More than half of the A-Rosa River Cruises fleet are to be refurbished in a multi-million euro investment.
Work has started on the plan, which will see six of the 11-strong fleet be fully revamped over the next three or four years.
The European river cruise line aims to bring its first generation of ships up to date with the newer vessels in the fleet.
A-Rosa Donna, the line’s international ship on the Danube, will be the first vessel to undergo a full refurbishment. Work has begun in Linz where the vessel, built in 2002, is docked for the winter.
The refit will cover public areas such as the restaurant, lobby, atrium, lounge bar and sundeck as well as cabins.
Enhanced wi-fi and new 42-inch flat screen TV’s in all cabins are to be installed. A speciality dining area at the rear of the ship will be redesigned to reflect a more rustic Bavarian theme to fit better with the route it travels.
A-Rosa Donna will return to the Danube fleet at the end of March. Cruise packages are offered for agents to book via operators such as Newmarket Holidays and Shearings Holidays.
International ship A-Rosa Stella, which sails on the Rhone, will also undergo full refurbishment, as will four other ships that serve the German market – A-Rosa Bella, Mia, Riva and Luna (Rhone).
UK and Ireland managing director Lucia Rowe said: “Over the next few years we will spend several million euros refurbishing and modernising our first generation ships in the fleet.
“Whilst the ships have undergone regular refreshments and are thus all in good condition, this extensive refurbishment programme will ensure all our ships meet the expectation of today’s cruisers. Better performing wi-fi and larger TV’s in all cabins will also increase the comfort of our guests on board.”