With 12 ships on five European rivers, Rostock-based A-ROSA is the market leader in German premium-class cruising, said Jörg Eichler, CEO of A-ROSA Flussschiff. The company looks to cement that status with the release of its innovative E-Motion ship in 2021, according to the 2020 European River Cruise Market Report by Cruise Industry News.

Being built in The Netherlands by Concordia Damen shipyard, the four-deck, 135-meter long, 17.7-meter wide vessel will feature battery-propulsion and air-bubble technology expected by environmentally-conscious consumers and hosts. With the flip of a switch the engines operate on battery power for an emissions-free city approach or departure. The battery will charge while docked via shoreside power.

The A-ROSA E-Motion ship will have 140 cabins. The double cabins are an industry-leading 21 square meters, Eichler said. Cabins outside the Family Area each have a large balcony with seating for two people.

The E-Motion ship will mainly ply the northern Rhine, departing from Cologne and calling at Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Bruges, and Antwerp.

“It will be perfectly tailored to fit our city-trip concept for the whole family,” Eichler said.

Children under 15 sail for free on A-ROSA and the new ship maximizes that appeal.

“We will have a dedicated Family Area housing spacious family cabins – 28 square meters – and the Kids’ Club where youngsters can run around and play, do craft activities, and read,  Eichler said. The sun deck will feature a swimming pool for adults and a separate children’s pool.

The line offers several family-specific cruises.

Another A-ROSA selling point is its dedication to touring the metropolises of Europe, from Antwerp to Würzburg. The idea is, sailing through the countryside, then suburbs, then into the heart of the city, gives a unique perspective on the role urban centers play and how people organize themselves. Docking generally in the center of it all, rather than arriving at a distant airport, adds an unparalleled, immediacy and intimacy, according to Eichler.

Opposite that, the nature-specific cruises offer much needed getaways.

“Each of our itineraries has a very special charm and is very popular with our guests. This year, for example, the Rhone stands out due to its Mediterranean climate. Last year we were able to delight many guests with the Danube and the metropolises such as Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava,” he said.

More than just family friendly, A-ROSA also offers all-inclusive drink and excursion programs, gourmet tours, their SPA-ROSA area, and DJs and guest musicians.

About the 2020 European Cruise River Market Report 

The new European Cruise Market Report provides a comprehensive look at the river cruise business with capacity metrics by river and brand, company profiles and much more. 100+ pages of insights. Learn more.