New York – Peter Deilmann Cruises has announced a ban on smoking aboard its luxury flagship MS Deutschland, effective January 1, 2008.  This decision follows an earlier announcement that smoking would not be allowed on any of the company’s nine European River ships, starting at the beginning of the 2008 season in March.  Guests will be permitted to smoke only on the outside decks of any ship.  This is an extension of a smoking ban limited to the cabins and corridors of all ships invoked in 2005.

        “With Europe following America’s lead in passing laws that help reduce the effects of smoking on non-smokers, we are happy to adjust our policy to fully participate in this effort,” stated Ron Santangelo, Deilmann’s North America president.  “Along with the best crew-to-passenger ratio on our river vessels, the elegant style of our flagship, our highly rated continental cuisine and the exceptional quality of our personalized service, this will be another good reason for American guests to sail with Peter Deilmann Cruises in 2008,” he added.