The Brand A-ROSA
A-ROSA is the leading German supplier of premium river cruises along Europe’s most beautiful rivers – the Danube, Douro, Rhine/Main/Moselle, Rhône/Saône and Seine. The fleet currently counts 15 ships, which combine the amenities of a hotel with the advantages of a cruise thanks to their extensive service and modern facilities. On board, guests booked under the Premium All-Inclusive fare are spoilt with varying buffets, high-quality drinks and the SPA-ROSA with sauna, massage room and gym. Central berths guarantee short distances to the hearts of Europe’s metropolises, historical gems or famous cultural and natural highlights and unforgettable experiences. One of the highlights is watching this picturesque scenery pass by from the sun deck or balcony. Spacious cabins, a Kids Club, heated outdoor pools and free travel for children up to and including the age of 15 on deck 1 ensure a memorable holiday for the whole family. To preserve the cities and landscapes for future generations, A-ROSA focuses firmly on sustainability. Since June 2022, the E-Motion Ship, A-ROSA SENA, has been sailing on the Rhine, docking in cities almost emission-free and silently thanks to a hybrid propulsion system with battery storage. This and other innovative technologies earned A-ROSA SENA first place at the 2022 German Awards for Sustainability Projects.
5
Rivers
15
Ships
>20
Years of experience
~850
Employees
In addition to its headquarters in Rostock/Germany, the cruise line has offices in Chur/Switzerland, Cardiff/UK and Sydney/Australia. All marketing and sales operations are managed from the headquarters in Rostock, guests are supported by the in-house service center and sustainability concepts are developed further. In addition, the international sales team is happy to assist travel agencies with any concerns, big or small. Other departments include yield management and public relations. Operational ship management, including hotel operations and the nautical and technical departments, is managed from Switzerland. Crew coordination, recruitment, further education and training are managed by the human resources department. In total, A-ROSA has a staff of around 850 employees from over 25 countries.
A-ROSA recruits most of the crew, which is employed and insured in Switzerland, by itself. During the winter break, the crew members undergo extensive training and prepare for the next season. The Rostock office also has a long-standing tradition of fostering young talent. New apprentices specialising in tourism are welcomed every August and spend three years learning the ropes in every marketing and sales department. They are actively involved in the tasks of the departments and are responsible for their own small projects. Very often, trainees decide to continue their professional career at A-ROSA after successfully completing their studies. This is one of the reasons why the company was recognised as a TOP training company by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rostock in 2023.
CEO Jörg Eichler has been managing director of A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH since 2013. Markus Zoepke, who has been on board since 2003, is Chairman of the Management Board of A-ROSA Reederei GmbH. In addition to the British main shareholder Duke Street, which holds the majority of the company shares since 2018, the two also own shares in A-ROSA.
This is what makes A-ROSA unique
It has always been A-ROSA’s goal to be a pioneer in the river cruise industry and to set new trends in the market. This was achieved back in 2002 with the introduction of the brand as a casual alternative to city breaks with modern ships that brought the amenities of a hotel to the river. In 2014, the introduction of family cruises with a Kids Club transformed the brand into a multi-generational cruise line. In 2022, A-ROSA SENA revolutionised the industry again, thanks in part to its hybrid propulsion concept with battery storage.
With the Premium All-Inclusive fare, guests can completely let go on their holidays, as everything is taken care of. It includes full board plus catering and high-quality drinks from the bar menu all day long. A transfer from the train station to the ship is also included, as is a 15% discount on treatments in the SPA-ROSA and onboard WiFi. Guests on this fare can also choose their preferred cabin (subject to availability) when booking and can rebook once free of charge up to 30 days before departure.
With A-ROSA, guests can enjoy a variety of personalised dishes with regional and seasonal ingredients. On most ships, a high-quality buffet is prepared for all meals, as well as a special kids’ buffet on the family cruises and A-ROSA SENA. At dinner on A-ROSA ALVA, ALEA and CLEA, soup and main courses are served a la carte at the table.
13 A-ROSA ships* have a bio or Finnish sauna or sanarium and a cosy relaxation area, and a gym is available on all our ships.
*Not on A-ROSA ALEA and CLEA
With A-ROSA, guests dock in the centre of the visited cities. Whether on a booked excursion or exploring on their own, the sights can be reached quickly and easily. Individual e-bike hire is also possible (subject to availability) – there are even two youth bikes on A-ROSA SENA*. Whether a family holiday with nature or a romantic city break with wellness, A-ROSA always caters to the individual needs of the guests. Culinary sailings are offered for foodies and festive cruises have a corresponding programme. On the short cruises in the low season (March and November), guests can expect a diverse selection of special and event cruises with themes such as: Meditation, Dance or Royal Glamour. There is something for everyone here.
* A-ROSA ALVA: Hire not possible
Guests can choose the excursions that best suit their preferences from over 650 different options. All excursions are tailored to the respective destination and allow guests to participate in the regional life: Local cuisine, concerts, events and more. Those who prefer a more intimate experience can book a private tour guide, a minivan or a car with driver. For unforgettable experiences of a special kind, there are exclusive excursions, such as a private boat tour in Strasbourg or a kayak tour in Viviers.
A-ROSA is setting course to a sustainable future. The company recognises its responsibility towards its rivers and destinations, guests and employees. That is why A-ROSA is continuously working to reduce emissions and waste and to indulge more consciously. The A-ROSA rivers are kept clean and the destinations visited are supported. Last but not least, a dedicated in-house sustainability department is working with the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research to develop a holistic sustainability strategy for the company’s future and the A-ROSA premium river cruises.
In addition to the designated family cruises during the holidays, A-ROSA also offers a Kids Club with an entertainment programme on almost all ships if there are more than ten children on board. On the family excursions, both children and adults can experience a lot without having to plan anything in advance. After an exciting day, favourite meals await at the kids’ buffet and there is room for everyone in the spacious family cabins. And best of all: Children up to and including the age of 15 travel free of charge on deck 1*.
*Children up to and including the age of 15 travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in cat. G) supervising adult(s) on deck 1, from deck 2 a 30% discount applies. Different child discounts apply on A-ROSA ALVA, ALEA, CLEA and A-ROSA SENA.
The operations and sales department are closely linked and most of the fleet’s ships were built in the local shipyard, where they were optimally customised to the company’s requirements. The majority of the crew is recruited directly by A-ROSA and every year talented young people are trained at the Rostock headquarters. The aim is to continuously grow together so as to create a product that everyone can stand behind.
The A-ROSA Premium Fleet
Ship | Year | Guests |
---|---|---|
A-ROSA BELLA | 2002 | 242 |
A-ROSA DONNA | 2002 | 206 |
A-ROSA MIA | 2003 | 242 |
A-ROSA RIVA | 2004 | 242 |
A-ROSA FLORA | 2014 | 183 |
Ship | Year | Guests |
---|---|---|
A-ROSA AQUA | 2009 | 202 |
A-ROSA ALEA | 2009 | 138 |
A-ROSA CLEA | 2009 | 140 |
A-ROSA BRAVA | 2011 | 202 |
A-ROSA SILVA | 2012 | 186 |
A-ROSA SENA | 2022 | 280 |
A-ROSA CLEA | 2009* | 140 |
A-ROSA ALEA | 2009* | 138 |
* A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA joined the fleet in 2024.
Ship | Year | Guests |
---|---|---|
A-ROSA STELLA | 2005 | 174 |
A-ROSA LUNA | 2005 | 174 |
Ship | Year | Guests |
---|---|---|
A-ROSA VIVA | 2010 | 202 |
Ship | Year | Guests |
---|---|---|
A-ROSA ALVA | 2019 | 126 |
The A-ROSA Story
2000 - 2003
The A-ROSA brand was developed in 2000. In 2002, A-ROSA BELLA and her sister ship, A-ROSA DONNA, embarked on the very first A-ROSA sailings on the Danube. The company was taken over by Deutsche Seereederei in 2003, and Markus Zoepke came on board as shareholder and Chief Operation Officer.
2003-2005
A-ROSA sent two new ships – A-ROSA MIA and A-ROSA RIVA – on the beautiful Danube. The Rhône was introduced as a new cruise region in 2005, on which A-ROSA STELLA and A-ROSA LUNA have been sailing ever since.
2009 - 2012
In 2009, A-ROSA AQUA was the first ship to sail on the Rhine, thus opening up another river. Together with A-ROSA VIVA, A-ROSA BRAVA and the suite ship A-ROSA SILVA, the entire river – from the Rhine Falls to the mouth – is explored in the years that follow. The company was taken over by the financial investor Waterland and A-ROSA celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2012.
2013-2014
Jörg Eichler came on board as CEO in 2013. A-ROSA FLORA, the second suite ship, was put into service in 2014. With the Premium All-Inclusive fare, A-ROSA introduced the popular all-round no-worries fare in 2014. Simultaneously, the family cruises with Kids Club were offered for the first time.
2017 - 2019
A-ROSA VIVA moved to a new river in 2017 and has been taking guests along the Seine from Paris to the Côte d’Albâtre ever since. In February 2018, the British financial investor Duke Street took over the shares in A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH. A-ROSA ALVA entered service on the Douro in Portugal in 2019.
2022
With the E-Motion Ship, A-ROSA launched the most innovative river ship in Europe. Thanks to its hybrid propulsion and battery storage, A-ROSA SENA can also dock in ports using purely electric power. It thus set new standards for responsible travel and was honoured with the 2022 German Awards for Sustainability Projects.
2023
The new product strategy was implemented fleet-wide.
2024
From the beginning of April 2024, the A-ROSA fleet is joined by two new ships, A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA. The two additions initially sail on the Rhine.
The A-ROSA APP
The A-ROSA APP has been providing an even more personalised and smarter travel experience since 2022. Before the cruise, the data required for the ship’s manifest can be conveniently filled in and transmitted via the mobile application. On board, guests can use the app to access all information from the board programme, such as restaurant and bar opening times, daily information on the dinner buffet and spa and sauna times in their personal travel calendar. In the “My Cruise” section, you can book excursions, check the itinerary and browse other interesting facts about the ship and life on board. The app also provides culinary support and has an integrated bar menu from which drink orders can be placed digitally. The tables have QR codes for this purpose, which can be scanned with your own smartphone*.
*Exceptions: A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
The informative itinerary announcements during the cruise have been integrated into the A-ROSA APP, and are also available in rest areas such as cabins. The application notifies the guest of a passing landmark, who can listen to further information on it via the app. Interactive tours in selected cities are also available. The tours can be started individually and customised to suit personal interests. The routes pass important sights and offer extensive information that can be accessed via smartphone.
The A-ROSA APP, which is constantly being further developed, can be used free of charge by all guests and is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Facts About the Company
Offices | Rostock (Germany) Chur (Switzerland) Cardiff (United Kingdom) Sydney (Australia & New Zealand) |
Employees | Approx. 850 employees from 25 countries |
Management | Jörg Eichler (A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH) Markus Zoepke (A-ROSA Reederei GmbH) |
Shareholder | Duke Street (financial investor) |
Fleet | 15 modern ships |
Rivers | Danube, Rhine/Main/Moselle, Rhône/Saône, Douro |
This Is What Makes A-ROSA Unique
Premium All-Inclusive | Full board plus and high-quality drinks included throughout the day, free onboard WiFi, transfers |
Family | Children up to and including 15 travel free of charge on deck 1 when accompanied by a parent or guardian, Kids Club during holiday periods, Kids Buffet |
Cuisine | Buffets with regional and seasonal products, choice between menu served at the table and buffet in the evening, exclusive steakhouse on A-ROSA SENA |
SPA-ROSA | Panoramic saunas, massage treatments, relaxation areas, heated pools, shallow pool for children on A-ROSA SENA |
Entertainment | Over 20 special and event cruises during low season |
Excursions | Over 650 different excursions in six categories, included excursion from a sailing length of 7 nights, family excursions and e-bike tours, exclusive excursion experiences |
A-ROSA APP | Ordering drinks via QR code, interactive city tours, manifest input, travel calendar |