A-ROSA SENA

A-ROSA commissioned interior designers to apply their land-based hospitality expertise to a new-build river cruiseship. Briefed to create fresh, light-filled spaces for SENA, the Rhine’s largest vessel, they developed a prototype for the entire fleet with a new brand image geared towards multigenerational families and cultured 40-60-year-olds rather than the previous senior market. Completed June 2022, SENA revolutionises river cruising, preserving slow travel as an antidote to itineraries’ “city hopping.” Natural finishes make the vista centre stage, while weighted, stabilised, and weatherproofed furniture suggests residential-style private yachts. Bestowed the German Award for Sustainability Projects 2022 by DISQ, the German Institute for Service Quality, SENA features numerous water bottle refill stations to reduce plastic consumption. Across four interior levels plus a sundeck are diverse F&B options. Warm timber, butterscotch leather and copper give the GRILL and its buzzy bar a clubby feel. At the PAVILION restaurant, guests enjoy nature with a rotunda filtering sunlight whatever the weather. The MARKET buffet offers flexible seating for larger families, an exhibition kitchen and a 24-hour café. Wave-like timber fins create drama at the lounge and adjacent BAR where seats are oriented for panoramic views and a dancefloor comes alive. Sundowners are enjoyed at three outdoor spots, including the sundeck’s UP AND DOWN BAR between two swimming pools and, adding a luxurious touch, the yacht-inspired sunken lounge. When passing under bridges, the bar recesses into the floor for safe passage. Tailored features characterise the spa’s treatment rooms, Finnish sauna, jacuzzi, whirlpool, and ice grotto, with wingback chairs and loungers encircling the relaxation room’s fireplace. Accommodating 280 guests, cabins embrace balconies’ up-close interplay with nature through a watercolour palette harmonising with the outdoors year-round, Layouts maximise space and provide high-end touches like petite glazed vases for roses guests receive upon boarding and mirrors with built-in jewellery trays. An illuminated circular accent provides an elegant alternative to conventional artwork. Dedicated play areas for kids, along with family cabins, are rare on riverboats. Bunkbeds with “portholes” encourage children’s imaginations while letting adults peek in when curtains are drawn, and chaise longues convert to kids’ beds with storage compartments.