As a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, the launch of A-Rosa River Cruises new E-motion ship has been delayed until 2022.

The new ship was originally set to launch in spring 2021, but due to disruption with the supply chain, the ship is now due to launch in March 2022.

The yet-to-be-named E-motion ship is currently under construction at the Severnav shipyard, Romania. Following the constriction, the interior will be completed at the Concordia Damen shipyard in the Netherlands.

A first for the German river cruise line, the ship will feature hybrid ‘E-motion’ technology, which allows the ship to switch to battery power when needed.

This means the ship can sail into cities and riverside ports emission-free. The ship can be charged overnight by shore power connection.

Also a first for A-Rosa, the new ship will cater to families and the multi-gen market, offering spacious 28m2 family cabins which will sleep up to five people, and feature a large double bed, sofa bed and two bunk beds, complete with peepholes and curtains for privacy.

Each family cabin will be given a toy box, filled with age-appropriate toys for youngsters.

Also on board, a dedicated kids club room and separate children’s pool next to the main pool on the sundeck.

The ship also boasts large balcony cabins, a separate suite area and a restaurant with children’s area – where children can dine.

The ship will sail on the Rhine when it launches in 2022, taking in cities like Cologne, Koblenz and Beethoven’s birthplace of Bonn.

A-Rosa is currently one of the few cruise lines in operation, sailing its usual routes on Europe’s waterways.

The line has also enhanced its health and safety protocols, which have been based on the recommendations Robert Koch Institute in Germany and the World Health Organisation.