AIDA Cruises took deliveryof the LNG powered ‘AIDAnova’ from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg on 12th December, 2018.
The formal commissioning of this innovative prototype of a new generation of AIDA ships was attended by Michael Thamm, CEO Costa Group & Carnival Asia, Felix Eichhorn, President AIDA Cruises, Bernard Meyer and Tim Meyer, managing directors of Meyer Werft, Capt Boris Becker and other guests.
’AIDAnova’is claimed to be the first cruise ship that can be operated with low-emission LNG both in port and at sea.
Felix Eichhorn, President AIDA Cruises, said:“With huge enthusiasm and creativity, we have brought together an extraordinary product variety on ‘AIDAnova’. We are incredibly proud to be operating what is currently the world’s most eco-friendly cruise ship, and we will be consistently pursuing this path of continuous development.
“We thank the Meyer Werft shipyard and our many partners for their dedication in implementing our new ideas and concepts, and we are confident that together we have paved the way for the future of cruising with this prototype,” he continued.
The number of service restaurants on board has been significantly expanded. The Ocean’s – the specialty restaurant for fish and seafood – is only one example. In the new Churrascaria Steakhouse, grilled meat from the spit is served. For Asian dining, the range of sushi offers and teppanyaki dishes have been expanded and new hot pots and a tandoori area have been added.The East Restaurant has been expanded to include a Tandoori area.
Also new is the Yachtclub Restaurant, which offers light seasonal cuisine and international specialties in a maritime flair, and the Street Food Mile.
Studio X offers exciting formats of every kind of TV entertainment. The modern recording studio on board ‘AIDAnova’ is the first TV studio at sea that produces and broadcasts live on a daily basis. The Theatrium features the first 360 deg stage with more than 10 LED walls and a ‘Magic Tunnel’ for artist appearances.
The ship features a wellness area of around 3,500 sq m, an outdoor gym, 17 restaurants and 17 bars.
AIDA Cruises started to invest in LNG as a propulsion technology more than 10 years ago. Emissions of particulate matter and sulfur oxides are almost completely eliminated, while nitrogen oxides and CO2 emissions are sustainably reduced.
In 2021 and 2023, respectively, two additional ships from this new generation will join the AIDA fleet. In less than five years, more than half of all AIDA guests will be sailing on board cruise ships that are either fully or partially powered with LNG.
