AIDA Cruises: the back story

About AIDA Cruises: the back story

By the ULTIMATE the world’s cruise lines Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

AIDA’s ships are recognisable anywhere by the red lips and eyes painted on the bow, the ‘Kussmund’. Its 11 ships sail with German as the main language on board, built at Wismar, Papenburg and Nagasaki, and its newest, AIDAcosma, runs on LNG.

The kiss on the bow

You know an AIDA ship before you can read her name: the red lips, blue eyes and wave painted on the bow make up the ‘Kussmund’, the line’s signature. The 11 ships of the fleet were built at three yards, Aker MTW in Wismar, Meyer Werft in Papenburg and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki (aida.de).

A German holiday at sea

AIDA was made for German-speaking guests, and German is still the main language on board. The atmosphere is relaxed: buffet restaurants with full board and selected drinks in every fare, and specialty restaurants for evenings out. Tips are included in the fare, and guests who want to thank the crew for exceptional service can use envelopes at reception on the last day.

A holiday in German, with a kiss on the bow.

The biggest ships

AIDAcosma and AIDAnova are the largest ships, 337 metres long and 42 metres wide. AIDAcosma, completed in 2022, is the newest and runs on LNG and diesel-electric power. She has 5 buffet, 6 specialty and 5 à la carte restaurants, 23 bars and cafés, a Beach Club, the Time Machine Restaurant with a steampunk dinner show, and 21 kinds of cabin, up to a two-deck Loft at the stern.

For families

AIDA’s Kids Club is divided by age group, with hosts for kids and teens, a Mini Club and baby services, buffets lowered for small guests and a Teens Club with gaming, wellness and workshops. Children under two travel at no charge, and in school holidays there are guest artists, workshops and the Kids & Teens Show.

Six tariffs

What you pay depends on the tariff: LIGHT, CLASSIC, PREMIUM and three ALL IN tariffs that add the largest drinks package. COMFORT ALL IN also includes an unlimited internet flat. The ALL IN tariffs can be booked for cruises of five days or more.

Our advice: AIDA is ideal if you or your family are comfortable in German; choose a PREMIUM or ALL IN tariff on a longer cruise, as the specialty restaurants and drinks soon add up; and for families, look at AIDAcosma, AIDAnova, AIDAperla or AIDAprima for the most space.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with AIDA Cruises: the back story before you go.