A-Rosa River Cruises has been forced to push back the launch of its hybrid vessel A-Rosa Sena by a week.
The German line blamed “supply chain disruption” and Covid-19 cases for delaying the inaugural sailing until May 28, rather than the original launch date of May 21.
Managing director Lucia Rowe said: “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.”
She added: “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.”
The 280-passenger vessel has family cabins that can sleep up to five people and there is a kids’ club room on board.
The 135-metre vessel is powered by two engines – one diesel and one electric.
Sena will combine a diesel engine with an electric motor, powered by batteries, meaning the vessel can enter and leave ports emission-free and ‘silently’, the line said.
A-Rosa has previously claimed Sena will “lead the way” in sustainable river cruising.
Picture credit: Concordia Damen Shipbuilding