Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

6 0 INTERV IEW Take me to the river Rebecca Barnes asks Lucia Rowe about A-ROSA River Cruises’ recovery plans post-Covid-19 T he cruise industry has had to weather a substantial storm since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, when ports from Southampton to Seattle closed and ships everywhere were grounded while the world went into lockdown. Like a handful of other river cruise lines, A-ROSA had just started its 2020 season when the pandemic began to make its presence felt worldwide in early March. However, the line had the foresight to understand the importance of preparing for what was ahead and quickly adopted new protocols. “When the crisis fully hit, and once all guests and crew were safely back home, we had time to develop these enhanced protocols even further and get ready for when we could restart operations,” says Lucia Rowe, managing director of A-ROSA River Cruises. The protocols include an extensive new health and hygiene concept that enhances existing systems – this was created by the A-ROSA Care Team which comprises specialists including the Robert Koch Institute in Germany and Jens Tülsner, founder and CEO of Marine Medical Solutions. Tülsner has also been appointed as doctor for the entire fleet. Measures include enhanced cleaning procedures; the wearing of face coverings in some public spaces; pre-screening and temperature checks prior to embarkation; meals served at tables; and reduced excursion participant numbers. The fleet is already equipped with an air refreshment system that ensures cabins and public spaces operate using separate air supplies. Guests will notice that restaurant, lounge and sundeck layouts have been changed to facilitate social distancing. Buffets have been replaced with seated served dinners in “Many of our guests are quite emotional when they get back onboard”