A-Rosa has been forced to push back the inaugural sailing of A-Rosa Sena by one week.

Originally planned for 21 May, the first cruise will now take place on 28 May 2022. Following that, the ship will sail seven-night cruises on the Northern Rhine from Cologne to Holland and Belgium.

A-Rosa MD Lucia Rowe said: “Like so many businesses, we have been affected by the present situation regarding Covid-19 cases and supply chain disruption.

“The vessel is currently being prepared to enter service, but due to the increase in Covid-19 cases amongst shipyard employees, suppliers and service providers and the late arrival of some components due to continued delivery extension times, the completion of the vessel has been unexpectedly delayed.

“Our goal has always been to provide our guests with the highest possible quality and therefore to ensure we achieve this, we have taken the difficult decision to delay A-Rosa Sena’s first sailing by a week.”

A-Rosa Sena: Sustainability features

The hybrid-powered A-Rosa Sena will utilise technology to manage energy consumption and keep emissions to a minimum, making it “the most climate-friendly river cruise ship on Europe’s rivers”, according to the operator.

In March, the line also outlined plans to have a fully hybrid-powered fleet by 2030.

At the time, Rowe added: “By 2030 all ships will be retrofitted – we know how we will do that, but there will be technological progress between now and then. Hopefully [we could have] smaller batteries.

“If we don’t protect a destination, there’s nothing to sell. You [travel agents] have to be ready, as one day a customer will choose a holiday based on sustainability. At A-Rosa, we are getting ready.”