area of 2,500m² and passenger capacity of 1,000 guests. Unlike conventional passenger vessels, which feature a standard curved bow, MS RheinGalaxie is equipped with a rectilinear axe bow. The hull design includes flowing lines and a pointed bow section.
The ship design is incorporated with a special lighting and colour concept using indirect and direct lighting effects to give a transparent and dynamic look. The interior of the ship has been designed with neutral decor, which includes light and dark woods and subtle colours for the upholstery and surfaces.
The ship will feature Skywalk, a VIP viewing platform located above the open-air deck. The open-air deck will feature a gallery spread across an area of 85m² and include a dance floor, while the lobby of the ship will be a spacious atrium. Floor-to-ceiling windows over two levels will provide guests with a panoramic view.
The entrance of the ship is designed with a feature wall, which is fitted with LED screens and connects all the three decks to provide the effect of a single large room. MS RheinGalaxie, which is equipped with 3 × 440kW drive power, will comply with European Union (EU) Stage V emissions legislation.
Amenities
The multi-functional ship will be the most modern ship in the river cruise company’s fleet and will feature advanced technology and high-quality equipment. The 40m-long, 13m-wide main deck has a gallery level on the upper deck. Spanning 600m², the gallery level will host special events, trade fairs and other events. The area will also include two bars in opposite corners.
With staggered levels, the 1,200m² open deck will offer an optimal view of a centrally placed stage. The front area of the ship will have two salons on two levels combining to create a lounge-style open area. Cloakrooms and toilets can be accessed from the lobby.
Dining and entertainment venues of MS RheinGalaxie
The ship will feature a DJ booth and barbecue stations at the back of the sun deck. It will offer buffets, creative gala menus with quality, regional ingredient.
The stage is arranged to one side to enable better viewing for the guests and the use of advanced lighting and sound technology is designed to further improve the experiences. The event liner will feature fog machines and the latest event technology and will be able to conduct LED light shows.
MS RheinGalaxie can host several events ranging from corporate events, parties, theatrical performances, conferences, and culinary cruises to fairs and exhibitions.
Contractors involved
Shipyard De Hoop received an order to build the event ship for KD in March 2019.
Schiffstechnik Buchloh was contracted to perform design engineering work for the ship project.
Alewijnse Marine and Droste Elektro were awarded a contract to install navigation and communications systems and electrical systems.
Alewijnse is responsible for the supply and installation of power and lighting distribution panels, as well as communications systems, while Droste is providing power distribution, emergency and shore-line connection switchboards and handling electrical engineering works.
