Delphin Kreuzfahrten GmbH

Delphin Kreuzfahrten was a brand of the Hamburg-based Delphin Group, offering traditional cruises to the German-speaking market. The group also included Hansa Kreuzfahrten as a distinct brand. Delphin Kreuzfahrten GmbH was established in 2006 as the successor company to Delphin Seereisen of Offenbach. Its registered office was in Hamburg, with a branch office in Offenbach. Thus, “Delphin Kreuzfahrten” refers both to the tour operator brand and, in the company name, to a specific company within the group.

Small ocean-going ships and long-distance itineraries

In its 2010/11 report, the European Cruise Council listed the Delphin Group and its brands, Delphin Kreuzfahrten and Hansa Kreuzfahrten. The report named three smaller ocean-going ships operated by the group: Delphin Voyager, Princess Daphne and Delphin. The fleet overview at the time gave their capacities as 590, 450 and 470 guests, respectively. The report described the cruises as targeting the German-speaking market and featuring a traditional onboard concept with a personal, cosy atmosphere. These details illustrate the brand’s position in the German cruise industry at the time.

The destinations cited in the report spanned the northern and southern hemispheres, including the Arctic and Antarctic; world cruises were also part of the programme. For a brand with three comparatively small ocean-going ships, this meant combining worldwide itineraries with a modest fleet. An overview of ocean-going ships puts ship types and sizes into context; the ocean-cruise regions show the itinerary areas of the time in the context of sea travel.

Insolvency and cessation of business

On 12 October 2010, Delphin Kreuzfahrten GmbH and Delphin Cruises GmbH filed for insolvency with Hamburg District Court. A contemporary report cited the dispute over the chartered Delphin Voyager and disagreements with its owner as contributing factors in the crisis. The Voyager ended a Mediterranean cruise early at the time; the report also noted that Hansa Kreuzfahrten was then a brand of Delphin Cruises, not an independent company. The legal proceedings therefore involved companies and brands with different roles within the Delphin Group. The DRV reported on both insolvency filings in its newsletter of 14 October 2010. The tour operator ceased operations in 2010. The overview of cruise companies helps distinguish former brands, tour operators and corporate groups.