A-ROSA AQUA Ship Review

A-ROSA ships boast distinctive exterior profiles. Photo courtesy of A-ROSA.

Constructed in 2009, the stunning A-ROSA Aqua is one of A-ROSA’s newest river cruise ships. She can hold 202 guests accommodated comfortably in 99 cabins, all of which feature outside views.

In 2013, A-ROSA AQUA will sail three distinct itineraries along the Rhine, designed exclusively for North Americans: Panoramic Adventures from Amsterdam to Basel; The Enchanting Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam; and the ten-day Historic Cities itinerary that whisks guests from Amsterdam to Cologne, Germany.

A-ROSA AQUA Staterooms

Category C and D Staterooms aboard A-ROSA ships feature French-style “Juliette” balconies. Photo courtesy of A-ROSA.

• Category S staterooms are located on Deck 1 and measure 156 square feet. These feature dual porthole-style windows and can accommodate three guests thanks to the addition of a pull-down bed. It’s worth noting these beds are separated, with one folding up to become a sitting area during the daytime.
• Category A staterooms are also located on Deck 1, and also measure 156 square feet. Their sleeping arrangement is more traditional, with the beds placed next to each other. Dual porthole windows let in plenty of natural light. These rooms sleep two guests.
• Category C staterooms are located on Deck 2, and feature a French-style, “Juliette” balcony that features two doors that open inwards. Also measuring 156 square feet, these rooms feature attractive wall treatments above the sleeping area.
• Category D staterooms are identical to Category C, with the exception that they are located one deck higher on Deck 3. Room layout is identical, with French-style “Juliette” balcony area and accommodations for two.

A-ROSA AQUA Public Areas

Bold and inviting dining options are present aboard all A-ROSA ships. Photo courtesy of A-ROSA.

While all of the amenities that North American cruisers have come to expect are present aboard her, A-ROSA AQUA offers some decidedly unique features that help set her apart from the competition.

Chief among these is the massive (for a river cruise ship) SPA area, located all the way forward on Deck 3. This features a salon, massage treatment area, a Sanarium, a forward-facing outdoor relaxation area complete with a whirlpool tub, and even a dedicated indoor relaxation area.

On most river cruise vessels, spa and fitness facilities are more of an afterthought: a single room tucked into the bowels of the ship. So if you value the spa experience, A-ROSA AQUA will pleasantly surprise you.

Also notable is A-ROSA’s approach to dining. Instead of one restaurant, there are three distinct dining options: the casual café restaurant; the Market Restaurant; and an outdoor dining venue located one deck above, on the Sun Deck.

To make room for the SPA area all the way forward, the Lounge aboard A-ROSA AQUA takes up a prime midship location and spans the width of the vessel. There’s also a dedicated Wine Bar onboard and an attractive, glass-domed central atrium lobby area.

River Cruisers Should Know!

• There are no suites aboard the A-ROSA AQUA.
• There is no elevator aboard A-ROSA AQUA.