The German premium brand, which carried 86,000 passengers on its 11 ships in 2016, said all global markets were performing well.

The line said demand was expected to continue and as a result, it was looking at potential new ship-build opportunities.
 
Lucia Rowe, head of A-Rosa UK, said: “Last was a great year for A-Rosa globally and for the third year in succession turnover and operating profit increased.

“It is hugely encouraging that overall we are 50% sold for 2017 and we are already in discussions with Neptun Shipyard in our hometown of Rostock about potential new A-Rosa prototype vessels.

“We are aware that our present generation of ships may not meet the growing demand and the next 12 months will be very exciting for us as we evolve.”
 
For 2017, a key target market for A-Rosa will be families.

In 2016 more than 1,600 children travelled with A-Rosa, exceeding the line’s target of 1,000.

For 2017, A-Rosa hopes to carry in excess of 2,000 children and will be working with agents to help achieve this.