Current plans are for sailings to start by mid-June, with those in France by the end of June.

A-ROSA said: “Countries across Europe are currently outlining their plans to reopen for tourism. Portugal has already opened its borders to tourists while Austria will allow river cruises on the Danube again from 19 May.

"Slovakia and Hungary have not given dates for when hotels – including river cruises – will open, but both countries are now recording low numbers [of Covid-19 infection]. 

“The German federal states along the Rhine have included tourist accommodation including river cruises in their current reopening of tourism plans, expected to be in place by mid-June. 

“The Netherlands and Belgium are also expected to follow suit, and in Switzerland hotels are already open. A four-stage plan in France is set to allow cruise and passenger ships to operate from 30 June.”

Last year, A-ROSA sailed for five months under a series of strict health and hygiene protocols. 

A-ROSA managing director Jorg Eichler added: “It is really encouraging that tourism in Europe finally looks like it can return soon.

“We are busy adapting and updating our current protocols in line with the latest regulations in the countries we sail through and will announce them in the coming days. Our successful five months of sailing in 2020 clearly shows that cruising with A-ROSA can be safe and enjoyable.”