Arosa Alva

Initially named "A-Rosa Douro," the A-Rosa Alva ship cruises in Portugal on the Douro River, departing from its homeport in Oporto. Launched in 2019, this newbuild is one of the two newest riverboats in the fleet of the German cruise company A-ROSA Flussschiff, along with Arosa Sena (2021). It is also the fleet’s first ship operating independently and year-round in Portugal on Douro River cruisetours.

The shipowner is Douro Azul, a subsidiary and cruise travel brand of Mystic Cruises.

The vessel is powered by two MTU diesel engines (model Maybach 16V 2000 M60) with a total power output of 1.6 MW (2100 HP). Propulsion is provided by Schottel Z-drives (2x STP-500 rudder propellers) and a Schottel Pump Jet (model SPJ57) azimuth thruster.

Originally named "Arosa Douro," the vessel was launched in May 2019. In Old Norse, "alva" means "elf" or "natural spirit," while in Portuguese, "alvorecer" means "dawn."

The ship is Portugal-flagged (MMSI number 263752990) and registered in Lisbon. It was built by WestSEA at the shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.

Cabins

The Arosa Alva has a total of 63 staterooms. All two-bed cabins on Deck 1 are 12 m² (130 ft²) with a non-opening window at river level. Cabins on Decks 2 and 3 are larger (15 m² / 155 ft²) and feature panoramic windows with an upper section that slides down to form a railing. The two Suites, located on Deck 3, are the largest accommodations at 29 m² (310 ft²) and include aft-facing, step-out balconies. Cabin categories include:

• Category S (Deck 1 aft) – 2 cabins, 12 m² (130 ft²)
• Category A (Deck 1) – 12 cabins, 12 m² (130 ft²)
• Category C (Deck 2) – 23 French Balcony cabins, 15 m² (155 ft²)
• Category D (Deck 3) – 24 French Balcony cabins, 15 m² (155 ft²)
• Category F (Deck 3) – 2 Suites with private balconies, 29 m² (310 ft²)

All cabins offer the following standard amenities:

• outside view via porthole (non-opening) or French Balcony (panoramic window)
• 1 double bed or 2 single beds (convertible to Queen-size), wardrobe with sliding doors
• sitting area (low table, chairs, mirrored dressing table/writing desk with chair)
• flat-screen TV (satellite reception, ship information channel, bow camera views)
• electronic safe box (in closet), phone (onboard calls only – Reception Desk, cabins)
• en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, vanity sink, towels, bath products, hairdryer); bathrobes on request
• individually controlled air-conditioning
• 220V power sockets

Suites and French Balcony cabins may accommodate up to four guests. Upon request, two extra full-size beds can be added – a sofabed (pull-out couch) and/or a foldaway bed. These can be placed in the same cabin or in an interconnecting adjacent cabin.

Shipboard facilities

The Market Restaurant (main dining room) is located on Deck 2. There is no assigned seating. Bottled water is included with main meals. Appetizers and desserts are buffet-style, while the main course is ordered and served at the table.

Highlights onboard include a spacious indoor wellness complex with two saunas, steam room, massage room, gym, and salon. The Sun Deck features a heated swimming pool, mini-golf (putting green), outdoor shower, shaded seating, and Bar and Grill stations. The Panorama Lounge offers excellent views of the Douro River through large windows or from the bow area. Entertainment includes a dance floor and stage for live performances.

• Deck 1: SPA-ROSA (Massage Room, Sauna Room, Steam Room, Spa Lounge/Relaxation Room)
• Deck 2: Market Restaurant, Gym (with modern fitness equipment)
• Deck 3: Panorama Lounge, Alva Lounge and Bar (with dance floor, live shows, enrichment lectures), Boutique Shop, Lobby with 24-hour Reception Desk/Guest Services
• Deck 4: Sun Deck with Wheelhouse (Navigation Bridge), Bar and Grill stations, shaded seating, heated swimming pool, mini-golf, outdoor shower, sun loungers

The ship's Wheelhouse and all top-deck awnings and railings can be lowered for passing under low bridges. A passenger elevator connects all cabin decks, and a central double staircase links all decks.

Arosa Douro River cruise itineraries

A-ROSA Cruises operates an 8-day "DISCOVER DOURO" cruise tour on the Arosa Alva. Roundtrip departures from Oporto include visits to Porto Antigo (with a bus tour to Cinfaes), Pinhao, Barca d'Alva, Vega de Terron (bus tour to Salamanca, Spain), and Regua (bus trip to Lamego).

• Day 1 – Flight from Germany to Portugal (Porto), bus transfer to Oporto cruise port, embarkation
• Day 2 – Depart Oporto (2 pm), arrive Porto Antigo (7 pm)
• Day 3 – Depart Porto Antigo (7 am), arrive Pinhao (12 noon)
• Day 4 – Depart Pinhao (7 am), arrive Barca d'Alva (2 pm)
• Day 5 – Depart Barca d'Alva (12 midnight), arrive Vega de Terron (12:30 pm)
• Day 6 – Depart Vega de Terron (7 am), arrive Peso da Regua (3 pm)
• Day 7 – Depart Peso da Regua (1 pm), arrive Oporto (7:30 pm)
• Day 8 – Disembarkation, bus transfer to Porto Airport, return flight to Germany
• The 11-day "Douro Experience" package adds train travel from Oporto to Lisbon and a 3-night hotel stay in Lisbon.

Arosa cruise deals typically include:

• Douro River cruise with double occupancy accommodation
• flights (Germany–Portugal–Germany)
• onboard meals (buffet and waiter-served, drinks included)
• live entertainment (local performers, lectures, media presentations)
• complimentary use of onboard wellness facilities (SPA, fitness, sauna, sundeck)
• free Wi-Fi Internet
• all shore excursions (some with the ship's bicycles), bus transfers
• food and wine tastings, complimentary local alcohol (beer, wine, spirits)
• 24-hour drinks (water, coffee, tea); bottled water replenished daily in cabins
• complimentary bicycles available at each river port for land tours
• early booking discounts, A-ROSA cancellation insurance, 25% child discounts, 15% SPA discounts (based on availability)

Note: Visit CruiseMapper's River Cruises hub for a full list of all river cruise ships and operators by itinerary.