AIDA Cruises announces fleetwide refit and refurbishment program AIDA Evolution

AIDA Cruises has announced a major fleetwide refit and refurbishment program called AIDA Evolution, which will modernise every ship in the fleet, bringing standards and amenities on-par with the latest vessels in the fleet.

AIDA Evolution will be the largest modernisation program to date for the company’s 11-ship fleet, which includes the Excellence-class vessels AIDAnova and AIDAcosma, launched in 2018 and 2021.

According to a press release from AIDA Cruises, the first phase of the drydock upgrade program will involve the Sphinx-class ships in 2025 and 2026. This trio of vessels are the oldest in the fleet, launched between 2007 and 2009.

Phase 1 AIDA Evolution Drydock Schedule

AIDAdiva – Spring 2025

AIDAbella – Fall 2025

AIDAluna – Spring 2026

AIDAdiva, AIDAbella and AIDAluna will each spend around six weeks in dry dock, receiving updated interiors and new technical equipment to improve both the passenger experience and the vessels’ environmental impact.

“As the market leader and pioneer in the industry, we are committed to constantly rethinking cruising,” said Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA. “The ships of the Sphinx series have written cruise history with their innovative space concept and colorful design. The AIDA Evolution program will further develop these fantastic ships.”

Upgrades to the vessels will include a revamp of all staterooms and the addition of more suites, along with more dining options, new family areas and more.

For the first time in this class of ships, exclusive areas and services will be created for suite guests. In terms of culinary delights, guests can look forward to an even greater variety of restaurants, selected signature bars and enhanced services. 

The heart of the Sphinx ships beats in the very center – in the light-flooded Theatrium. This stylish area will be enhanced with inviting seating and a harmonious color concept. Especially for families with children, new activity areas will be introduced.

Investments on the technical side include measures to reduce fuel consumption, increase energy efficiency and conserve resources.

Following the first phase of the project, the next set of ships to recieve the AIDA Evolution upgrades will likely be the line’s Icarus class, which includes AIDAblu, AIDAsol, AIDAmar, and AIDAstella, launched between 2010 and 2013.

The refit project may then include the Hyperion class vessels AIDAprima and AIDAperla, but these vessels, launched in 2016 and 2017, will likely require less intensive upgrades than the 15+ year old Sphinx class ships.