River cruise line A-Rosa has outlined its onboard health and hygiene concept ahead of its planned restart in June.

The new concept, created by the A-Rosa care team, has been based on the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute in Germany and the World Health Organisation, and takes into account the pandemic regulations of the individual countries through which a ship passes.

Measures include social distancing protocols, with a minimum distance of 1.5 metres being applied to the entire ship, which will be implemented using a guidance system with aisles as ‘one-way-streets’, floor markings, reduced size of the dining areas and seating groups at the required distance.

There will be two set sittings for each meal and guests will be served at their assigned table, with all cutlery racks, table decorations and menus removed.

All crew members and guests will be required to wear a full mouth and nose cover in all public areas, with the exception of when guests are seated at a dining table or are in the open-air areas.

Disinfectants will be provided throughout the ship and their use will be checked at all entrances, including entrance to the ship, restaurant, lounge, sun deck, work and crew areas.

Pre-screening and temperature checks will be required prior to embarkation and guests’ luggage will be disinfected.

The spa offering on board all ships will be reduced and the sauna will not be accessible. 

Group sizes of excursions will be capped and any equipment will be disinfected after every use.

A-Rosa managing director Jörg Eichler said: “River cruises are an ideal and flexible form of travel for a safe relaxing holiday in the ‘new normal’.

“The ships are comparatively small and have relatively few guests on board, so that the necessary hygiene rules can be implemented efficiently.”

He added: “The safety and well-being of our guests and employees has always been the highest priority at A-Rosa.

“That is why we have carefully checked every aspect of our trips and adapted them to the new requirements and recommendations.”

Additionally, Eichler confirmed that the river cruise line has received financial support from the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in Germany, in the form of a guarantee loan.

He said: “A-Rosa is very well equipped for the future, thanks to the guarantee from the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the lending bank and an additional financial contribution from the shareholders.”

A-Rosa UK & Ireland managing director, Lucia Rowe, commented: “We want our guests to relax on board and enjoy the experience safe in the knowledge that we have placed their health and well-being at the very centre of everything we do.

“Our priority is to ensure our guests have an enjoyable but safe holiday as we begin to re-open our ships to our guests. When the travel restrictions are lifted and guests from the UK are able to travel again, we look forward to welcoming them on board.”

Visit arosa-cruises.com for more information.