With the maiden call of the world's first LNG cruise ship, the Carnival group takes over operations of the new cruise terminal in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. For the first time, a cruise ship powered by environmentally friendly liquefied natural gas will be fueled on the Canary Islands.
On December 19, 2018, AIDA Cruises welcomed the first guests on board AIDAnova in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, for the premiere cruise around the Canary Islands and Madeira. The world's first cruise ship that can be powered at port and at sea with low-emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) had previously arrived in Tenerife on the afternoon of December 18, 2018, to be fueled with LNG for the first time for its premiere season. The Shell LNG tanker "Cardissa" supplied the ship with the marine fuel with the lowest emissions.
With AIDAnova's maiden call in Tenerife on December 19, 2018, the Carnival group, of which AIDA is a member, also celebrated the official start of operations of its cruise terminal in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
During a reception aboard, AIDA President Felix Eichhorn underlined how unique the first ship of the new AIDA generation is. "With strong enthusiasm and creativity, we have united an extraordinary variety of products for our guests in one place, on AIDAnova. We are very proud to operate what is currently the most environmentally friendly cruise ship and we will continue to pursue this path."
With AIDAnova, one of the most innovative cruise ships offering a fantastic array of experiences is launching its premiere season. Guests can look forward to an unprecedented variety of culinary and entertainment options. Particularly the number of service restaurants has been vastly expanded, for example to include Ocean's – the specialty seafood restaurant. The new Teppanyaki Asia Grill and the Sushi House – where hot pot dishes are served – offer a culinary voyage through Asia. A tandoori section and dim sum station have been added to the popular East Restaurant. More new additions include the Yachtclub Restaurant, which offers light seasonal cuisine and international specialties with maritime flair, and the Street Food Mile with a variety of snacks ranging from currywurst to kebabs or delicious sandwiches offered from early in the morning until midnight.
In the Time Machine Restaurant, entertainment and culinary enjoyment are magically united on a journey through time to worlds full of mystery. A total of 17 restaurants and 23 bars offer some of the most diverse dining selections at sea.
The multifunctional Studio X is another highlight on AIDAnova. The first TV studio at sea produces and broadcasts live daily and accommodates up to 460 guests who can watch as popular TV formats from all genres and TV shows developed for AIDAnova are presented. The newly designed Theatrium features the first 360-degree stage with more than ten LED walls and a "Magic Tunnel" for spectacular artist appearances.
Naturally, AIDAnova also features the spacious activity area Four Elements with a ropes course designed in jungle style and three water slides, and the Beach Club with the large, wonderfully relaxing indoor pool.
Sports and wellness fans can enjoy the Body & Soul Organic Spa with around 3,500 square meters, a variety of whirlpools, saunas, a fireplace room, and the new outdoor fitness studio.
From the penthouse suite over two decks to family and veranda staterooms with lots of space, to the comfortable individual staterooms: Guests can choose from 21 stateroom varieties and feel at home on the sea in their own way.
The cruise ship AIDAnova is equipped with state-of-the art technology for environmentally friendly travel. With four dual-fuel engines and three gas tanks on board, it is the first cruise ship in the world that can be powered at port and at sea with low-emission liquefied natural gas.
Emissions of particulate matter and sulfur oxides are almost completely eliminated. Nitrogen oxides and CO2 emissions are sustainably reduced. AIDA Cruises began investing in LNG propulsion technology more than ten years ago. In 2021 and 2023, two additional ships from this new AIDA generation will join the AIDA fleet. In less than five years, more than half of all AIDA guests will be traveling on board ships that are either fully or partially powered with low-emission liquefied natural gas.
On December 22, 2018, more guests are awaited on board AIDAnova at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, the second changeover port for AIDAnova on the Canary Islands. During her premiere season, AIDAnova is embarking on seven-day cruises around the Canary Islands. The program includes the fascinating volcanic landscapes of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, as well as the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira.
In mid-April 2019, AIDAnova is then setting sail for another favorite travel spot – the Mediterranean. Mediterranean destinations such as Majorca, Barcelona, Rome, Florence and Marseille are scheduled for the summer season.
All AIDAnova cruises can be booked at travel agencies, with the AIDA Customer Center at the phone number +49 (0)381/202 707 07, or online at www.aida.de.