The ship will feature battery propulsion for city entry and exit and will be the first four-deck river cruise ship to sail the Rhine.

Due for delivery in spring 2021, the 140-cabin ship will be built at the Concordia Damen Werft shipyard in the Netherlands. A second is planned for 2023.

It will also be designed specifically to appeal to families and multi-generational guests, featuring family cabins sleeping up to five, a children’s pool and dedicated kids club area.

Jorg Eichler, A-Rosa chief executive, said: “This new ship features innovations never seen on a river ship cruise ship before and it heralds the future of travel on the rivers – both in terms of use of space and sustainability.

“At A-Rosa, we have been setting new standards for the industry for many years – we always want to be different and this new ship allows us to continue to do just that.”

The ship’s E-Motion concept allows it to switch to battery power when approaching a city so it arrives emission-free.

Moreover, it will be fitted with a shore power connection, meaning the batteries can be charged overnight so the ship can depart emission-free too.

Other energy-saving and environmental measures include optimised hull design and air-bubble technology, reducing fuel consumption.

“Today’s guests have growing expectations when it comes to the environment and sustainability and these innovations will help us on our journey towards meeting these,” said Eichner.

Other features include 21sq/m double cabins with larger bathrooms, dedicated sleeping and living areas and balcony with seating for two, as well as six suites.

There will be a spa and wellness area with sauna, whirlpool, gym, ice room, heat-bench and other treatment rooms.

Lucia Rowe, managing director of A-Rosa River Cruises UK and Ireland, said she expected the new ship to be “hugely popular” with UK customers.

“This new ship really is a prototype on Europe’s rivers and something we haven’t seen before,” she said.

“It will open up river cruising to a completely different market segment with a host of new facilities and features tailored to the whole family.

“We have taken a tailor-made approach with this ship, building in line with what the river can accommodate and creatively offering more space for more experiences which is what today’s families want.

“We look forward to working with the UK trade going forward to educate them on all that the ship will have to offer and how and who to sell it to.”