German cruise line AIDA Cruises has laid the first of 90 blocks for its second LNG-powered cruise ship, AIDAcosma, due for delivery in summer, 2021.

The first building-block was laid at the Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock, with two trainees, Charleen Hoffmann (AIDA Cruises) and Kenny Schaft (Meyer Werft shipyard) chosen to place the traditional lucky coin.

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At the same time that the name of the new cruise ship was announced, AIDA Cruises also revealed her inaugural season, with AIDAcosma scheduled to spend the European summer in 2021 cruising from Kiel to the Norwegian fjords and the Baltic Sea

“With AIDAcosma we are consistently continuing our sustainable growth. The keel-laying of our second LNG-powered cruise ship here in Rostock is also an expression of our company’s economic and innovative power in Rostock and throughout northern Germany,” said AIDA President Felix Eichhorn.

In 2018 AIDA Cruises alone contributed over 1.6 billion Euros to northern Germany’s economic growth.

“AIDA stands for some 8,200 direct and indirect jobs with our suppliers here in the north. With our investments in the development and use of sustainable technologies, we are providing key momentum for research and science clusters throughout Germany,” Eichhorn added.

A third LNG-powered mega-ship is on order with the same shipyard, due for delivery in 2023. The use of LNG as a ship fuel vastly reduces emissions and much more environmentally-friendly than other fuel oils.

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With a gross tonnage of 183,900 and a length of 337 meters, AIDAcosma, like her sister ship AIDAnova, will have 20 decks, and space for 2,600 staterooms, or 5,200 passengers at double occupancy.

A new feature on this ship is the Fun Park at the stern of the ship with a children’s pool, a twin water chute and the Water Slide. For the first time, the outdoor Sport Deck will also have a boulder wall.

AIDAcosma Pool Deck with infinity pool at stern

The Pool Deck in the stern extends across the entire width of the ship and the crowning touch is the breathtaking infinity pool, with three tiered Sun Decks above.

The ship will feature 17 restaurants and 23 bars, offering a range of cuisines, as well as a new restaurant: The Beach House Restaurant, which will serve “summery and light dishes” according to the line.

The Beach House aboard AIDAcosma

The specialty restaurant Mamma Mia is also new, offering home-made pasta and fresh Italian cuisine with table service. The many public amenities include the Theatrium, shops, a disco, a gym area, the lavish Body & Soul Organic Spa, and the clubs for tiny tots, kids and teens.

Mama Mia specialty restaurant aboard AIDAcosma

From May to October, 2021 AIDAcosma will cruise from Kiel on two northern routes. On alternating weeks, the ship will travel to the Norwegian fjords and to some of the most beautiful cities on the Baltic Sea.

Depending on the travel date, AIDAcosma will stay overnight in St. Petersburg, Tallinn or Helsinki. Booking officially opens on November 21, 2019.