Tag: Aida

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.

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.

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.