30 Years of AIDA: To mark this occasion, AIDA Cruises invites everyone to celebrate in Hamburg – both on land and at sea. Fans and friends of the ships with the iconic "kissing lips" logo can expect an impressive ship parade in the Port of Hamburg. On all eleven ships in the fleet, guests will experience the anniversary with a joint attempt to record the biggest smile ever.AIDA Pressekonferenz_v.l.n.r. Jens Meier_CEO_HPA_Felix Eichhorn_President AIDA Cruises_
Celebrating on Board
On June 6th and 7th, AIDA Cruises will celebrate its anniversary with a record-breaking event on all eleven ships, together with guests and crew, creating a moment of pure joy. The event kicks off on June 6th on board AIDAperla in Hamburg, before continuing on June 7th on all ships in the fleet. The goal is to create the biggest birthday smile ever within 24 hours. The smile record attempt is part of an onboard birthday celebration – complete with birthday cake, of course. For 30 years, AIDA, with its smiling logo on the bow, has stood for a lifestyle that many people love: friendly, cosmopolitan, and uncomplicated. AIDA celebrates this smile together with its guests and crew.AIDA Pressekonferenz_Felix Eichhorn_President AIDA Cruises_4.6.2026
The event kicks off on June 6th on board AIDAperla in Hamburg, before continuing on June 7th on all ships in the fleet. The birthday celebrations will also be musically exciting: On the voyage from June 6th to 13th, 2026, guests aboard AIDAperla will experience an exclusive concert by the No Angels, one of Germany's most successful pop bands, whose hits will create goosebump moments and a festive birthday atmosphere. The voyage combines musical highlights with impressive nature experiences along the Norwegian coast, making the journey itself an integral part of the birthday program.
Celebrations on Land
On June 7th, 2026, the Port of Hamburg will become the stage for a nautical birthday maneuver: AIDAperla, AIDAprima, and AIDAsol will participate in a ship parade. Preparations begin at 6:00 p.m. so that the ships are ready for the parade at 7:45 p.m. The route leads through the heart of the Port of Hamburg, past the Landungsbrücken (St. Pauli Piers) and the Überseebrücke (Overseas Bridge). The highlight of the evening will be a colorful presentation showcasing the ships. The parade is one of the highlights of AIDA Cruises' anniversary year and promises a spectacular experience and impressive photo opportunities against the backdrop of Hamburg's harbor. Fans and friends of the AIDA ships can look forward to goosebump moments!
Reasons to Celebrate
"17 million guests have been on board with us in the past 30 years – we are very proud of that!" says Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises. "AIDA democratized cruising 30 years ago. What began as a small venture has developed into the greatest innovation in German tourism and has made sea travel possible for many people. Over 1.5 million guests every year, including many repeat guests and fans – this enthusiasm drives us. We also bring added value to the regions: In Hamburg, for example, every call by a cruise ship generates €2.7 million in regional economic activity."AIDA Pressekonferenz_Simulation_
To date, AIDA ships have visited 120 countries and 478 different ports worldwide. Today, AIDA is one of the best-known brands in Germany. The company currently employs 18,000 people from 60 nations. Its fleet currently comprises eleven ships with a total of more than 15,000 cabins. "Our next generation of ships represents innovative technology with multi-fuel propulsion systems. The engines can run on LNG and are being prepared for future biofuels and e-fuels. LNG is an interim step; at the same time, we are preparing our ships for other energy sources as soon as they become available," explains Eichhorn. Ships are already equipped for the use of e-LNG, while bio-LNG and biofuels are being used in ongoing operations. AIDAprima already operates the largest battery system in the maritime industry. Seven ships in the fleet are also currently undergoing comprehensive modernization through the AIDA Evolution program – with intelligent technology and increased energy efficiency.
The AIDA Evolution program is also comprehensively modernizing seven ships in the fleet – with intelligent technology and for increased energy efficiency.
[The text abruptly ends here, so the translation stops as well.] Celebrating Partnership
Jens Meier, CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority, confirms the close cooperation between the Port of Hamburg and AIDA Cruises: “30 years of AIDA stand for innovative strength, tourism appeal, and a close connection to the ports that have accompanied this success story. For Hamburg, AIDA has been a reliable partner for many years and an important driving force for the maritime industry. Hamburg invested early in shore power infrastructure – at a time when skepticism towards this technology was still very high. AIDA was not only the first user and technology partner, but also a driver of its further development. I therefore offer my warmest congratulations on the 30th anniversary and wish AIDA continued success on its journey into a sustainable and innovative future.”
Celebrating Innovation
“We will continue to develop cruising through innovation in the future,” explains Eichhorn. This year, AIDA is holding its first innovation competition. The competition seeks innovative ideas for the future of cruising.
Tags: Jens Meier, Hamburg Port Authority Felix Eichhorn, AIDA Cruises
