The ship departed the city "silently and emission-free" due to its hybrid propulsion system, which enables it to switch to battery power when arriving and leaving ports.
The day before its departure, Sena was blessed by Deacon Michael Inden and then christened by Clara Eichler, the daughter of A-Rosa chief executive Jorg Eichler in Dusseldorf.
The ceremony took place in the presence of management, investors and crew after the ship’s original maiden voyage date was delayed due to supply chain disruption caused by the pandemic.
Sena will now sail a seven-night itinerary from Cologne calling at Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Dordrecht and Antwerp. Excursions include a canoe trip through the nature reserve in Biesbosch, a culinary city tour through Antwerp and a visit the Madurodam miniature park in Rotterdam.
Lucia Rowe, managing director of A-Rosa River Cruises UK and Ireland, said: "This is what we have all be waiting for – our next-generation ship has set sail, paving the way for our future fleet.
"She is like nothing seen before on the rivers and we are so very proud of what we’ve achieved. We’ve been telling agents about her and what makes her so different for some time now, and finally she is here and sailing on the northern Rhine."
