AIDAcosma

The 2021-built/2022-inaugurated AIDAcosma cruise ship was constructed by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. She is the second of two HELIOS-class AIDA liners, following sistership AIDAnova (2018). The Excellence/HELIOS-Class was preceded by the Hyperion-Class, which includes AIDAprima and AIDAperla.

The vessel (IMO number 9781877) is currently Italy-flagged (MMSI 247435300) and registered in Genova.

AIDAcosma is the fleet’s 14th vessel and AIDA’s 9th ship built in Papenburg.

Other Excellence-Class liners (AIDAcosma's sisterships) include P&O Iona (2020), P&O Arvia (2022), Costa Smeralda (2019), Costa Toscana (2021), Carnival Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Celebration (2022), Carnival Jubilee (2023), Carnival Festivale (2027), and Carnival Tropicale (2028).

History - construction and ownership

AIDA Cruises is a Rostock-headquartered subsidiary of 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," the company was acquired in 2000 by P&O Princess Cruises, which later merged with Carnival Corporation in 2003. AIDA's first World Cruise (with AIDAcara) took place from October 2017 to February 2018, featuring a 116-day roundtrip from Hamburg, Germany.

The 5,400-passenger AIDAcosma (IMO number 9781877) is Italy-flagged (MMSI 247435300) and is among the world's largest and most technologically advanced passenger ships. In addition to the ship’s staff and crew, AIDA passengers are assisted by Pepper robots—humanoid robots introduced fleetwide in 2016. These robots greet and guide passengers upon embarkation and provide ongoing assistance with information about dining, entertainment, enrichment programs (workshops and scheduled events), casino and shopping offers, and shore excursions. Pepper robots are mobile and speak three languages (English, German, and Italian). They can also interpret human emotions through voice tone and facial expressions.

Decks and Cabins

AIDAcosma has a total of 2,600 passenger staterooms in 21 categories across 11 cabin decks. A new category, the Einzelkabine (Single Cabin), is planned to be introduced fleetwide during AIDA’s next scheduled drydock refurbishments. A new suite category, the Duplex Suite (located aft on Deck 12), is a two-level stateroom measuring 73 m², with a private 20 m² sundeck.

Suite amenities include a large private terrace, separate bedroom, sofa bed, two bathrooms (with bathrobes, slippers, and luxury bath products), queen-size beds, a pillow menu with five options, and various bonus perks.

Standard cabin balconies are furnished with padded deck chairs and coffee tables. Junior Suites include a separate “conservatory” lounge (7 m²) and a 4 m² step-out balcony. The conservatory’s glass door can be opened to double the size of the veranda and is temperature-controlled.

Deluxe Balcony Cabins offer larger verandas (5-13 m²). Comfort Balconies serve as the main family cabin type, being larger than standard Balkonkabine and featuring double sofa beds for up to four guests. Category DL (Verandakabine Deluxe with Lounge) accommodates five guests. Oceanview and Interior cabins feature lower twin beds convertible to double or queen-size.

The ship has 20 decks, of which 17 are accessible to passengers and 11 contain cabins.

All staterooms offer complimentary standard amenities, including an electronic safe (in the closet), spacious wardrobe (some with walk-in), low table with lounge chairs, double bed (most convertible to twins), Pullman beds (in most quads), bedside tables, wall-mounted reading lights, direct-dial phone (with baby monitor option), smart HDTV (infotainment system with satellite TV, internet, movies-on-demand, ship info, and real-time cameras), LED lighting, mirrored dressing table/writing desk with chair, en-suite bathroom (shower cabin, toilet, sink, hairdryer), and individually controlled air-conditioning.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

AIDAcosma offers a wide range of dining options. Among her 17 dining venues are specialty restaurants such as Casa Nova, French Kiss, and Brauhaus, along with five buffet restaurants—including the family-friendly Fuego—and the classic Bella Donna and Markt Restaurants. Guests can also join interactive cooking classes at the AIDA cooking school.

The ship features 23 bars and lounges, including the exclusive two-level Spray Bar, operated in partnership with Moet & Chandon. At the stern is the Lanai Bar (Deck 8), while the Patio Bar (Deck 16 aft) offers panoramic views. Other venues include the Nightfly nightclub, M Bar, Tapas & Bar, and club D6.

Follows the complete list of AIDAcosma restaurants and food bars.

• Scharfe Ecke (Sharp Corner, complimentary fast-food venue)
• Rossini (specialty dinner-only restaurant; à la carte menu with waiter service; surcharge; reservations required)
• Markt Restaurant (complimentary main buffet restaurant with outdoor terrace)
• Mamma Mia (Italian buffet-style restaurant, open 24/7, complimentary)
• Ristorante Casa Nova (Mediterranean cuisine, surcharge applies)
• Brasserie French Kiss (French cuisine, surcharge, reservations only)
• Brauhaus (German specialty restaurant, surcharge, reservations only)
• Weite Welt Restaurant (Wide World, complimentary buffet-style venue)
• Buffalo Steakhouse (American à la carte steakhouse, surcharge, reservations required)
• Sushi Bar (Japanese cuisine, surcharge, reservations required)
• Fuego Restaurant (complimentary family buffet with kids’ section)
• East Restaurant (Asian buffet-style, complimentary)
• Time Machine Restaurant (dinner-only, fantasy-themed entertainment venue)
• Kochstudio (Cooking Studio for workshops and culinary presentations, reservations required)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Deck 16 hosts the activity area, which includes the Fun Park with dual and single water slides, a High Rope Garden (Ropes Course), mini-golf course, and bouldering wall. The Beach Club, introduced on the Hyperion-Class ships, is also featured on HELIOS-Class vessels. The aft pool deck is covered with a lightweight sliding glass roof that spans the ship's width.

Guests can relax at the Beach Club’s pool during the day, which transforms into a party venue at night. The Cube nightclub and Casino also provide nighttime entertainment. The Beach Club is located beneath a retractable membrane roof and features the family-friendly “Four Elements” area (themed around water, air, fire, and earth). This activity deck includes three-story waterslides, rock climbing walls, a rope course, and a giant LED screen for outdoor entertainment. In addition to the Kids and Teens Clubs, AIDAcosma introduces a Mini Club for infants aged 6 months and older.

Additional highlights include panoramic glass elevators connecting outdoor decks and a 45-meter-high glass skywalk. The Body & Soul Organic Spa offers holistic treatments, while AIDA Plaza serves as a social hub with bars, shops, and street performances.

AIDAcosma offers a variety of innovative entertainment experiences for all ages across thirteen dedicated venues. In addition to popular AIDA shows such as "Wer wird Millionär?" (Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?), "The Voice of the Ocean," and "AIDA Stars," guests can enjoy exclusive entertainment formats available only onboard AIDAcosma. The enhanced Theatrium serves as the heart of onboard entertainment, featuring a distinctive round stage—an AIDA Cruises trademark. The Theatrium is ideal for daytime relaxation and transforms in the evening into a high-tech performance space with a 360-degree stage, 11 LED walls, 7 laser shows, and the LED Tube complete with an "artistes" elevator.

Notable shows that premiered on AIDAcosma include:

• "AIDA LOVE" – a lively show celebrating birthdays, weddings, and honeymoons, with interactive audience participation via a special phone app.
• "Avona Dia" – a family show featuring imaginative choreography by Cirque du Soleil star Benjamin Pring.
• "Nashville – Just Good Music: It rocks!" – a live concert showcasing classic American rock hits.
• "Show me! YELLO!" – a dynamic performance combining the music and visuals of Swiss electronic duo YELLO with pyrotechnics, dance, and acrobatics.
• "Steampunk Circus" – a fantasy-themed production set in a magical world, featuring original music by Stefan Richter, elaborate costumes, and special effects.

New entertainment facilities introduced on AIDAcosma include:

• Studio X – the fleet's second TV studio at sea, broadcasting via Prime Time One. Guests can watch live AIDA TV shows and participate in the kids' guessing game show "1, 2 or 3."
• "The Pyramid Kids" – a program featuring new games and quizzes. "Keep Your Light On" (a modern twist on hangman) is played in teams wearing LED suits. Workshops include interactive games and video production.
• "The Mystery Room" – an escape room-style venue offering treasure hunts for the Holy Grail.
• "The Rock Box" – a karaoke/music lounge with a jukebox and live performances.
• The "Time Machine Restaurant" – accessed by a mysterious elevator, this fantasy dining venue hosted by Professor Tempus includes a 3-course meal and immersive time-travel experience.

Below is a complete list of AIDAcosma’s lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults:

• Pier 3 Bar (coffee bar)
• Spray Bar (adults-only, two-level luxury lounge & Champagne bar by Moet & Chandon)
• Diskothek (The Cube) – nightclub with DJs, themed dance parties, and light shows
• Nachtclub Nightfly – adults-only lounge with live piano and band performances
• Tapas & Bar
• AIDA Plaza – two-deck atrium lounge with bars, entertainment, and boutique shopping
• Shops: Jewelry Shop, Travel Shop, PhotoShop, Sports Shop, Parfumerie, Kids Shop, Treasure Chest
• Kids Club – complimentary program with supervised age-specific activities: Seahorses (3–6 yrs), Dolphins (7–9 yrs), Sharks (10–11 yrs), includes an outdoor paddling pool
• AIDA Bar – cocktail bar with live music
• Art Gallery (Kunstgalerie) – features art from renowned schools and German artists, includes auctions
• AIDA Lounge – offers 270° panoramic views with comfortable seating
• The Library (Bibliotek) – includes card and board games
• Casino – with adjoining Casino Bar
• Theatrium – a three-deck show lounge with a round central stage, LED walls, and themed laser shows, used for cabaret, magic shows, and large-scale productions
• Eiscafe (Ice Cafe Erste Sahne)
• Cafe Mare – patisserie and specialty coffee bar
• Vinotek – fine wine shop with sommelier service and tastings
• Brauhaus – onboard brewery using purified seawater, offers house-made draft beers
• Destille – fruit spirits bar
• AIDA Bar – large lounge with panoramic windows
• Photo Gallery & Shop – photo/video services, duty-free items, touchscreen kiosks with face recognition
• AIDA Shop – duty-free store with liquor, tobacco, luxury goods, clothing, and branded merchandise
• Beauty Salon (Friseur) – haircuts, barbering, nail spa services
• Body & Soul Sports Fitness Centre – gym and fitness class space
• Zen Lounge – relaxation area with indoor classes
• Blutenmeer – onboard flower shop
• The Mystery Room – treasure hunt game venue
• Rock Box – karaoke/music bar with jukebox and performances
• Studio X – live TV studio producing AIDA-themed programming
• Lanai Bar – with outdoor seating
• Aft Sundeck – features four infinity pools
• Wave Club – teen club and water playground for Orcas (12–13 yrs) and Teens (14–17 yrs), complimentary
• Body & Soul Organic SPA – 3100 m² facility with pools, saunas, spa suites, Japanese tea ceremony, Rasul bath, relaxation zones, and a retractable glass roof
• AIDA Lounge & Sunset Bar – with panoramic views and lounge seating
• Mini Club – babysitting and childcare services for children aged 6 months to 3 years
• Four Elements – water park with slides, climbing walls, splash pools, LED screen, and rope course; converts to party zone by night
• Bar 5 Elements – serves the Aqua Park complex
• AIDA Beach Club – tropical-style relaxation area under a glass dome, transforms into a party space at night
• Sundeck/Freibereich – sunbathing zone above the pool with loungers and Pool Bar; includes Top Deck FKK (nudist) area
• Sun Deck Games Area – with shuffleboard, giant chess, boccia, backgammon, darts, and table tennis
• Patio Deck – adults-only, covered deck for Panorama cabin guests
• Sports Deck – multi-sport court for volleyball/basketball, golf simulator, putting green, golf cage
• Rock Climbing Walls, High Ropes Course, Power Walking/Jogging Track

Itineraries

AIDAcosma's original cruise program was based on homeporting in Kiel, Germany (Saturday departures), offering roundtrip Baltic Sea cruises with port calls in Norway (Norwegian Fjords), Estonia, Finland, and Russia. From May to October 2021, two alternating 7-day Baltic itineraries were planned, with overnight stays in St. Petersburg, Tallinn, and Helsinki.

For the 2021–2022 winter season, the ship was scheduled to homeport in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), offering 7-day cruises to Doha, Qatar, and Mina Salman-Manama, Bahrain. However, in May 2021, this program was replaced by 7-day Canary Islands cruises from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The original schedule from October 23 to December 21, 2021, was canceled, and the Dubai program was reassigned to AIDAnova.

The rescheduled Maiden Voyage took place on February 26, 2022, with a 5-day cruise from Hamburg to Rotterdam, calling at Southampton (England), Cherbourg (France), and Zeebrugge (Belgium). The 7-day Mediterranean itinerary program began on April 22, 2022, with alternating roundtrips from Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, visiting La Spezia, Civitavecchia-Rome, and Ajaccio, Corsica. The Arabian/Red Sea deployment (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) was rescheduled for winter 2022–2023 (November–April).

Aimed primarily at the German-speaking market, AIDAcosma also offers fly-cruise packages from Germany and the UK.

In July 2015, Carnival Corporation signed a shipbuilding agreement with Meyer Werft for the construction of four new Excellence-class (also known as Helios-class) vessels. Two of these were designated for Costa Cruises (Costa Smeralda /2019 and Costa Toscana /2021), and the other two for AIDA Cruises (AIDAnova /2018 and AIDAcosma /2021). On February 27, 2018, Carnival Corporation signed a contract for a third AIDA ship (originally scheduled for delivery in 2023), but in June 2021 reassigned the vessel to Carnival Cruise Line as the Carnival Jubilee. This marked the 98th ship order in the global cruise industry's 2018–2026 newbuild order book.

Carnival Corporation’s new ships are powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas) propulsion systems, equipped with four Caterpillar-MaK marine engines that comply with the latest IMO regulations. These vessels feature weight-optimized materials, hydrodynamic coatings to reduce underwater resistance, innovative electric pod motors, modern heat recovery systems, and advanced navigation and automation technologies.

Like most largenewbuilds, AIDAcosma is LNG-powered with four Caterpillar MaK 16M46DF engines generating a total output of 57.2 MW. Her propulsion system includes two azimuthing thrusters with a combined output of 37 MW. The ship is equipped with three cryogenic steel LNG tanks with a total capacity of approximately 3200 m³. Two of the tanks measure 35 meters in length and 8 meters in diameter, each with a capacity of 1525 m³, while the third tank is 28 meters long, 5 meters in diameter, and holds 520 m³.

The steel-cutting ceremony at Meyer Werft was held on August 15, 2019, officially marking the start of construction. The keel-laying ceremony took place on October 15, 2019, at Neptun Werft Shipyard in Rostock, Germany, where the first hull block (yard number 709) was positioned. The traditional coin ceremony was conducted by godmothers Charleen Hoffmann (AIDA Cruises) and Kenny Schaft (Meyer Werft), who placed specially minted coins beneath the ship's first of 90 construction blocks. The event was attended by Tim Meyer (Meyer Werft Managing Director), Manfred Ossevorth (Neptun Werft Director), Felix Eichhorn (AIDA President), Birgit Hesse (President of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania), and Claus Ruhe Madsen (Mayor of Rostock).

During the keel-laying, AIDA officially revealed the ship's name (AIDAcosma), her homeport (Kiel, Germany), and her inaugural summer 2021 season (which was later canceled in June 2021).

AIDAcosma was launched (floated out of drydock) at Papenburg Shipyard on July 10, 2021. Her Ems River conveyance voyage to Eemshaven, Netherlands, began on October 23. Two tugboats assisted her departure from Meyer Werft’s dock lock. The route included passing through Leer via the Friesenbrücke and Jann-Berghaus-Brücke before arriving in Eemshaven at 04:30 UTC for Baltic Sea trials.

The ship was officially delivered on December 21, 2021, at Port Bremerhaven. Her first Master was Captain Vincent Cofalka.

Christening Voyage (2022)

The ship’s official naming ceremony took place on April 9, 2022, in Port Hamburg, led by godmother Kristina Vogel, who was joined by Captain Vincent Cofalka.

Kristina Vogel (born 1990) is a decorated German track cyclist who became paralyzed in 2018 following a training crash at the Cottbus velodrome. During her career, she won two Olympic gold medals (2012 and 2016) and earned multiple world championship titles (2014–2018).

Below is the 14-day christening voyage itinerary, including ports of call and arrival/departure times.

The exclusive naming ceremony featured a special light show using approximately 300 drones and beam lighting, illuminating the entire ship. The 20-minute event was held outdoors on the Sundeck/Pool Deck and was also streamed online. Alongside the ~3300 paying guests, AIDAcosma’s Christening Voyage was attended by around 350 special guests and celebrity performers, including DJ Quads, DJ Alle Farben (1985-born house music producer, performing at the Beach Club stage), DJ Mokabi (Beach Club), Marc Jendrollik (singer from the party band Gletscher Fezzzer), Reiner Meutsch (host of Radio RPR1’s show "Mein Abenteuer"), Joja Wendt (pianist), Wayne Morris (painter), and Niko Formanek (stand-up comedian).

Following the show, DJ Alle Farben performed a 1-hour concert at the Theatrium, while guests at the Beach Club were entertained by comedian Ingo Appelt and DJ Mokabi (best known for the 2020 hit "The Passenger (LaLaLa)").

Inaugural Itineraries 2022

In late December 2021, AIDA announced that before starting her regular schedule, AIDAcosma would operate mini-cruises with roundtrips from Hamburg and Rotterdam, Netherlands, beginning February 26, 2022.

• INAUGURAL CRUISE (Feb 26): 5-day Hamburg to Rotterdam (arriving March 3), calling at Southampton, Cherbourg, Zeebrugge
• (Feb 26): 7-day roundtrip from Hamburg to Southampton, Cherbourg, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam (overnight)
• (March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31): 7-day roundtrips from Rotterdam to Hamburg, Southampton, Cherbourg, Zeebrugge
• (March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2): 7-day roundtrips from Hamburg to Southampton, Cherbourg, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam (overnight)
• (April 7): 15-day repositioning from Rotterdam to Barcelona (arriving April 22), visiting Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, Southampton, La Coruna, Lisbon, Cadiz-Sevilla, Malaga, Barcelona
• (April 9): 14-day repositioning from Hamburg to Palma de Mallorca (arriving April 23), visiting Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, Southampton, La Coruna, Lisbon, Cadiz-Sevilla, Malaga, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca
• (April 9): 14-day repositioning from Hamburg to Barcelona (arriving April 22), visiting Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, Southampton, La Coruna, Lisbon, Cadiz-Sevilla, Malaga, Barcelona
• (April 11): 12-day repositioning from Rotterdam to Palma de Mallorca (arriving April 23), visiting Zeebrugge, Southampton, La Coruna, Lisbon, Cadiz-Sevilla, Malaga, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca

Below is the itinerary for the ship’s maiden 7-day "Mediterrane Schätze ab Barcelona" cruise.

(Inaugural Suez Canal repositioning) 20-day itinerary from Palma de Mallorca to Dubai(Inaugural Red Sea cruise) 7-day "Orient ab Dubai 1" itinerary(First departure from Abu Dhabi) 7-day "Orient ab Abu Dhabi" itineraryInaugural Itineraries 2021 (Canceled)The ship's inaugural cruise season in 2021 was originally planned as a series of 7-day Baltic Sea roundtrips from Kiel, Germany (Saturday departures). These voyages were combinable into 14-day back-to-back (B2B) cruises.The maiden voyage was initially scheduled for May 8 but was ultimately postponed through October 23. A total of 46 itineraries (Kiel roundtrips) were canceled. Below are the themes of the canceled voyages.(Maiden Voyage) 7-day "Norwegen ab Kiel" itinerary7-day "Ostsee ab Kiel" itinerary14-day (B2B) "Norwegen und Ostsee" itineraryInaugural Itineraries 2021 (Canceled)The ship's inaugural cruise season in 2021 was originally planned as a series of 7-day Baltic Sea roundtrips from Kiel, Germany (Saturday departures). These cruises were also combinable into 14-day back-to-back (B2B) voyages.The maiden voyage was initially scheduled for May 8 but was eventually postponed through October 23. A total of 46 itineraries (Kiel roundtrips) were canceled. The following are the themed itineraries that were canceled.(Maiden Voyage) 7-day "Norwegen ab Kiel" itinerary7-day "Ostsee ab Kiel" itinerary14-day (B2B) "Norwegen und Ostsee" itinerary(New Maiden Voyage/Canceled) 13-day Baltic-Mediterranean repositioning from Kiel to Palma de Mallorca(Inaugural Suez Canal Transit/Canceled) 20-day from Palma de Mallorca to Dubai(Inaugural Red Sea Cruise/Canceled) 7-day "Orient ab Dubai 1" itineraryFor winter 2021-2022, the ship was scheduled to be homeported in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) with 7-day roundtrips to Doha, Qatar and Mina Salman-Manama, Bahrain. However, in May 2021, AIDA replaced the program with 7-day Canary Islands cruises departing roundtrip from Gran Canaria.

• Cosma’s original schedule for 2021 (October 23 through December 21) was canceled, and the Red Sea/Dubai program was reassigned to AIDAnova.
• The revised Canary Islands program (January 5 through April 9, 2022) began with a Christmas and New Year's Eve cruise (December 22, 2021), which also served as the positioning voyage from Hamburg, Germany to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (homeport).
• Following the Canary Islands deployment, AIDAcosma repositioned (April 13, 2022) to the Mediterranean for 7-day roundtrips from Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona.

Godspeed!