AIDAbella

The 2008-built AIDAbella cruise ship is the second SPHINX-class AIDA liner, with sisterships AIDAluna and AIDAdiva.

The vessel (IMO number 9362542) is currently Italy-flagged (MMSI 247229700) and registered in Genova.

History - construction and ownership

AIDA Cruises is a Rostock-headquartered subsidiary owned by Carnival Corporation. AIDA is Europe's largest German cruise line (followed by TUI), targeting younger and more active travelers. Founded in 1960 as "Deutsche Seereederei," AIDA was acquired in 2000 by P&O Princess Cruises, which merged with Carnival Corporation in 2003. AIDA's first World Cruise (on AIDAcara) took place in 2017-2018 (October-February), with a 116-day roundtrip itinerary from Hamburg, Germany.

The 2,500-passenger AIDAbella was originally named "MS Seetours" and is currently managed by Costa Crociere and operated by AIDA Kreuzfahrten.

In addition to the ship's staff and crew, AIDA passengers are assisted by Pepper robots—advanced humanoid robots introduced fleetwide in 2016. These robots greet and guide guests upon embarkation and assist throughout the voyage by offering information on dining, entertainment, enrichment programs (workshops and events), casino and shopping promotions, and shore excursions. Pepper robots are mobile, speak English, German, and Italian, and can interpret human emotions by analyzing voice tone and facial expressions.

Decks and Cabins

AIDAbella staterooms (1,025 total in 18 categories) include 16 Suites, 480 Balcony, 186 Oceanview, and 359 Inside cabins. The most spacious accommodations are the Aft-Facing Deluxe Suites, measuring 400–470 ft² (37–44 m²), with private sundecks/wraparound terraces sized 270–540 ft² (25–50 m²).

The ship has 13 decks, 11 of which are passenger-accessible, with 6 dedicated to cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

AIDAbella offers open-seating dining. The buffet restaurants allow passengers to sample cuisine from various countries, accompanied by quality wines. The Markt Buffet Restaurant, located on Deck 9, is self-service and offers a rich variety. There are no strict dress codes or fixed dining times. Basic beverages, including house wines and beer, are complimentary in buffet venues. Beverage packages are also available at discounted rates. A coffee bar offers a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy quality coffee, socialize, read, and unwind.

Below is the full list of AIDAbella’s restaurants and food bars:

• Rossini (specialty, dinner-only restaurant; à la carte 6-course menu, reservations and surcharge apply)
• Markt Restaurant (main dining venue; self-service buffet with various food stations and a small terrace)
• Bella Vista (Italian buffet-style restaurant, open 24/7, complimentary)
• Buffalo Steakhouse (American-style à la carte restaurant; surcharge and reservations required)
• Weite Welt (Wide World buffet restaurant; complimentary with indoor and outdoor seating)
• Sushi Bar (Japanese cuisine; surcharge and reservations required)
• Pizzeria Mare (Italian pizza; complimentary, self-service)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

AIDAbella provides top-tier entertainment, including a glass-walled theater and 4D cinema. Guests can enjoy the casino, try new sports, or simply relax. A large swimming pool and sunbathing area are available, along with a modern fitness center and golf facilities. The spa offers massages and beauty treatments (additional fees apply).

Below is the full list of AIDAbella lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues for all ages:

• Pier 3 Bar (coffee bar)
• Kids Club (supervised programs for 3–11 years; groups: Seahorses 3–6, Dolphins 7–9, Sharks 10–11; includes outdoor area with paddling pool)
• Internet stations with printers (Reception/Lobby area; shipwide Wi-Fi including cabins)
• Studio AIDA (TV studio producing itinerary-related content and radio programming)
• AIDA Bella Bar (cocktail lounge with live music)
• Theatrium (948-seat, 3-deck venue combining atrium and theater; features glass dome, dynamic stage, and panoramic views)
• Art Gallery (Kunstgalerie; sells original artworks, hosts auctions)
• AIDA Lounge (panoramic lounge with 270-degree views)
• The Library (Bibliotek; includes card and board games)
• AIDAbella Casino
• Cafe Mare (patisserie and specialty coffee)
• Vinotek (fine wine shop with sommelier service and tastings)
• AIDA Bar (large lounge with panoramic windows)
• Photo Gallery & Shop (professional photo/video services, duty-free items; includes photo kiosks with facial recognition)
• AIDA Shop (duty-free and branded merchandise; includes liquor, tobacco, jewelry, fashion, and perfumes)
• Beauty Salon (Friseur; hairdresser, barber, manicure/pedicure)
• Body & Soul Sports Fitness Center (modern gym and fitness class area)
• Zen Lounge (indoor relaxation and wellness classes)
• 4D Kino Cinemare (4D cinema)
• Time Out Bar (sports bar); Ocean Bar (outdoor cocktail bar)
• Blutenmeer (Blooming Sea flower shop)
• Sundeck area (served by Beach Bar)
• Anytime Bar (nightclub/disco with DJ and themed parties; daytime dance classes)
• HYPE (teens club with supervised groups: Orcas 12–13, Teens 14–17; complimentary)
• Body & Soul SPA (Africa-themed; includes Beauty Salon, massage/treatment rooms, Wellness Suite and Oase, aroma/steam/sauna rooms, relaxation spaces)
• Wellness Oase (with whirlpool, hammocks, loungers, and tropical decor)
• Wellness Suite (private, for up to 4 guests; includes veranda, sauna, whirlpool, luxury amenities)
• SPA Bar (serves complimentary fruits, tea, wellness drinks)
• Sundeck/sunbathing area (above pool, with loungers; served by Pool Bar; includes FKK Bereich top-deck nudist area)
• Sun Deck Games Area (Sonnendeck – shuffleboard, giant chess, boccia, darts, table tennis, backgammon)
• Videowand (outdoor theater with large LED screen)
• Sports Deck (volleyball/basketball court, golf cage, putting green, simulator)
• Power Walking/Jogging Track

Itineraries

AIDAbella’s itinerary program includes Northern Europe/Baltic Sea cruises departing from Kiel (Germany), Asian voyages with homeporting in Laem Chabang-Bangkok (Thailand), and Middle East/Arabian Gulf cruises from Dubai (UAE).

The vessel (Meyer Werft Papenburg yard/hull) has a volume of 69,203 GT, a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 8,765 tons, and a maximum draught of 7.3 m. The powerplant features MAK Caterpillar marine diesel engines (model 9M43C) with a combined output of 36 MW. The propulsion system uses SIEMENS electric motors (model 1DM5650-8DS06-Z) delivering a total output of 25 MW. The registered shipowner is COSTA CROCIERE SPA, and the registered/ISM Manager is CARNIVAL MARITIME GMBH.

AIDAbella is the fifth liner operated by AIDA Kreuzfahrten. Her name was selected through an online competition. In terms of construction and size, the vessel is identical to her sistership AIDAdiva, comprising 55 steel blocks (each weighing 450 tons). The hull alone weighed 25,000 tons.

The ship's godmother was Eva Padberg (German fashion model). The name "Bella" was chosen through a public naming contest. The vessel was christened on April 23, 2008, in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany, during a ceremony attended by approximately 1,400 guests. The event featured scenes from the musical "Avalon" performed by the Berlin Symphony Orchestra and a specially composed song performed by Volkan Baydar (of the pop duo Orange Blue).

AIDAbella is equipped with a biking station and carries a fleet of complimentary bicycles for use by passengers during shore excursions. A significant portion of the ship is dedicated to sports and wellness. A notable feature is the nude sunbathing area located on the top deck at the stern. At midship is the circular, glass-walled Theatrium, which also serves as a nightclub.

The onboard language is German, as the majority of AIDA passengers are German-speaking Europeans (primarily from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). AIDA’s customer base consists mainly of young and active travelers, while older Germans typically prefer more traditional cruise brands in the German-speaking market.

AIDAbella was originally scheduled for deployment in Asia in spring 2017, offering roundtrip cruises from China year-round with departures from the homeport of Shanghai. However, in late September 2016, these plans were revised due to strong demand in the Western Mediterranean. Starting May 2017, AIDAbella's European itinerary program included 7-day roundtrips from Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, as well as new 10- and 11-day Adriatic Sea itineraries between Palma and Venice with ports of call in Italy, Malta, Greece, and Croatia.

Due to the earlier-than-planned launch of AIDAperla, passengers booked on AIDAbella between June 30 and August 26, 2017, were given the opportunity to rebook on AIDAperla.

AIDAbella refurbishments review

In May 2024, the company aannounced its "AIDA Evolution" fleet modernization program.

Drydock 2026

Beginning in 2025 with AIDAdiva, this drydocking initiative included all three SPHINX-class ships (diva/2025, luna/2025, bella/2026), featuring extensive upgrades to public areas, full redesign and refurbishment of passenger staterooms, increased suite capacity, machinery updates, and the introduction of exclusive areas and signature venues (restaurants, bars, services) found on newer ships.

AIDAbella's refurbishment in 2026 (January 21 to March 11) was at Chantier Naval de Marseille, France. The overhaul included approximately 300 major projects, involving thousands of shipyard workers, specialists from over 170 fit-out companies, and the ship’s crew.

• The Theatrium (main show lounge) received redesigned seating with backrests around the stage on Deck 9, a new color scheme, and upgraded sound, lighting, and stage control technology.
• All cruise cabins were refurbished with new canopies, carpets, curtains, and color schemes. Balcony cabins received new chairs and sofas. Select cabins were reconfigured to accommodate four guests, ideal for families. Six new family suites were added at the stern, each with private sundecks, separate living and sleeping areas (with double beds), and additional sleeping arrangements. Some suites now accommodate up to five guests plus a baby cot. Suite guests have access to exclusive areas including the Sky Deck and Rossini Lounge.
• Public areas on Decks 9, 10, and 11 were extensively redesigned.
• New dining and beverage venues were introduced, including French Kiss (restaurant and bar), East Fusion (Asian cuisine), Tapas Bar (Spanish snacks), Yachtclub Restaurant (maritime specialties), Panorama Bar, Ice Bar, Tokyo Bar, and Lanai Bar.
• The wellness complex was fully renovated. Two new Thermal Suites were added, featuring private whirlpools, saunas, and waterbeds. The Hair Spa was redesigned and now includes a Nail Spa.
• A new Fun Park was installed on Deck 14, featuring a 7.5-meter (27-foot) climbing tower, a slide, and interactive caves.
• The Kids Club was redesigned.
• Over 45,700 m² of old carpeting in guest and crew areas was replaced with recyclable materials.
• Approximately 6.5 km (4 miles) of wooden handrails were renewed. Large sections of glass and window panes were replaced. Around 8,500 liters of paint were used to refresh the vessel.

Technical upgrades included the installation of a new reverse osmosis system to optimize freshwater production, a solid waste processor capable of reducing waste by up to 95%, and shipwide energy-efficient LED lighting to reduce energy consumption.

The underwater hull was cleaned and repainted using approximately 17,500 liters of biocide-free paint.

IT infrastructure was enhanced with the installation of 50 km (31 miles) of new cabling and the replacement of 22 tons of electronic equipment.