New chapter begins for AIDAdiva: Fresh look, new experiences, even more variety and comfort after modernization program
AIDA Cruises, the market leader in cruises and Germany’s third-largest tour operator, has successfully completed the first of seven major ship modernizations under its Evolution program with AIDAdiva.
After a seven-week dry dock overhaul at the Chantier Naval Shipyard in Marseille, France, from February 3 to March 21, 2025, AIDAdiva is now shining in new splendor. From the technology to the upgraded staterooms, new restaurants and expanded entertainment, AIDAdiva has been modernized and redesigned from the ground up.
“As part of our AIDA Evolution initiative for the future, we have launched the largest fleet modernization program in our company’s history. For the first three dry dock overhauls alone, we are investing hundreds of millions of euros to make our ships fit for the future – both in terms of the travel experience and the technology. We are very proud of this program. It shows that AIDA continues to evolve – for our guests and the future of cruising,” said Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises.
The new AIDA feeling in the guest area
In the course of the modernisation, around 300 main projects and numerous other individual measures were planned, coordinated and implemented. Several thousand shipyard workers and specialists, including over 170 different fit-out companies, as well as the crew of AIDAdiva have worked together over the past seven weeks to make the project a success.
One of the biggest renovations was the renovation of all guest cabins: canopies, carpets and curtains were redesigned and the colour concept was adapted to bright, modern tones. New chairs and sofas provide a modern look in the balcony cabins. At the same time, some cabins have been expanded from a 3-person to a 4-person occupancy to create further options for families. At the stern, six new, spacious family-friendly suites with their own sun deck were built. These are divided into living and sleeping areas with double beds, with the pull-out couch in the living room allowing for additional sleeping places. In some suites, 5-bed occupancy plus baby cot is now possible. Suite guests also have access to new exclusive retreats – the Sky Deck and the Rossini Lounge.
The public areas on decks 9, 10 and 11 underwent an extensive redesign. New restaurant and bar concepts offer an expanded culinary offer. Whether French specialities in the new French Kiss restaurant or in the French Kiss Bar & Bistro, Asian cuisine in East Fusion, Spanish snacks at the Tapas Bar or maritime delicacies in the Yachtclub Restaurant – the gastronomic offer has been comprehensively expanded. With the Panorama Bar, the Ice Bar, Tokyo Bar and Lanai Bar, further new outlets have been added. After the completion of the areas, for example, about 35,000 glasses, 30,000 cups and plates as well as 46,000 cutlery were put back away and the entire furniture was replaced or refurbished.
The Theatrium was given inviting seating, among other things. with backrests around the stage on deck 9, and a revised, harmonious colour concept. State-of-the-art technology for sound, lighting and stage control has been installed for an even more intense show experience.
The spa area has been completely renovated and adapted to the organic spa concept. Guests can look forward to two additional wellness suites, which are equipped with a private whirlpool tub, private sauna and waterbed. The hair spa has been given a new design and is complemented by a nail spa.
A new highlight awaits kids on deck 14. In front of the outdoor sports deck, a fun park has been created with an impressive 7.50-metre-high climbing tower, a slide and exciting caves. The Kids Club has also been redesigned for the youngest guests.
Modernized technology and innovations
In addition to the innovations in the guest areas, numerous technical and sustainable measures have been implemented. For the first time, more than 45,700 square meters of carpet were not disposed of, but put to another use. New, already recyclable carpet was laid in guest and crew areas. A new reverse osmosis system optimises the in-house production of fresh water from seawater. An innovative Solid Waste Processor shreds waste and reduces its volume by up to 95 percent. In the underwater area, almost 9000 square meters of ship’s wall were provided with around 17,500 liters of a completely new biocide-free paint of the latest generation, which significantly reduces frictional resistance, while a modern, energy-efficient LED lighting system further reduces energy requirements. The entire IT infrastructure was redesigned. Among other things, 50 kilometers of new cables had to be laid and 22 tons of electronics had to be replaced. In the outdoor area, 6.5 kilometres of wooden handrails were also renewed, large areas of glass and window panes were replaced and around 8,500 litres of colour were refreshed.
“AIDAdiva’s first voyage after its modernization is an important milestone for us in the radical modernization of the fleet at AIDA Cruises. AIDAluna will follow this year and AIDAbella at the beginning of 2026. Over the past seven weeks, as well as throughout the pre-planning phase, many thousands of dedicated shipyard workers and specialists have worked hand in hand on this project. My special thanks go to our great team and the entire AIDAdiva crew, who led the first Evolution shipyard time to success,” says Felix Eichhorn.
Big kick-off trip with star guest Clueso & further travel program
AIDAdiva is celebrating its comeback with a special premiere cruise from March 23 to 30, 2025. Under the motto “FALL IN LOVE WITH AIDAdiva again”, the ship will set off on a seven-day Mediterranean voyage. Star guest Clueso will give an exclusive concert on board and provide musical accompaniment to the reopening of the modernized ship.
This will be followed by two more voyages from Rome/Civitavecchia along the Italian coast and Malta. Destinations such as Valletta, Syracuse or Catania, Palermo, Naples and Olbia are on the program. AIDAdiva will then head to its summer cruising area: from Warnemünde, the most beautiful destinations on the Baltic Sea and in Norway will be offered.
In the fall, AIDAdiva will embark on its first world cruise: From November 10, 2025 to March 23, 2026, it will embark on an XXL adventure from Hamburg to five continents and through 27 countries in 133 days. For the first time on an AIDA world cruise, the east and west coasts of the USA and Japan are on the program. New Year’s Eve is celebrated in Hawaii.
(New chapter begins for AIDAdiva: Fresh look, new experiences, even more variety and comfort after modernization program)
