Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.
Day 2 - Amsterdam - Netherlands
Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.
Day 3 - Emmerich - Germany
Day 4 - Cologne - Germany
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge. Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love. Cologne is home to over 30 stages providing cabaret, free ensembles, theatre and dance and also celebrates its openly gay culture.
Day 5 - Rüdesheim am Rhein - Germany
Rudesheim am Rhine is a town in the Rhine Valley in Germany and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhine Gorge. It is known for its production of Riesling wine and has been popular for its wine making since ancient times. The Medieval Bromserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum and wine is a crucial part of Rudesheimer culture. The town is surrounded with vineyards and wineries, as well as many local wine bars and seasonal wine taverns. Wine tasting is a must do in Rudesheim and dining out is a great accompaniment. The local cuisine is seasonal and is closely intertwined with the wine growing traditions together with soups such as Zwiebelkuchen, Handkäs mit Musik and Spundekäs. Nordic Walking is popular around town, with five adventure trails around the vicinity, as well as many popular cycling routes. Great views of the town can be found from the water, the cable car to Niederwald Monument and the Monument itself. Old Town has the best examples of the town’s architecture with Eagle Tower, Oberstrasse and Rheinstein Castle some key sites to visit.
Day 6 - Speyer - Germany
Speyer is a town located in southwest Germany situated beside the river Rhine. Originally founded by the Romans, it is one of the oldest settlements in Germany and is situated in the popular wine growing region of the Palatinate. A key attraction of Speyer is the Historical Museum of the Palatinate, which is one of the most celebrated culture-history museums in Germany. It features five permanent collections including Prehistory, Roman Times, Cathedral Treasury, Modern Era and Wine Museum. Not far from the museum, visitors will find the Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is considered the largest preserved Romanesque church in Europe. Originally constructed by Konrad II, this magnificent and looming building was intended to demonstrate the Lord’s religio-political claim to power against the papacy. Speyer has been producing wine since its Roman beginnings and wine tasting, festivals and events are popular all year round. The town is popular for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling as well as guided walking tours of the town.
Day 7 - Breisach - Germany
Breisach is a town located in Southwest Germany on the French border. The town is situated in the Rhine Valley on the banks of the river Rhine and dates back over four thousand years. Breisach and its history can be experienced through the City History Museum, which houses a permanent exhibition taking you from Stone Age through the Celtic, to the Romans and Middle Ages, right up to modern day. St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the city’s famous art treasures, the wheel wells, which are housed in the neighbouring Radbrunnenturm with the forty one metre deep water well. The cathedral is also home to many other treasures including the High Altar of Master HL and wall paintings by Martin Schongauer as well as High Gothic and Roman architecture. A visit to the Blue House, the former Jewish Community Centre, is highly recommended. Now owned by the Friends of Former Jewish Community House Breisach it exhibits memorials to Breisach’s Jewish heritage.
Day 8 - Basel - Switzerland
Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.
Cruise Map
Dining Options
There are sumptuous buffets with preparation stations for you to enjoy in the dining room or al fresco on the top deck. Casual∘ and comfortable is your definition of a great dining experience. Or perhaps you enjoy a served dinner service with delectable cuisine, surrounded by fine linens, crystal and china in a semi-private environment. Whatever you decide, you can design the perfect setting for you.
The Market Restaurant
The Market Restaurant
The Market Restaurant is the ship’s Dining Room (no table reservations needed). It has an open kitchen and Buffet station. The A-ROSA AQUA’s dining room menu features low-calorie, itinerary-based (regional) specialties and traditional Mediterranean dishes. Food on board is prepared with fresh locally sourced ingredients and products.
Dining is a truly un-regimented affair – unlike other river vessels, the dining room opens its welcoming arms when you are ready, rather than at a specified time. A lavish buffet with a la minute cookery stations entices you with fresh ingredients∘ and plenty of choice. In addition, a speciality waiter service restaurant offers an alternative option, with a new menu every night∘ and the opportunity to dine here up to three times during the week. Weather permitting, you can choose to dine al fresco around pool as you watch the beautiful scenery pass by.
On some evenings, served onboard will be a themed 3-course-dinner in a reserved part of the restaurant. A-ROSA advises guests to sign up for this evening at the reception or with the Maître as seats are limited. On these evenings, the buffet restaurant is also open as usual.
The themed evenings are at an extra charge.
The Market Restaurant is the ship’s Dining Room (no table reservations needed). It has an open kitchen and Buffet station. The A-ROSA AQUA’s dining room menu features low-calorie, itinerary-based (regional) specialties and traditional Mediterranean dishes. Food on board is prepared with fresh locally sourced ingredients and products.
Dining is a truly un-regimented affair – unlike other river vessels, the dining room opens its welcoming arms when you are ready, rather than at a specified time. A lavish buffet with a la minute cookery stations entices you with fresh ingredients∘ and plenty of choice. In addition, a speciality waiter service restaurant offers an alternative option, with a new menu every night∘ and the opportunity to dine here up to three times during the week. Weather permitting, you can choose to dine al fresco around pool as you watch the beautiful scenery pass by.
On some evenings, served onboard will be a themed 3-course-dinner in a reserved part of the restaurant. A-ROSA advises guests to sign up for this evening at the reception or with the Maître as seats are limited. On these evenings, the buffet restaurant is also open as usual.
The themed evenings are at an extra charge.
Entertainment
A-ROSA have a very generous family programme where children up to 15 years old travel free of charge, and there is a kid's club during the school holidays.
Sun Deck
Sun Deck
Time on the sun deck can be measured in sunsets, laps in the pool, glasses of wine or the number of new friends you’ve made. But for most, time just stands still as you take in Europe’s fabled towns and picturesque countryside∘ from your chaise lounge.
The motto topside on the sun deck is “anything is possible, but nothing is required… just enjoy.”
Time on the sun deck can be measured in sunsets, laps in the pool, glasses of wine or the number of new friends you’ve made. But for most, time just stands still as you take in Europe’s fabled towns and picturesque countryside∘ from your chaise lounge.
The motto topside on the sun deck is “anything is possible, but nothing is required… just enjoy.”
Enrichments
A-ROSA Bike Excursions
A-ROSA Bike Excursions
Experience our bike packages on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Rhône and Seine specially created together with our partner terranova. Terranova offers high-quality bike tours for over 35 years. Explore the heart of Europe by bike during your river cruise.
Experience our bike packages on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Rhône and Seine specially created together with our partner terranova. Terranova offers high-quality bike tours for over 35 years. Explore the heart of Europe by bike during your river cruise.
Excursions
Excursions
Some of our excursions will take you to the places where some of the greatest artists of the 19th and 20th centuries created their works. Not only art lovers, but also history buffs and fans of adventure stories will be in their element. Medieval castles, monasteries and villages are ready to tell their stories. Our expert guides know more than any guide book about the Eiffel Tower, Empress Elisabeth’s life, Cologne Cathedral and Rotterdam’s hyper-modern architecture. Do you fancy admiring the white horses of the Camargue from a jeep? Want to ride on a horse-drawn waggon through the Puszta? Travel to the Budapest Parliament by segway? The sights you’ll encounter on our routes are world-famous. By offering our guests special ways of discovering these sights, we open up completely new perspectives for you. A-ROSA excursions delight not only guests with a hunger for new experiences and a thirst for knowledge; gourmets will also have their fill of treats. Our tours for connoisseurs offer regional cuisine with local specialities and world-famous vineyards with fine wines. Because all senses matter when it comes to new perspectives.
Some of our excursions will take you to the places where some of the greatest artists of the 19th and 20th centuries created their works. Not only art lovers, but also history buffs and fans of adventure stories will be in their element. Medieval castles, monasteries and villages are ready to tell their stories. Our expert guides know more than any guide book about the Eiffel Tower, Empress Elisabeth’s life, Cologne Cathedral and Rotterdam’s hyper-modern architecture. Do you fancy admiring the white horses of the Camargue from a jeep? Want to ride on a horse-drawn waggon through the Puszta? Travel to the Budapest Parliament by segway? The sights you’ll encounter on our routes are world-famous. By offering our guests special ways of discovering these sights, we open up completely new perspectives for you. A-ROSA excursions delight not only guests with a hunger for new experiences and a thirst for knowledge; gourmets will also have their fill of treats. Our tours for connoisseurs offer regional cuisine with local specialities and world-famous vineyards with fine wines. Because all senses matter when it comes to new perspectives.
Accommodation and Deck plan
A place where you can take time out during a trip full of new experiences. Our cabins were made for this. For us, quality is the magic word. It’s what turns a place to sleep into a home. A home featuring premium materials, modern equipment, soothing colours and an elegant design. An A-ROSA cabin combines all of this in a generously sized room.
2-bed Outside Cabin, D
From
From €2,428pp
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with...
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna...
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
The ship has steps only, which may restrict mobility. The A-ROSA ALVA has a lift between deck 1 and deck 3. The A-ROSA SENA has a lift between deck 1 and deck 4. It is not allowed to use the lift during safety instruction and in case of emergencies. The sun deck is only accessible via stairs. For individual advice, please contact the A-ROSA Service Center on tel. 0381-202 6001.
Dietary Requirements
Please contact your head chef at the start of your cruise regarding any dietary restrictions. If you have not yet notified us of your food allergies/intolerances, we kindly ask you to contact us.
Age Restriction
All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a cabin with an adult, and must remain supervised at all times, and their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). Children 2 to 15 years old sail free when using the existing bedding in the cabin and are accompanied by at least 1 adult. If the accompanying∘ adult is not a parent or legal guardian, written permission from the parent or legal guardian∘ is required. Please be aware that cabins with French Balconies/Full Balconies may be unsafe for small children if left unsupervised and are not recommended for children under the age of 7. By confirming the reservation with payment, the guest/travel agent acknowledges that they are aware and will comply with these terms and conditions.
Dress Code
Feel free to dress as you like, comfortably and casually, on board and during shore excursions. Please remember to wear warmer clothing on deck in the evening. Firm shoes are recommended for excursions on land. Smart-casual clothing is recommended when visiting the restaurant on board. We request, however, that you do not wear swimwear or sportswear, nor go barefoot, in the restaurants and bars. We recommend that men wear long trousers in the restaurant in the evening.
Wi-Fi
Guests can access the Internet using Wi-Fi on board the A-ROSA ships. Please take into account that some legs of the cruise may have weaker connections to the Internet. You can get more information on availability, terms of usage and charges at Reception. Use of Internet connections under the valid terms of usage is free of charge for guests with the “Premium all inclusive” rate.
Language on Board
The languages on board our A-ROSA AQUA are English and German. Documents are available in English and our international hosts are on hand to give assistance.
FullBoardPlus
A-ROSA offers two distinct tariff types: "A-ROSA Premium all-inclusive", for the discerning customer and "A-ROSA Basic", a no-frills option that covers the essentials.
Refined breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, along with an embarkation snack and afternoon coffee and cake. Many cruises also feature seasonal extras such as sandwiches or a midnight snack. Guests who have booked the A-ROSA Premium all inclusive rate have the following high-quality drinks included throughout the day: tea, coffee and coffee specialities, soft drinks, beer, as well as sparkling wine and a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks. Certain specialities and beverages bear a surcharge; these include champagne.
Animals
It is forbidden to bring animals on board the ships.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is only permitted on the exterior decks. Please do not throw any cigarette butts overboard, instead use the receptacles provided. Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the interior as well as in the cabins and suites and on the balconies. Please note that smoking is forbidden in the locks.
Laundry
You can have your laundry done on board. This will be charged to your onboard account. Suite guests may enjoy the laundry service free of charge.
Telephone
Incoming calls will be put through to your cabin by reception. The normal roaming charges for outgoing or incoming calls from your cabin will be automatically charged to your onboard account. The ships in the A-ROSA fleet are equipped with an up-to-date GSM telephone system, with which you can dial any number, anywhere in the world. If you would like to make a long-distance call, please proceed as follows: dial the country code, then the local code, then the phone number. Between dialling and the first ring, there is a charge-free pause of up to 30 seconds’ duration, after which call charging starts automatically, even if the call is not answered. Information about the applicable charges can be obtained from reception and from page 11. GSM telephone: the respective call number of your ship is stated on your key card.
A-ROSA is green
For over fifteen years, A-ROSA has been the market leader for premium holidays on the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhône and Seine. What is it that makes city breaks by ship so appealing? The opportunity for guests to discover different cities, towns and landscapes. For us it’s a privilege to be able to explore iconic destinations and lesser-known locales – and we love to share it with our guests. While we will always do all we can to give our guests a care free holiday, we will always care aboutthe people and places our visits touch.
Our cruises take us right into areas where people live, which is one of the reasons why inland navigation is subject to very strict regulations – particularly compared with navigation at sea – and rigorous inspections. As a recent study shows, all things considered, inland navigation is the most environmentally friendly mode of transport, surpassing even train travel. The factors taken into account for the study included impact on the climate, air pollution, accidents and noise pollution.
At A-ROSA we’re aware that past and present environmental challenges require a long-term approach. That’s the only way we’ll be able to preserve both quality of life in urban areas and the natural environment for future generations. As a company we believe that this is our responsibility, and our actions in all areas of environmental protection put us at the very forefront of our industry.
Lasting responsibility: As part of our sustainability strategy, we review and refine the actions listed here on an ongoing basis.