FTI Cruises is the booking agent for the Deutschland as of Oct. 1, 2014. Thus, FTI has taken over all sales and marketing for Peter Deilmann’s ship in the German and Austrian markets.

“We are very excited being able to expand our portfolio to a five-star ship,” said Ralph Schiller, group managing director for FTI, which already operates the Berlin under its FTI brand.

As the fourth largest tour operator in Germany, both ships can be booked through more than 11,000 travel agencies. In addition, past customers can also continue to book directly with Peter Deilmann.

FTI travel agents have been undergoing extensive product training for the addition of the Deutschland, according to Schiller.

The 1998-built, 22,400-ton, 620-passenger Deutschland is known as the Traumschiff, the German version of the Love Boat.

The 9,570-ton Berlin was built in 1980 and carries 352 passengers, double occupancy.