Focus On…AIDA Cruises

I recently decided to teach myself German.  I wish I could say my desire to learn another language springs from some loftier pursuit, but the truth of the matter is I’m doing this so I can one day say guten tag to one of Carnival Corporation’s most distinctive brands: German-based AIDA Cruises.

AIDAbella is one of AIDA's stunning new Club Ships. Photo courtesy of AIDA.

Known to their largely German clientele as Das Clubschiff, or the Club Ships, AIDA was founded in 1994 when the then-fledgling company signed an order with the Kvaerner Masa Yards in Turku, Finland for what would become the line’s first ship, AIDAcara.  They now boast a fleet of eight distinct ships, easily identifiable by their bright red lips painted on the ship’s bow.

The distinctive styling that began in 2007 with AIDAdiva continues to this day. Note the wall of glass amidships indicating the theater, and the slightly lower promenade deck. Photo courtesy of AIDA.

AIDA’s fleet is also one of the most exciting; while their first three ships are nicely designed, it was 2007’s AIDAdiva that really set the German line in motion.  Sporting one of the most jaw-dropping profiles in the industry, AIDA has given these innovative vessels features that most mainstream North American cruisers can only dream of. Go have a peek at the AIDA website and explore the virtual tours for AIDAdiva; it’s hard to not be impressed.

For example, a glass skylight on the top pool deck looks down, not into an atrium but instead onto the enormous, centrally-located theater.  Flanked by two exterior walls of glass that help give AIDAdiva and her sisters their futuristic appearance, the prominent location of the theater reflects AIDA’s Club Ship commitment to providing their guests with spectacular entertainment, diverse dining options that represent every corner of the world, and some of the largest sports areas afloat.

Flanked by walls of glass and located amidships, entertainment aboard AIDA is a primary focus. Photo courtesy of AIDA.

AIDA’s interior design team have also been working overtime, designing some absolutely astonishing public spaces for their ships.  From the fun design of the Pier 3 Bar, with its tropical oasis theme to the decidedly elegant Rossini Restaurant, there’s something here that’s sure to please every taste and ensure your senses are continually stimulated.  Even the passenger corridors and staterooms represent a fresh, decidedly European take on cruising.

Impressively, AIDA doesn’t charge its passengers a gratuity.  Like luxury lines, this is included in your cruise fare.  Many of the sports and wellness facilities also come at no additional charge, and all of AIDA’s stunning entertainment is complimentary.

From fun to elegant: dining in the Rossini Restaurant. Photo courtesy of AIDA.

There’s just one catch: the onboard language is German-only.  If you know German, there’s nothing holding you back from trying out this diverse cruise product (their European itineraries are fantastic.)  For those of us who can’t say more than the odd guten tag or auf wiedersehen, well…you see why I am learning German.

By 2016, AIDA will have a fleet of 12 club ships.  In August, AIDA signed a Letter of Intent with Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to construct two 125,000-ton ships to be delivered in March of 2015 and 2016.

All the more reason to brush up on my language skills!

Curious to know more about AIDA Club Cruises?  Have a peek at their website and see what all the fuss is about.