President, Peter Deilmann Cruises

Ronald A. Santangelo has been President of Peter Deilmann Cruises for ten  years, appointed in 1996 by the late Peter Deilmann, the former CEO of Peter Deilmann Reederei GmbH + Co., the German-based cruise ship line. The company is now run by the daughters of Peter Deilmann, Gisa and Hedda Deilmann.

Based at the company's North American headquarters in Alexandria, Virgina, Santangelo  was appointed after the company opened its first US offices in October 1995 to market its cruises in North America.  A cruise-industry veteran, Santangelo brought 23 years of experience in cruising to his position at Deilmann—as  president and CEO of Regency Cruises for two years, and prior to that senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at Cunard where he began his cruise industry career in 1972.

At Deilmann, he is responsible for the sales and marketing of nine European river vessels,  and the 513-passenger luxury ocean liner, MS Deutschland. Recently ShipsandCruises’ PW Mooney asked Santangelo about the Deutschland and the company’s plans for the North American market. Excerpts:

Why did Peter Deilmann build this ship? One source says it was principally to display some of his art from his extensive collection.

The Deutschland was built expressly to offer German guests cruising in the fine German cruising tradition. She is the only ocean liner registered in Germany and flying the German flag. All others fly flags of convenience. It certainly wasn’t built to house the owner’s art work.  However, his artwork collection makes Deutschland very special and completes the ambience of a Grand European Hotel, which is the strategic positioning of the vessel in a competitive marketplace filled with mega ships.

I understand that bilingual programs are presented on the Deutschland when there are nine or more passengers?

I have known Deilmann to do things bilingually for as few as five passengers.  However, they would certainly do it for nine or more passengers.

What other changes are being planned to attract more North Americans? Such as more English books and magazines on board or English-language videos for the cabin TV. Or perhaps more American-style foods in the restaurants?

English-language books and games are provided through the US office. In the course of the year, several hundred are sent to the vessel.  These are continuously replenished.  More English-language movies will be introduced in 2006. Our popular English-only shore excursions will be continued for 2006 and beyond.

 The key thing being done in 2006 to attract more Americans is to feature free air travel and transfers to and from the vessel from 16 East Coast gateway cities and only nominal amounts of $50 to $200 from up to 34 other US gateways.  Getting to and from the vessel (with her unusual itineraries) for a reasonable amount of money has often been a key impediment.

The vessel will continue to operate like a Grand European Hotel with continental style menus and there are no plans to alter the menus to feature American cuisine. People select Deutschland for this very reason. She is very European.

Will the ship be SOLAS compliant by 2010? Or is it now? On my cruise I saw so much wood paneling on board that I wondered if this were a safety issue?

The ship is SOLAS compliant now and requires little modification to be fully compliant in 2010

What about Internet availability? Do you plan to have a small Internet Café on board in the future or perhaps even Wi-Fi in the cabins?

There are no plans for an Internet Café on board Deutschland at this time.

Any plans for Deilmann Cruises to become a member of Cruise Lines International of America (CLIA) as you open the market to more North Americans?

Deilmann was a founding member of CLIA until 1996.  There was little benefit to the company for the annual expenditures required.  CLIA was pre occupied with the mainstream cruise lines and focused few if any resources on the niche cruise lines.

There is no plan to re-join since Deilmann now belongs to the Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance (NCMA).  This cluster of 10 niche cruise lines is dedicated to training travel agents in North America on selling niche cruising. 

Will there be more US/Canada itineraries in 2007 from homeports to attract North Americans?

The US and Canadian itineraries do not attract Americans to Deutschland. In fact, the sailings in these waters have almost a complete absence of Americans. These itineraries are designed to appeal to the European traveler who wants to explore North America.  The Deutschland is most successful in attracting Americans to her exotic itineraries in Africa, the North Cape, Baltic and Mediterranean.

I heard that there may be a new ship added to the Deilmann fleet that will be geared to English-speaking passengers. Is there any more information on that possibility?

Deilmann has not announced any plans for its next vessel.  However, this is being studied by the owners.