Tag: Aida

Extensive Modernization for Two More Sphinx Ships

July 12, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Extensive Modernization for Two More Sphinx Ships

AIDA Evolution: Extensive Modernization for Two More Sphinx Ships from the End of 2025 AIDA Cruises is forging ahead with modernizing its fleet: After AIDAdiva, the shipyard schedules for the next two Sphinx-class ships have now been set.

Image Credit: Aida Cruises, Aida Bella.

As part of AIDA Evolution, the largest fleet modernization program in the company’s history, the first three ships of the Sphinx series will be extensively modernized by 2026. The first ship to be modernized will be AIDAdiva, which will enter the Chantier Naval shipyard in Marseille, France, from February 3 to March 22, 2025. The dry dock periods for the next two ships have now also been scheduled: AIDAluna will be in the shipyard from October 22 to December 10, 2025, followed by AIDAbella from January 21 to March 11, 2026.

During the seven-week dry dock overhaul, the focus will be on upgrading the ship’s technology and providing an even greater variety of experiences, services and comfort. Popular concepts from the latest AIDA generation will also be brought on board. All guest staterooms will receive a new look. In addition, the number of suites will be increased. Exclusive areas and services will be created for the first time in this ship class. On the culinary side, guests can look forward to an even greater variety of restaurants and even better service. Popular signature bars will be added to the bar offerings. The distinctive Theatrium will be redesigned with inviting seating and a harmonious color scheme. New activity areas will be created specifically for families with children.

The ships in the Sphinx series will enter service between 2007 and 2013. Their innovative and open space concept and design have significantly shaped the AIDA experience. With AIDA Evolution, these ships are now undergoing a comprehensive modernization. For more details on the modernization program and planned innovations, please visit aida.de/evolution.

Aida Refurbishments on Sphinx Class

AIDA’s iconic ships to be thoroughly modernized

February 24, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on AIDA’s iconic ships to be thoroughly modernized

AIDA's iconic ships to be thoroughly modernized

Aida Refurbishments on Sphinx Class
Image credit: Aida

With AIDA Evolution, AIDA Cruises has launched the largest modernization program in its fleet. It is the most extensive in the company’s history. The first phase of the program will be a major overhaul of the Sphinx ships AIDAdiva, AIDAbella and AIDAluna in 2025 and 2026. The focus will be on a new interior design of the ships. In addition, technical equipment and systems will be updated.

All staterooms will be completely re-decorated. In addition, the number of suites will be increased. For the first time in this class of ships, exclusive areas and services will be created. Suite guests, for example, will benefit from them. In terms of culinary delights, guests can look forward to an even greater variety of restaurants, selected signature bars and enhanced services. The heart of the Sphinx ships beats in the very center – in the light-flooded Theatrium. This stylish area will be enhanced with inviting seating and a harmonious color concept. Especially for families with children, new activity areas will be introduced.

Future-proof and sustainable cruising

As part of its decarbonization strategy, AIDA Cruises has been investing in a future-proof and sustainable cruise market for many years and is putting innovative solutions into practice. As early as 2004, when the first Sphinx-class ship was ordered, the company considered the use of shore power in ports to reduce local emissions. In recent years, AIDA Cruises has not only invested billions of euros in state-of-the-art propulsion and environmental technology for its new ships, but has also continuously implemented a wide range of efficiency measures in ship operation and retrofitted new technologies on the ships of its existing fleet. As part of the upcoming shipyard overhauls, further investments are planned, including measures to reduce fuel consumption, increase energy efficiency and conserve resources. As part of Carnival Corporation & plc’s family of cruise brands, the company has set a goal to reduce its carbon intensity by 20 percent by 2026 compared to 2019.

Dry dock overhaul

The ships in the Sphinx series were commissioned between 2007 and 2013. With their innovative open-space concept and colourful design, they are a key part of the unique AIDA experience. AIDAdiva will be the first ship to be modernized during her six-week dry dock overhaul in spring 2025. AIDAbella and AIDAluna will follow in fall 2025 and spring 2026, respectively.

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Kristina Vogel christens AIDAcosma in Hamburg

April 10, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Kristina Vogel christens AIDAcosma in Hamburg
Image credit: AIDAcosma, Aida Cruises

Under the motto “The world is becoming more colourful”, AIDAcosma was christened on 9 April 2022, as part of a colorful music and light show in the Port of Hamburg. The godmother of AIDA Cruises’ second LNG cruise ship is the eleven-time world champion in track cycling, Kristina Vogel.

AIDACosma Christening
Aidacosma Light Show
AIDAcosma at sea

Accompanied by Captain Vincent Cofalka, Kristina Vogel lit up a colorful globe on the Ocean Deck of AIDAcosma at 9:55 p.m. At the same time, the baptismal bottle smashed against the hull of the ship.

Cruise fans across Germany followed the christening live on the internet, on the AIDA YouTube channel and on board all AIDA ships.

As part of the naming ceremony, a spectacular light show not only illuminated the newest member of the AIDA fleet. Visible from afar, the evening sky over the Hanseatic city turned into a sea of bright colours.

At around 11:30 p.m., AIDAcosma said goodbye to Hamburg with a light show from on board, which took place during the departure while passing the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie and the Landungsbrücken to Teufelsbrück. The two-week christening voyage will sail to Palma de Mallorca over the Easter holidays (arriving 23 April 2022).

From 23 April to 29 October 29, 2022, AIDAcosma will be offering voyages from Palma (Mallorca) and Barcelona. Florence, Rome and Corsica are also on the program during the weeklong highlight cruise “Mediterranean Treasures”. From autumn 2022, AIDAcosma will set course for its sunny winter home in Dubai.