Rostock-Warnemünde, 3rd March 2003 – The successful series of river cruise ship construction continues with the NEPTUN Reparaturwerftt GmbH delivering the third river vessel in a series of currently four to the shipping company Seetours, the German Branch of Princess Cruises International Ltd.

The newest river cruise ship is named A-ROSA MIA. It is a sister ship to the A-ROSA BELLA and A-ROSA DONNA, both delivered in April 2002.

The A-ROSA MIA will cruise on the Danube. A further fourth ship of this series is already under construction and there is an option for a fifth. "This order has secured in many jobs at both NEPTUN and also at the region of Rostock," said Manfred Müller-Fahrenholz, managing director of NEPTUN Reparaturwerft GmbH.

The construction of this new river vessel in Rostock-Warnemünde has been supported with the know-how of the parent company MEYER WERFT in Papenburg, which is known worldwide as a high profile shipyard for cruise liners. The A-ROSA MIA was prefabricated in large block sections on land and then mounted in the floating dock of NEPTUN Reparaturwerft GmbH in Rostock-Warnemünde.

After the completed equipment was transported to a dock in the Black Sea to the Danube estuary, the ship sailed with its own power to Passau, where the baptism ceremony took place on 16 April. The maiden voyage began at 17 April.

Building concept

The vessel is designed for experience-oriented passenger who wants to enjoy the Donau cruise but also be able to exercise and without compromising on a refined ambience. Spacious cabins, a variety of entertainment, spa and fitness offerings as well as the excellent cuisine and a well-stocked bar will ensure a very special experience on board.

The lowest passenger deck (Deck 1) is mounted directly on the tank ceiling. The front area contains some technical rooms including rear area holding cabins for the crew and the engine room. The windows are relatively small because of the proximity to the water-line. The deck above (Deck 2) has a similar division concept: technical rooms lay to the front while passenger and crew cabins are in the back. The kitchen section can also be found here.

The windows in the passenger area extend over the full height, and there are small French balconies. The public areas are located at deck 3: the front parlor, rear spa wing, lobby, shops, bar and the "AIDA / A'ROSA" typical club ship - restaurant with open seating on the deck.

Access to the four deck levels is mainly allowed through the round shaped foyer of curved stairs. There are also front and back internal staircases in different locations. At the Cafe-Bar (Deck 3) as well as in the lounge the passenger can enjoy a quiet gliding over the river, which - within a beautiful landscape - always gives new impressions and experiences. Sun shade, sun lounges and variable wind systems always provide a pleasant stay on the top deck.

Safety

The A-ROSA MIA meets all safety regulations for inland waterway to be followed during the accompanying trip, specifically on the Danube. This includes most importantly the inland waterway regulatory investigations (BinSchUO) and the Rhine Vessel Inspection Regulation-(RheinSchUO).The vessel is certified by the Central Authority of the ship Investigation Commission (ZSUK).

The immediate safety of passengers is supported by an innovative TV system with a network of cameras. This can among other things monitor all significant or vulnerable exterior areas of the ship. In addition, large plasma flat screens will entertain the passengers in the lobby, the lounge and coffee bar.

Engine and Technology

The A-ROSA Mia is powered by two MTU diesel engines with an output of 800kW. The propulsion system utilizes two Schottel twin propellers type STP 550, which can rotate 360 degrees. These propellar drives provide the vessel an outstanding maneuverability, particularly designed for use on rivers. The rudder propellers consist of two screws, which allow for the small drafts for better weight distribution. Due to the rotation of the rudder propellers to 360 degrees, the thrust of the screws can be steered in any desired direction without requiring the rudder.

For the board power supply three MAN diesel engines with an output of 380 kW are installed. Furthermore, an emergency generator with an output of 37 kW is installed to ensure the board power supply in a blackout to run the basic functions.

Main Characteristics