AIDA Evolution: Investments in the future

 

As the centerpiece of the "AIDA Evolution" future initiative, all ships of the AIDAselection generation are undergoing comprehensive modernization and being enhanced with numerous new features. Following AIDAdiva, AIDAluna, and AIDAbella, the next four ships of this generation will follow by 2028. Shipyard dates and onboard innovations have now been finalized. AIDAmar and AIDAblu will undergo their seven-week Evolution program at the French shipyard Chantier Naval de Marseille this coming winter, with AIDAsol and AIDAstella following in the winter of 2027/2028. AIDA is investing nearly €100 million per ship in design, comfort, and technology. The specific shipyard dates at a glance:

AIDAmar November 1 – December 20, 2026

AIDAblu January 24 – March 14, 2027

AIDAsol October 24 – December 12, 2027

AIDAstella January 23 – March 12, 2028

Culinary diversity expands

Guests can look forward to a significantly expanded culinary offering. Following the extensive modernization, a total of eleven restaurants and 16 bars and lounges will be available. The existing concepts will be complemented by the Beach House with its summery, modern crossover cuisine on Deck 11, as well as by East Fusion, also on Deck 11. Here, guests can expect sushi variations and many other Asian dishes. A particular highlight is, for example, the popular Peking duck. With a completely new Mediterranean buffet restaurant, AIDA is opening its first culinary world dedicated entirely to the aromas, colors, and delights of the Mediterranean. On Deck 10 in the Theatrium, the new Snack Bar will replace the former Distillery, offering uncomplicated refreshments for any time of day; quick, delicious, and always to suit every taste.

Also on Deck 10, fans of French specialties and snacks will find something to their liking at the new French Kiss Bar & Bistro. On Deck 11, the Ice Bar will delight guests with cool creations and croissants – waffles made from croissant dough. A taste of Spanish cuisine awaits on Deck 9 at the new Tapas & Bar, which offers hot and cold tapas, wines, sherry, and Spanish beer. Guests can also look forward to the new Panorama Bar and exclusive signature drinks at the bow of the ship, as well as the popular Lanai Bar at the stern.

Living Room Atmosphere Throughout the Ship

The Theatrium will have a modern, living room atmosphere with additional seating options that invite guests to linger, and on Deck 9, new benches equipped with comfortable backrests. Night owls can look forward to the new Ocean Club. The existing Anytime Bar will be transformed into a modern space with stylish lounge furniture and an exclusive club atmosphere, making it an attractive meeting place even during the day.

All cabins on board will undergo extensive modernization and receive a complete facelift with a fresh, high-quality look. Six new suites will also be added at the stern of the ships, replacing the previous twelve balcony cabins. Suite guests will also have access to additional exclusive areas, such as the Sky Deck and the Rossini Lounge, for even greater privacy and service.

The spa will also receive a comprehensive upgrade and will shine in new splendor. Two new wellness suites will be added, each with a private whirlpool, sauna, and relaxing waterbed.

Exclusive Cruises After the Shipyard Refit

Following the completion of their refit, the ships will return to service with special inaugural cruises. AIDAmar will depart from Palma de Mallorca on December 20, 2026, for a week-long Christmas cruise through the western Mediterranean. Special guest Ross Antony and his husband Paul Reeves will enchant guests on this special voyage with their unique Christmas show. AIDAblu, freshly renovated, will set sail from Rome/Civitavecchia on March 14, 2027, bound for Malta, Sicily, and Sardinia. German chanson and pop singer Annett Louisan will be a special guest on board.

All modernizations also include technological upgrades. The shipyard stays therefore encompass investments in environmental technologies as well as measures to reduce fuel consumption, increase efficiency, and lower emissions. A new reverse osmosis system will further increase the efficiency of drinking water production, allowing more fresh water to be extracted from seawater with less energy.

Circular Economy in the AIDA Evolution Modernization Program

During the shipyard stays, large sections of carpeting removed will not be disposed of but systematically recycled and reused. The old materials will be shredded on-site, processed, and then reused as recycled carpet underlay. With this, AIDA Cruises is setting new standards in the circular economy. Valuable raw materials will remain in circulation, and waste volumes will be significantly reduced. Carpet recycling is an integral part of the Evolution concept and serves as an example of the approach.

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