VESSEL REVIEW | Aurelia – Rijfers Nautical Management's new river cruise ship enters service on European routes

Switzerland-based Rijfers Nautical Management (RNM), through its Dutch brand RNM River Cruises, has expanded its fleet with the recent acquisition of a new river ship built by Vahali Shipyards of Serbia.

Aurelia is a sister ship of Amina, which was handed over to RNM in 2024. Measuring 135 by 11.45 metres (443 by 37.57 feet) and with space for up to 210 guests, Aurelia is one of the largest ships in the RNM’s current fleet.

A draught of only 1.6 metres (5.2 feet) allows safe transits across many major rivers in Europe.

Interior layout that maximises space while incorporating lightweight fixtures

The ship is crewed by 50 people and features three passenger decks, a spacious sun deck with a whirlpool, a retail shop, two restaurants including one with seating for up to sixty, and 104 well-appointed staterooms that can house a total of 208 guests.

Many of the staterooms include French balconies, offering guests an up-close view of the surrounding waters while the ship is underway. All cabins have amenities including en suite toilets with showers, minibars, coffee makers, and satellite TV. Access between decks is also possible via lift.

The interior spaces utilise lightweight materials to keep the ship's overall displacement as low as possible as a means of helping reduce fuel consumption. LED lighting is used throughout the interiors as an additional energy-saving measure.

Vista Interior Projects was responsible for the upholstery and Willemsen Interieurbouw and Scheepsbetimmering worked on the panelling for the interior spaces including the guest cabins and the wheelhouse.

Propulsion promising reduced environmental impact

The propulsion package supplied by Scania includes four DC13 368kW (493hp) EU Stage V engines, a fifth DC13 engine that acts as a manoeuvring thruster, and three 400kVA generators.

The engines, which drive four Veth Propulsion VZ-450-CR Z-drives, generate only minimal vibrations and noise and are also fitted with exhaust aftertreatment systems to help reduce emissions. Solar panels provide additional electrical power for the onboard systems.

Hydraulic-mounted wheelhouse and other safety features

The wheelhouse can be raised or lowered to enable the ship to easily sail underneath bridges. The lifting mechanism for the wheelhouse was supplied by Alubouw de Mooy.

The electronics suite includes two JRC JMR611 radars, a rudder indicator, a depth sounder and an intercom from Alphaline, an AIS, and VHF radios.

Scheepvaartwinkel Marine meanwhile supplied safety equipment including lifejackets, fire extinguishers and hose reels, and O2 breathing equipment. Space is also available for a small outboard-powered tender provided by Jeanneau.

Foresta Trading provided the deck wash pumps, the bilge/ballast pumps, and the gas oil trim pumps. Breman Shipping Installation supplied the HVAC systems, fire dampers, engine room fans, and sanitation facilities. The electric anchoring and mooring equipment are from DMT Marine Equipment.

Aurelia sails under the Swiss flag and is being operated under charter by German travel agency and cruise company Phoenix Reisen on behalf of RNM. The ship will serve seven- and 14-day itineraries.