A-ROSA STELLA Ship Review
Sleek, comfortable and charming are three words to describe A-ROSA’s 412-foot long, 174-guest A-ROSA STELLA. Constructed at the Neptun-Werft shipyard in Rostock, Germany, she entered service in 2005 and can be easily identified by her large wraparound panoramic windows that grace her forward superstructure — not to mention the trademark “smiling lips” painted on her bow. In 2014, A-ROSA STELLA will sail the gorgeous Rhone & Saone Rivers, operating the line’s weeklong, A Toast to Provence and Burgundy itineraries departing roundtrip from Lyon, France.
Also see All-Inclusive River Cruising: Introducing A-ROSA Stella.
A-ROSA STELLA Staterooms
- Category S staterooms are located on Deck 1 and measure 156 square feet. These feature a single oversize porthole window with an attractively styled “frame,” 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. There are only two of these rooms aboard A-ROSA STELLA, numbered 102 and 101.
- 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 slide open (and have screens that can be pulled down from the upper threshold). 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 STELLA Public Areas
A-ROSA STELLA offers all of the amenities and features that North American cruisers have come to expect in a river cruise ship, all packaged and delivered in a warm, welcoming style that is distinctly A-ROSA.
All the way forward on Deck 2 is the customary Lounge, featuring 180-degree views of the passing landscapes. Unlike other river cruise vessels we’ve experienced, the Restaurant, with its Buffet Stations, is situated on Deck 2 between the Reception Lobby and Lounge. The Restaurant’s location is higher up than on many other river cruisers and allows for a picturesque perspective when docked and cruising.
On Deck 1, a larger-than-average SPA offers some unique amenities for a river cruise ship, including a Massage and Beauty area; a Steam Room & Organic Sauna; a Finnish Sauna; and a Relaxation Room. This is in addition to a dedicated Gym, large for river cruisers and with a good selection of training equipment.
River Cruisers Should Know!
- There is no elevator aboard the A-ROSA STELLA.
- There are no suites aboard the A-ROSA STELLA.
- There is a large pool on the A-ROSA STELLA.
Be sure to see Ralph Grizzle’s Assessing A-ROSA Stella: 9 Differentiating Factors That Would Make Me Cruise Again
Check out our photo slideshows featuring our weeklong cruise on A-ROSA Stella.
Just got back from Rhone cruise with A-rosa Stella . Do not get food poisoning on last day. They will show complete indifference. The company tried to argue it was gastroenteritis! Is that not food poisoning?
Poor response. They have lost a customer.
Tour of the Saone and Rhone with Swan Hellenic on Arosa Stella.
Favorable impressions in entering the small “lobby” with shop display, reception desk, and staircases aft to the sleeping quarters, forward to dining room and lounges, and below to gym and sauna. The ship for its size was very well equipped and comfortable for the 170 passengers. The air conditioned cabins are not large but with sufficient storage space, TV (mainly German channels) comfortable beds and a shower room. The two upper deck cabins have a juliette balcony with full length opening doors giving a wonderful view of the passing of river scenery.
The upper deck has a swimming pool with sun lounging area, a games area with quoits etc and a covered area to enjoy drinks in the shade. The deck below has a sauna and a small well equipped gym with various exercise machines, there was also a fitness instructor who gave any kind of instruction including Pilates classes. The forward part of the ship a dining room with a nice mix of tables, so that a couple could keep to themselves or form a large group. The large lounge held the bar, a great range of cocktails, and full length windows for those who wanted to enjoy the scenery in air conditioned comfort.
The service was impeccable, there are 46 crew on the ship, mainly German and very friendly and on a small ship you encountered them frequently; there was always a smile and a greeting. The food was amazing, 5 course meals every evening, with a Mediterranean theme and local produce, the chef may have had had a Michelin star or tw. During the day there was a buffet with numerous choices at breakfast and lunchtime, and afternoon tea with cakes. Coffee and tea, with lots of choices, were free and available from 6:30 am to late at night on a self service basis. Alcoholic drinks had to be paid for but the price was no more expensive than a normal restaurant.
We travelled with Swan Hellenic who had chartered the ship for a history themed tour of eight nights with a university lecturer on board to give informative talks. We journeyed by train from St Pancras via Lille to Lyon to board the ship, much the most civilized way of travel, with a Swan Hellenic tour manager to ease our passage. The cruise was up the Soane and then down the Rhone visiting Beaune for the medieval hospital, Tournus to see Cluny Abbey remains, Viviers for the Ardeche gorge and lavender fields, Arles, the Roman amphitheater , Avignon, Bridge and Popes Palace, Vienne for the Roman remains and Lyon for the medieval town, there were guided coach tours with local guides for each visit. The pace of the tours is not fast as many of the passengers are of advanced age, typical Swan Hellenic clientèle, in fact there is always a gentle option for each tour for slower passengers. Travel down the river is naturally slow, often several hours overnight, with long delays at the locks which needed some rearrangement of timetables to manage all the planned visits. A very relaxing and informative eight days.
Thanks for the great comments, Chris!