AIDAnova

The 2018-built AIDAnova cruise ship was constructed by Meyer Werft in Papenburg Germany. This is the first of two Helios-class AIDA liners, with sistership AIDAcosma (2021). Excellence/Helios-Class was preceded by Hyperion-Class (AIDAprima and AIDAperla).

The vessel (IMO number 9781865) is currently Italy-flagged (MMSI 247389200) and registered in Genova.

AIDAnova is the company's 8th vessel built in Papenburg. Other Excellence-Class liners (AIDAnova sisterships) are P&O Iona (2020), P&O Arvia (2022), Costa Smeralda (2019), Costa Toscana (2021), Carnival Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Celebration (2022), Carnival Jubilee (2023).

History - construction and ownership

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

The 5400-passenger ship AIDAnova (IMO number 9781865) is among the world's most technologically advanced vessels. The newbuild was handed over to the company in autumn 2018.

Besides the ship's staff and crew, AIDA cruise passengers are also served by Peper robots - the latest cyborg technology implemented fleetwide in 2016. These humanoid robots greet and guide passengers upon embarkation. They also assist them throughout the cruise by providing information and tips on onboard dining, entertainment, enrichment program (workshops, pre-scheduled events), casino and shopping promotions, shore excursions and tours. Pepper robots are mobile and communicate in 3 languages (English, German, Italian). They can also interpret human emotions by analyzing voice tones and facial expressions.

Decks and Cabins

AIDAnova has a total of 2600 passenger staterooms in 21 categories and on 11 cabin decks. A new type is the Einzelkabine (Single Cabin), which is planned to be introduced fleetwide during AIDA's next scheduled drydock refurbishments. A new suite-type is the Duplex Suite (aft on Deck 12), which is a 2-deck accommodation sized 73 m2 (with 20-m2 private sundeck).

Suites' amenities include private sundeck areas (large outdoor terrace), separate bedroom, sofabeds, 2 bathrooms (bathrobes, slippers, luxury bath products), queen beds, pillow menu (5 different pillows) plus bonus perks (amenities and services).

Standard cabin balconies are equipped with padded deckchairs and coffee tables. Junior Suites are with separate "conservatory" (lounge room, sized 7 m2) plus step-out balcony (4 m2). The lounge room's glass door can be opened to double the balcony's size. The conservatory is temperature-controlled (via the Suite's heater).

Deluxe Balconies have a large-sized veranda (5-13 m2). Comfort Balconies are the ship's main "family cabin" type. They are larger than the standard Balkonkabine and also have double sofabed for quad occupancy. Category DL (Verandakabine Deluxe with Lounge) is for 5 passengers. Oceanview and Interior cabins are with twin-beds (convertible to double / Queen-size).

All staterooms offer as standard (complimentary) amenities electronic safe box (in the closet), spacious wardrobe (some with walk-in closet), low table with lounge chairs, double bed (most convertible to twins), Pullman beds (in most quads), bedside tables, wall-mounted reading lamps, direct dial phone (baby monitoring option), smart HDTV (infotainment system - satellite reception, Internet, movies-on-demand, ship info channel, real-time camera views), LED lighting, mirrored dressing table (writing desk) with chair, en-suite bathroom (toilet, shower cabin, single-sink vanity, hairdryer), individually controlled air-conditioning.

The boat has 20 decks, of which 17 are passenger-accessible and 11 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The new AIDAnova has a variety of dining options. Among its 17 dining venues are the specialty restaurants Casa Nova, French Kiss, and Brauhaus, as well as 5 buffet restaurants (including the family-themed Fuego), the classic Bella Donna and Markt Restaurant. Guests onboard can visit the AIDA cooking school and try interactive cooking classes.

The ship features an exclusive Spray Bar which is spread across 2 decks and operated via a partnership with Moet & Chandon (1869-established French champagne producer). At the ship's stern is the Lanai Bar (Deck 8). At Patio Bar (Deck 16 aft) passengers can enjoy the same view as the Captain. Other bars are the nightclub Nightfly, M Bar, Tapas & Bar, club D6.

Follows the complete list of AIDAnova restaurants and food bars.

• Scharfe Ecke (Sharp Corner, complimentary fast-food dining venue)
• Rossini (a specialty, dinner-only restaurant at surcharge, reservations required; offers waiter service and 6-course a-la-carte menu)
• Markt Restaurant (complimentary main dining room; self-service buffet restaurant with a variety of food stations and a small terrace)
• Bella Donna (Italian cuisine restaurant, complimentary, buffet-style dining, open 24 hours)
• Ristorante Casa Nova (Mediterranean cuisine restaurant at a surcharge)
• Brasserie French Kiss (French cuisine restaurant, reservations-only, at a surcharge)
• Brauhaus (specialty restaurant, reservations-only, at a surcharge)
• Weite Welt Restaurant (Wide World complimentary buffet-style restaurant)
• Buffalo Steakhouse (American fare restaurant with a la carte menu; reservations required; at a surcharge)
• Sushi Bar (Japanese restaurant at surcharge, reservations are required)
• Fuego Restaurant (new family restaurant, complimentary, with a kids buffet)
• East Restaurant (Asian cuisine, buffet-style complimentary restaurant)

Time Machine Restaurant is a new dinner-only restaurant with fantasy-themed entertainment.

On June 24, 2023, on the ships AIDAnova, AIDAperla and AIDAprima was introduced the new specialty restaurant Soulkitchen. The a-la-carte-priced venue has a 3-course menu with plant-based vegan dishes (including meat and seafood alternatives) and organic beverages (coffee, tea, fresh juices) as well as non-alcoholic wines and spirits.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Deck 16 features an activity deck with water park, slides, high rope garden, and mini golf. The beach club (introduced with the Hyperion-class) is also available on the Helios-class ships. The pool deck is covered via an openable roof in lightweight construction.

Passengers can unwind by Beach Club's swimming pool. At night, this area turns into a deck party zone. The Cube dance club and the Casino also offer night-time live entertainment. The Beach Club is beneath the expandable membrane roof. It features a dedicated for family activities area "Four Elements" (based on water, air, fire, and earth). Four Elements is an outdoor playground on Sports Deck fitted with 2 waterslides (3-decks high), rock climbing walls, rope course. This deck also has a giant LED screen for movies and other outdoor video entertainment. In addition to the Teens and Kids Clubs on board, for the first time, there is a "Mini Club" for infants from 6 months.

The panoramic glass elevators which connect the outdoor areas, as well as the glass 45-meter above water level skywalk are among the other highlights. Organic treatments pamper at the Body & Soul Organic Spa. AIDA plaza offers a wealth of bars and shops and functions as a meeting place and a stage for street performers.

AIDAnova offers different and innovative entertainment experiences for all ages in a total of thirteen venues. Apart from popular shows of the cruise line, such as "Wer wird Millionar" (Who Wants To Be A Millionaire), "The Voice of the Ocean" and "AIDA Stars" vacationers benefit from new entertainment formats which are exclusively available onboard AIDAnova. The enhanced Theatrium is the heart of onboard entertainment - its round stage is the trademark of AIDA Cruises. The Theatrium is great to enjoy entertainment as well as relax during the day. However, in the evenings it's the spot for shows on the 360-degree stage, with technical highlights like 11 LED walls, 7 laser shows and LED Tube inclusive of "artistes elevator".

Some of the shows premiered on AIDAnova include:

• "AIDA LOVE" is an adventure-packed show celebrating birthdays, weddings, honeymoons. The audience may become part of the show via a special phone app.
• "Avona Dia" is a family show with imaginative choreography created by Cirque du Soleil star Benjamin Pring.
• "Nashville - Just Good Music: It rocks!" is a live concert with American rock's greatest hits.
• "Show me! YELLO!" combines music and videos of Swiss electronic duo band YELLO with a pyrotechnical display, acrobatics, dance, and extravagant scenery.
• "Steampunk Circus" show is fantasy-themed (magical world), featuring special effects, original costumes, and specially created music by Stefan Richter.

The list of new facilities introduced first on AIDAnova includes:

• Studio X makes AIDAnova fleet's first boat with TV studio at sea and its own station - "Prime Time One". Passengers can observe live AIDA Cruises TV shows, how are produced, and also to experience the new AIDA TV guessing show for kids "1, 2 or 3".
• "The Pyramid Kids' entertainment program offers new games and quizzes. "Keep Your Light On" (modern version of hangman) is played in teams wearing LED suits. Kids and Teens Workshops offer interactive games and video making and editing.
• "The Mystery Room" serves treasure hunt players searching for the Holy Grail.
• "The Rock Box" music room/karaoke bar has a jukebox and also hosts live performances.
• Mysterious elevator access the new "Time Machine Restaurant" - the realm of Professor Tempus who welcomes passengers for a 3-course dinner and takes them on a voyage through time.

Follows the complete list of AIDAnova lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Pier 3 Bar (coffee bar)
• Spray Bar (adults-only 2-level luxury lounge & Champagne bar via a partnership with French winery "Moet & Chandon")
• Diskothek (The Cube) is a nightclub with DJ program, light shows, themed dance parties.
• Nachtclub Nightfly (adult-only nightclub lounge with grand piano, live band music, and its own bar)
• Tapas & Bar
• AIDA Plaza (2-deck high, open-floor Atrium lounge with bars and live entertainment; luxury boutique shopping arcade)
• Jewelry Shop; Travel Shop; PhotoShop; Sports Shop; Parfumerie; Kids Shop; Treasure Chest Shop
• Kids Club (AIDA Cruises kids program is complimentary, with supervised, age-appropriate activities: the 3 age groups include Seahorses for 3-6 yo, Dolphins for 7-9 yo and Sharks 10-11 yo; the Kids Club has an outdoor area with a paddling pool)
• AIDA Bar (cocktail bar with live music)
• Art Gallery (Kunstgalerie; sells original artworks of renowned art schools and German artists; hosts art auctions)
• AIDA Lounge (with 270-degree panoramic views and comfortable seating)
• The Library (Bibliotek; offers card and board games)
• Casino (served by Casino Bar)
• Theatrium is a 3-deck high, big-capacity show lounge with large round-shaped central stage with a dynamic platform and 11x LED screen covered walls. This is a combined Atrium-Theater-Lounge for daily entertainment, large-scale evening productions, cabaret, and magician shows. Here are presented 7 differently themed laser shows. The theater lounge is served by Theatrium Bar.
• Eiscafe (ice cream parlor Ice cafe Erste Sahne)
• Cafe Mare (patisserie & specialty coffee bar)
• Vinotek (fine wines shop; offers sommelier service and wine tasting events)
• Brauhaus (beerhouse; onboard brewery, purified seawater is used for brewing beer; the Beer House sells its own draft beers)
• Destille (Distillery; fruit spirits bar)
• AIDA Bar (big-capacity lounge with panoramic windows)
• Photo Gallery & Shop (professional photo & video services, duty-free accessories and equipment; new feature are the photo kiosks with touch-screens /face-recognition system)
• AIDA Shop (duty-free merchandise at discount prices; the shopping arcade has a general store selling liquor and tobaccos, as well as small boutiques for jewelry, luxury watches, perfumes, brand fashion clothing, AIDA logo goods)
• Beauty Salon (Friseur; provides hairdresser, barber services, professional manicure/pedicure Nail Spa)
• Body & Soul Sports Fitness Centre (with a modern Gym and separate area for classes)
• Zen Lounge (relaxation room; hosts indoor classes)
• Blutenmeer (Blooming Sea flower shop)
• Kochstudio (Cooking Studio for culinary classes, workshops, master chefs presentations; reservations are required)
• "The Mystery Room" is a new venue dedicated to onboard treasure hunt games.
• "Rock Box" is a music room/karaoke bar with a jukebox and also hosting live performances.
• "Studio X" is the ship's TV Room producing live AIDA Cruises themed shows.
• Lanai Bar (with outdoor seating area)
• Sundeck area (with 4 infinity pools)
• Wave Club (water playground and teens club with supervised activities in two age groups - Orcas for 12 -13 yo and Teens 14 -17 yo; complimentary)
• Body & Soul Organic SPA complex (3100 m2, with indoor/outdoor pools, big whirlpools and retractable glass roof; offers Japanese Tea Ceremony, body scrubs, and wraps; facilities include 5 saunas, treatment rooms, Rasul bath, relaxation room, shower room, conservatory, luxury Spa Suites, SPA Bar)
• AIDA Lounge (with 270-degree panorama views, comfortable couches, and tables); Sunset Bar
• Mini Club (childcare/babysitting services for toddlers and little kids 6 months to 3yo)
• "Four Elements" (Water Park with rock climbing walls, pools and whirlpools, splash pool and fountains for children, a stage for live shows, huge LED screen, 2 water slides, rope course. This activity/sports deck is covered with a sliding glass roof. In the evenings, Four Elements transforms into a deck party/dancing zone with live music.
• Bar 5 Elements (serving the Aqua Park complex)
• AIDA Beach Club (2-deck high relaxation oasis, covered with a glass dome for tropical beach-like experience with live plants and palm trees; in the evenings, the club is transformed into a party zone)
• Sundeck / sunbathing area (Freibereich, located above the swimming pool; with loungers, served by the Pool Bar); the liner's Top Deck is dedicated to Freikorperkultur / FKK Bereich nudist area with sun loungers)
• Sun Deck games area (Sonnendeck - Freibereich, with shuffleboard, giant chess, Boccia, backgammon, darts, table tennis)
• Patio deck (exclusive, covered deck area for Panorama cabin guests only, adult-only)
• Sports Deck area (Sportaussendeck with a combined sports court volleyball/basketball, Golf Cage, putting green area, golf simulator)
• Rock Climbing Walls; High Ropes Course; Power Walking/Jogging Track.

Itineraries

AIDAnova itinerary program is based on 7-night roundtrip Canary Islands cruises with Madeira island (Portugal). The "Inaugural Cruise" from Tenerife was scheduled for December 12, 2018. The roundtrip Canaries itinerary visits the ports Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura), Arrecife (Lanzarote), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), and Funchal (Madeira Island).

For winter 2021-2022, the boat was originally scheduled for homeporting in Kiel Germany, to operate two alternating 7-day roundtrip Norwegian Fjord itineraries. However, in May 2021 AIDA canceled the deployment and substituted this program with AIDAcosma's Red Sea program based on homeporting in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) and 7-day roundtrips to Doha Qatar and Mina Salman-Manama Bahrain.

Serving mainly the German-speaking market, AIDA operates the Nova ship with fly-cruise deals from Germany and also from the UK.

In July 2015, Carnival Corporation signed a shipbuilding agreement with Meyer Werft for the construction of all 4 new-class (Excellence, aka Helios) vessels. Of these, 2 liners were for Costa Cruises (Smeralda /2019 and Toscana /2021) and the other 2 for AIDA (AIDAnova /2018 and AIDAcosma /2021). On February 27, 2018, Carnival Corporation signed a shipbuilding contract for a 3rd AIDA ship (delivery in 2023) but in June 2021 decided the vessel (Carnival Jubilee) to be assigned to CCL-Carnival. This was the 98th ship order for the cruise industry's global fleet (vessels in the order book 2018-2026).

On February 21, 2017, was vessel's steel-cutting ceremony held at Meyer Werft shipyard (Papenburg Germany). With this special event officially started the vessel's construction works. On September 6 (2017) was the keel-laying ceremony for the first hull block, held at the Papenburg shipyard's building dock. The first steel block (of all 90 blocks) has a weight of 120 tons, width 5 m (16 ft), height 8 m (26 ft) and length 21 m (69 ft). A traditional lucky coin was placed under the first block. The ship's powerplant was constructed at NEPTUN WERFT (Warnemunde Germany). It consists of all 4x low-emission LNG engines that supply all the power needed for the vessel's shipping and hotel operations.

Like most large-sized newbuilds, the AIDA ship Nova is LNG-powered, with 4x Caterpillar Marine LNG engines (model MaK 16M-46DF) generating combined output 57,2 MW. The propulsion system is based on two Azimuting thrusters (combined power output 37 MW). The ship has 3x LNG tanks (cryogenic steel) with total capacity ~3200 m3. Two of the tanks are larger (length 35 m, diameter 8 m, LNG capacity 1525 m3), while the 3rd tank has length 28 m, diameter 5 m and capacity 520 m3.

On September 21, 2017, Neptun shipyard (Rostock) completed vessel's 3-decks high first (out of 2) engine room block (length 120 m / 394 ft, width 42 m / 138 ft). The block was next shipped on a cargo barge via Kiel Canal from Rostock to Papenburg. The complex carries the 4 dual-fuel engines by Caterpillar and hence AIDAnova's heart. The 2nd block (length 120 m / 394 ft, width 42 m / 138 ft) was completed on December 1. Both blocks were shipped (barged) to Papenburg shipyard on December 2. With AIDAnova engine room construction at Neptun shipyard, were engaged over 500 shipyard workers plus 500 external employees (service providers) and 120 Caterpillar (diesel engine manufacturer) employees.

On December 11, 2017, the vessel's stern (aft) section was delivered to the Papenburg yard. The section (1st of 2 equally sized, prefabricated modules) has length 120 m (394 ft), width 42 m (138 ft) and height 19 decks.

The ship's launch (float-out ceremony) was at 7 pm on August 21, 2018. The vessel was floated out from MEYER WERFT's covered building (drydock 2) and was berthed at yard’s pier for outfitting. Sea trials included passage along Ems River to the North Sea. Sea trials started on November 16, 2018. Due to construction issues, vessel's delivery was delayed and the inaugural cruise rescheduled for December 19 (originally planned for December 2).

The ship's delivery was initially scheduled for November 15, 2018, but the liner was actually delivered on December 12, in Bremerhaven. Fan fact is, that to enable AIDAnova to berth at the shipyard's pier, the floating part of Spectrum of the Seas (RCI ship) was moved to another berth in the harbor.

The christening ceremony was on August 31, 2018, held at Meyer Werft's Papenburg shipyard. The show included a live, open-air solo concert by DJ David Guetta. Advance ticket sales for the "AIDA Open Air" show started on March 9, 2018, with ticket price EUR 35 pp.

The event was unique as it was the first shipyard christening ceremony in over 20 years. The decision was made to express AIDA's gratitude to all the workers who contributed to the liner's construction. The naming ceremony was attended by around 25,000 spectators. "AIDA Open Air" show featured laser and lighting effects (produced by 20 laser projectors, over 300 stroboscopic lamps, over 100 floodlights-spotlights) and two acrobats gliding over the water. Instead of a Godmother, the liner has a "god family" (Mirza, from Hanau / Hesse, Germany) - Asad (33 yo) and Sonja (31), and their kids Adrian (3 yo) and Sophia (2 yo).

The cruise ship's tugboats-assisted conveyance on Ems River to North Sea (Papenburg to Eemshaven Holland) was conducted on October 8-9, 2018. The conveyance schedule included for October 8th: departure from Papenburg (~7 am), passing sea lock Papenburg (~8 am), passing Friesenbridge/Weener (~2:30 pm), passing Jann Berghaus Bridge/Leer (~7 pm), arrival at Ems River barrier/Gandersum (~11:15 pm), and for October 9th: passing Ems River barrier (~1 am), passing Emden (~2:30 am) and arrival at Eemshaven (~9 am).

Followed sea trials. The 183,900 GT-ton vessel is by far the largest Germany-built liner, as well as the world's biggest cruise ship that has ever sailed on such a narrow inland waterway. AIDAnova's Captain is Boris Becker.

The German manufacturer Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH supplied AIDAnova's 1000+ trolleys used by the ship's housekeeping and room service staff. Of all units, 150 were customized Mundus chambermaid trolleys. The custom design features fold-out push handle, locking brake (for better maneuverability and stability), 3 flexible shelves (for clean laundry), push and pull drawer (above the shelves), separate enclosed container (for dirty laundry), 2 removable-washable plastic bags (secured on both sides, for towels and cloths), bucket, storage tray, waste separation baskets (each accessed separately), as well as ability to lock the trolley via RFID chip.

The AIDA ship's namesake is the 2023-built Silver Nova (Silversea).

In 2022, AIDAnova's powerplant was retrofitted to be able to use electricity generated by the methanol-powered fuel cell system developed by Freudenberg e-Power Systems (Freudenberg Fuel Cell e-Power Systems GmbH), which is part of Freudenberg Group (1849-founded, Weinheim-based, family-owned group of technology and production companies specializing in household products, textiles, building materials, auto parts, telecommunications).

Inaugural itineraries 2018

In February 2018 was announced that AIDAnova will offer new ("premier cruise") itineraries scheduled prior to the maiden voyage on Dec 2nd.

All premiere voyages ("mini-cruises") were open for booking on February 1, 2018.

The first 4-day itinerary was scheduled to depart on November 15th (right after the ship's delivery) from Oslo to Hamburg (arriving on November 19th).

Next short cruises were planned to depart from Hamburg to either Oslo Norway or Rotterdam Holland.

The following table shows the "Inaugural Cruise" (maiden voyage, itinerary 2018) 7-day "Kanaren und Madeira". Prices started from USD 625 pp (double-occupancy inside cabin rates).

Next tables show the inaugural cruises updated in November 2018 (following the delay).

10-day repositioning from Hamburg to Tenerife

7-day repositioning from Lisbon to Las Palmas

7-day Inaugural Canaries Cruise (itinerary "Kanaren und Madeira 4") from homeport Tenerife

7-day Inaugural Canaries Cruise (itinerary "Kanaren und Madeira 3") from homeport Las Palmas

Godspeed!