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One of A-ROSA's bilingual river cruise ships, A-ROSA Alva offers services and programming in both English and German. Built in 2018, the ship carries just 126 international passengers along Portugal's Douro River, a waterway running through the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Port wine capital that is the Douro River Valley.
Like other ships on the Douro, A-ROSA Alva is smaller than most European river cruise ships plying the Danube or the Rhine. Among its onboard features, however, are a top-deck plunge pool, all-outside accommodations, a panoramic lounge and a spacious main restaurant. A-ROSA Alva also has a small massage and relaxation area, a sauna, a small but functional gym, an onboard gift shop and a small putting green on the top deck. The onboard currency is the euro, and passengers will need adapters or converters for the ship's 220V, European two-pronged-style electrical outlets.
Wi-Fi internet access is available, though it carries an extra charge for those not participating in A-ROSA's "Premium All-Inclusive" pricing (though most international cruisers will likely have this as part of their booking). Those wishing to use the Wi-Fi will have to first purchase an "Internet-Surfticket." Gratuities are recommended and can be left in cash or added to the shipboard account.
Top Deck Attractions Up top, A-ROSA Alva offers a refreshing swimming pool that's good for beating the Douro heat. There is also a small putting green at the stern and an outdoor dining area for meals and drinks alfresco. Seating and loungers are offered with covered and unshaded options. While A-ROSA Alva has a passenger lift onboard, it does not go up to the Sun Deck.
Entertainment While tours ashore constitute the primary form of entertainment aboard, A-ROSA often brings guest entertainers onboard to compliment the pianist who sets up shop nightly in the ship's main lounge.
Itineraries A-ROSA Alva sails the line's seven-night "Experience the Douro" river cruise that operates round trip from Porto, Portugal.
Meals onboard are European through and through, including a smattering of Portuguese specialties thrown in for good measure. Since A-ROSA Alva makes its home on Portugal's Douro River, expect to enjoy plenty of fortified Port wine while onboard. Meals are typically served buffet-style for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and only include complimentary mineral water. Those who book A-ROSA's "Premium All-Inclusive" package (most international bookings will reflect this) will be entitled to tea, coffee and specialty coffee, soft drinks, beer, sparkling white wine and a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks as part of their fare. A-ROSA notes that Champagne and some specialty spirits are excluded from its premium all-inclusive offering. For those who prefer menu-driven dinners, an optional A-ROSA Dining event is offered on voyages longer than five nights for an additional charge. There's a multicourse menu featuring regional and seasonal ingredients, but tables must be reserved no later than lunchtime while onboard for those interested in participating
Cabins aboard A-ROSA Alva are snug, with most measuring between 129 and 139 square feet. Category A and S cabins on Deck 1 both feature fixed upper windows, while Category C and D cabins on Decks 2 and 3 have drop-down French balcony windows. Two Category F cabins are the largest onboard A-ROSA Alva. Measuring 312 square feet, these mini-suite-style accommodations are located all the way aft on Deck 3 and offer a full step-out balcony and a host of other amenities, including personal check-in service, cocktails with the hotel manager in your cabin, room service, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service, and butler service. All cabins aboard A-ROSA Alva come with a safe, air conditioning, a television with a small selection of international channels, hair dryer, private bathroom with shower, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone and bathrobe.
