Excellence class · AIDA · In service since 2018
AIDAnova
AIDAnova is an Excellence class cruise ship operated by AIDA, in service since 2018. At about 183,200 gross tons, it carries roughly 5,200 guests and ranks #2 by size in the 11-ship AIDA fleet we cover.
- 183,200 gross tons
- 5,200 guests
- 1,106 ft long
Photo: Ein Dahmer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- AIDA Cruises
- Ship class
- Excellence class
- Entered service
- 2018 (8 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 183,200
- Guests
- 5,200
- Length
- 1,106 ft (337 m)
- Beam (width)
- 138 ft (42 m)
- Builder
- Meyer Werft
- Flag
- Italy
- IMO number
- 9781865
About AIDAnova
AIDAnova made headlines in 2018 as the world’s first cruise ship able to run entirely on liquefied natural gas, both at sea and in port. She launched AIDA’s Excellence class and remains one of the line’s flagships, built for German-speaking families and couples with the casual, club-like style AIDA is known for. Inside, she feels like a resort, with the glass-roofed Beach Club, an adventure zone with waterslides, a TV studio and a huge choice of restaurants and bars. Announcements and entertainment are in German, so she suits travelers comfortable in the language. She often sails the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean.
Best for: German-speaking families who want a big, modern resort ship with a relaxed, no-dress-code atmosphere.
AIDAnova highlights
- The world’s first cruise ship fully powered by LNG
- Beach Club under a transparent roof
- Four Elements area with waterslides and climbing
- Onboard TV studio
- Wide range of buffet and à la carte restaurants
How AIDAnova compares in size
Excellence class sister ships
Sailing with AIDA
AIDA Cruises is Germany’s largest cruise line and a German-language product from top to bottom: announcements, entertainment, menus and service are designed for guests from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It runs casual, buffet-centered “club ships,” recognizable by the red lips painted on every bow. North Americans who don’t speak German will feel like outsiders, so this line suits German speakers and adventurous travelers who want an immersive European experience.
Read our full AIDA guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
AIDAnova FAQs
How big is AIDAnova?
AIDAnova measures about 183,200 gross tons and is about 1,106 feet (337 m) long. That makes it #2 of 11 AIDA ships we cover by tonnage, and #21 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does AIDAnova carry?
About 5,200 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was AIDAnova built?
AIDAnova entered service in 2018 and was built by Meyer Werft.
What class of ship is AIDAnova?
AIDAnova belongs to AIDA's Excellence class, alongside AIDAcosma. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is AIDAnova good for families?
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. Facilities vary by ship, so check what AIDAnova offers for your kids' ages.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, AIDA official site.