A-ROSA creates dedicated entertainment department

The four strong team will be responsible for the continuous development of all onboard entertainment, a key strategic priority for the river cruise line moving forward.

The new department will manage the entertainment programmes both during the day and in the evenings, themed cruises and children’s offering.

Lucia Rowe, managing director of A-ROSA River Cruises UK & Ireland comments: “For us, entertainment is not just a point in the daily programme, it is a philosophy that runs through the entire journey. We are the first river cruise line to create our own entertainment department, rather than using a third party. This allows us to control the quality of the on-board entertainment ourselves, pick up on new trends and continue with successful concepts. Our ships are built with entertainment in mind and many of them have real stages for artists to perform on, DJ booths and special lighting options – something that you don’t always find on river ships.”

Expanding the guest artists offering is a key focus for the line going forward and to create this network, Fadi Gaziri has been hired as A-ROSA’s entertainment manager. A Brit living in Hamburg, Fadi has built up numerous contracts with artists through his work at AIDA and TUI Cruises and through his work as an audio branding expert.

Fadi’s extensive experience and network in the industry means he can attract high quality artists on board, many of whom have never been experienced on a river cruise before.

Alongside pop, jazz, folk and rock singers the artist portfolio will now showcase musical theatre names including international performers from shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Cats and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. There are also musicians who come on board including trumpeter Francoise Berody, violinist Tamas Seres and ‘Grandcelli Duo’ a pair of cellists alongside new tribute artists covering Elvis, Elton John and Billy Joel.

The new entertainment department will also be responsible for more than just music performances onboard. Guests can enjoy cabaret, magicians, cartoonists and even sand painting shows from a range of artists, some already popular favourites with A-ROSA guests and others new to the programme.

The expansive programme of themed cruises also falls under this department.