AIDA Cruises

AIDA grew out of the former East German state shipping company in Rostock, which launched the first AIDA ship in 1996 with an idea new to German travelers: a relaxed, informal “club ship” rather than a formal ocean liner. Within Carnival Corporation, AIDA is the brand for the German-speaking market, and it has become the country’s best-known cruise name, famous for the Kussmund, the red-lipped smile painted on every bow.

The fleet numbers around eleven ships. AIDAnova and AIDAcosma are the largest, LNG-powered ships with the Four Elements adventure deck, slides and a huge choice of restaurants. AIDAprima and AIDAperla introduced the Beach Club, a sunny space under a transparent dome. The seven Sphinx-class ships (AIDAdiva, AIDAbella, AIDAluna, AIDAblu, AIDAsol, AIDAmar and AIDAstella) form the core of the fleet, each built around the Theatrium, a central atrium that doubles as a stage, and several with an onboard brewery.

Itineraries cover Northern Europe, Norway and the Baltic from Hamburg, Kiel and Warnemünde, plus the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Caribbean and long voyages, with flights from German airports for fly-cruises.

AIDA is informal, active and sociable, with no captain’s dinners, no dress code to speak of and open seating in most restaurants. Guests are overwhelmingly German, Austrian and Swiss, ranging from young couples to families and retirees. Everything happens in German: shows, comedy, announcements, excursions and the app. Some crew speak English and you can get by on basic needs, but you’ll miss much of the program without German. Prices are in euros. Ships carry from about 2,000 guests on the Sphinx class to more than 5,000 on the Helios class. Wellness, sports and outdoor living matter more here than on many lines, with large spas, jogging tracks and outdoor fitness areas.

Most meals are served in large buffet restaurants with open seating, where water, soft drinks, table wine, draft beer, tea and filter coffee are included at mealtimes. Specialty restaurants cost extra and include Buffalo Steak House, the Rossini fine-dining restaurant, a sushi bar and, on the newer ships, more themed venues. The onboard brewhouses on several ships serve fresh beer with German pub food. Menus lean German and Central European, with international choices.

Shows are in German and staged in the Theatrium, a central atrium-stage on the Sphinx class, or in larger theaters on newer ships. Expect musicals, comedy, cabaret, live music and parties, plus lectures and destination talks in German. The Helios-class ships add the Four Elements adventure area with water slides and climbing, and the Beach Club on several ships offers a sheltered sunny lounge in cooler regions.

AIDA is very family friendly, with free kids and teen clubs grouped by age, often busy during German school holidays. Programs are in German, which matters for children who don’t speak it. Family cabins and connecting cabins are common, and children’s fares are discounted.

Cabins are modern and functional, from interiors and ocean views to balconies and suites. The Helios-class ships add patio cabins with direct deck access and family cabins sleeping several people. AIDA sells fares in tiers, from Light and Classic to Premium and Comfort, with “ALL IN” versions that bundle a drinks package, and higher tiers add flexibility and perks.

Selected drinks are included with meals in the buffet restaurants. At bars and specialty restaurants, drinks cost extra unless you choose an ALL IN fare, which bundles a large drinks package. Prices are in euros.

Gratuities are included in all AIDA fares. Personal tips for exceptional service are optional and can be left in envelopes at reception on the last day.

AIDA Club is the line’s German-language loyalty program, with status levels earned through cruising that unlock discounts and onboard perks for repeat guests.