Countdown to AIDA’s 30th anniversary has begun: First highlights around the 2026 birthday announced
AIDA is celebrating its birthday! Today marks both the 29th anniversary and the start of the countdown to the big celebrations in 2026.
On June 7, 1996, the first AIDA ship was christened in Rostock. It introduced a new, bold concept: relaxed cruising, free of outdated conventions. Since then, the company has grown from a pioneer in the cruise industry to the market leader in Germany.
To celebrate the anniversary on 7 June 2026, the cruise company has planned a number of surprises. These include a special event cruise called the “Best of AIDA” and a sister ship meeting in the Port of Hamburg.
AIDA Special with Otto, Egli, Heinzmann & more
From April 18 to 25, 2026, the modernised AIDAdiva will host the “Best of AIDA” event. The Baltic Sea itinerary is a highlight in itself. The cruise will set sail from Warnemünde, traveling to Stockholm, Gotland, Gdansk/Gdynia, and Copenhagen before returning to Warnemünde. This AIDA Special will also feature guest stars who have worked with the company on numerous occasions, delighting audiences time and again. Guests can look forward to a unique event cruise featuring music, comedy, drag shows, a celebratory atmosphere, as well as familiar AIDA faces.
Otto Waalkes and his band, ‘Die Friesenjungs’, will provide lively entertainment, as will Beatrice Egli, a prominent figure in German-language pop-schlager, and Stefanie Heinzmann, a pop artist and role model. Dance icon ALLE FARBEN will create a festival atmosphere, while party king Mickie Krause will get everyone in the mood to party.
Also on board are rock legend Wayne Morris, comedian Benni Stark, cabaret artist Wolfgang Trepper, drag artist Sarah Barelly, comedian and magician Ingo Oschmann, and the musicians from LIVE BEATS. When the best of 30 years of AIDA comes together on one voyage, it can only mean one thing—an unforgettable experience for every AIDA fan!
Sister ship meeting on June 7, 2026, in Hamburg!
Three ships from the AIDA fleet will meet in Hamburg to celebrate the 30th anniversary. AIDAperla will arrive on June 6, 2026. The ship will stay overnight to participate in the kiss-mouth parade the next day. On June 7, AIDAsol will dock at the Altona cruise terminal first, followed by AIDAprima in the evening. Together, they will meet on the Elbe River, forming a unique backdrop for the anniversary celebration.
A must-see for festival fans!
Following the birthday party, the FESTIVAL Cruise will start on AIDAprima. From June 8 to 12, 2026, guests can cast off for a mega party at sea featuring hip-hop, EDM, pop, and schlager music. Guests can look forward to four days of pure festival atmosphere en route to the Belgian North Sea coast.
The lineup for the 2026 FESTIVAL Cruise is still a secret, but one thing is certain: trendy live acts in the Theatrium, Beach Club, Plaza, and D6 disco will ensure unforgettable AIDA moments just like last year.
Unlike any other company in the industry, AIDA has stood for innovation and product diversity since its inception. The focus has always been, and continues to be, on the guests. Consequently, the cruise company is looking forward to celebrating this milestone anniversary with its guests.
(Countdown to AIDA’s 30th anniversary has begun: First highlights around the 2026 birthday announced)
