“AIDA Evolution”: Modernized AIDAbella Back in Service

(eap) The cruise company AIDA Cruises – part of the US cruise corporation Carnival Corporation & plc – is continuing its fleet overhaul program “AIDA Evolution”: As the third ship of the “Selection” generation, the “AIDAbella” has set off on her first voyage on 11 March from Mallorca following an extensive modernization. For seven weeks, the ship had undergone fundamental overhaul and modernization in all areas.

"Theatrium" © AIDA Cruises

AIDA Evolution features new and additional restaurants and bars with an expanded range of services, redesigned guest cabins, new activity areas for families, and a fresh look for public spaces. Among the new leisure offerings on deck is the “Fun Park” with an outdoor playground, which features a play structure installed by Berliner Seilfabrik with an approx. seven-meter-high climbing tower, net tunnels and an over 13-meter-long tube slide. In addition, there are new and additional suites as well as exclusive areas such as the “Sky Deck” and the “Rossini Lounge”. The “Theatrium” also shines in new splendor – with inviting seating areas and a harmonious color scheme designed to create an even more welcoming atmosphere.

A new attraction on the AIDAbella is the “Fun Park”, featuring a play structure from Berliner Seilfabrik. Pictured here is the identical structure on the sister ship, the AIDAdiva. © Berliner Seilfabrik

In addition, technical upgrades were implemented that are intended to reduce energy consumption and support a more efficient ship operation. For the interior furnishings, AIDA worked together with the Hamburg-based company OceancircleRessourcen on the refurbishment and circular reuse of materials: In total, around 45,000 square meters of carpet, 10,000 square meters of carpet underlay, 2,500 square meters of artificial turf as well as more than 1,000 mattresses were refurbished and transferred into a new life cycle.

A total of 148 external companies and around 2,600 specialists were involved in the modernization of the AIDAbella, including 1,433 external technicians, 648 crew members as well as 188 specialists from AIDA Cruises and Carnival Maritime.

The overhaul follows the modernization of the sister ships “AIDAdiva” and “AIDAluna”. In autumn of this year, the program is to continue with the modernization of the “AIDAmar”. By 2028, all seven ships of the Selection generation – which account for around half of the entire fleet capacity – are to undergo the AIDA Evolution program. The company is investing around 100 million euros per ship in the enhancement of the fleet. ■