AIDA Cruises has confirmed the refit schedule for two more ships, AIDAluna and AIDAbella, as part of its massive AIDA Evolution upgrade programme, the largest in the cruise line’s history.

By 2026, three of AIDA’s Sphinx class vessels will be extensively modernised with new public spaces, refreshed decor and upgraded technical equipment to increase efficiency and make them more environmentally friendly.

The first ship to undergo the refit will be AIDAdiva, with a dry dock scheduled at the Chantier Naval shipyard in Marseille, France, from February 3rd to March 22nd, 2025.

AIDAluna will be next, entering dry dock at the shipyard from October 22nd to December 10th, 2025, followed by AIDAbella from January 21st to March 11th, 2026.

During the seven-week drydock overhaul for the ships, AIDA Cruises will upgrade the technology onboard and increase the variety of experiences, services and comfort available to passengers.

The dry docks will bring the ships on-par with the standards and ameninities introduced aboard more modern ships in the fleet, such as AIDAnova and AIDAcosma, which were delivered in 2018 and 2021.

All guest staterooms are set to receive a new look, while the number of suites will be increased. New bars, restaurants and activity areas will also be introduced.

The Theatrium, AIDA’s unique combination of atrium and theater, will be redesigned with new seating and a fresh colour scheme.

The refit and refurbishment for the Sphinx-class vessels will significantly extend their service life. 

Built in 2008 and 2009, AIDAbella and AIDAluna are two of the oldest vessels in the fleet, but when they were first introduced they debuted are range of features that significantly shaped the company’s onboard experience. 

“The desires of our guests constantly inspire us to rethink cruising and take existing concepts to the next level,” said Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises. 

“The ships of the Sphinx series made cruise history with their innovative space concept and design. We want to build on that with our AIDA Evolution program. Our guests can look forward to an even greater variety of experiences, service and comfort on board,” he added.

At 15 to 17 years old, the ships of AIDA Cruises’ Sphinx class are approaching the middle of their service life, but will now be capable of remaining in service with the line for another decade or more. 

Cruise lines are required by law to dry dock their vessels for a technical inspection every 3 to 5 years, with a more significant refurbishment that replaces soft furnishings and carpets usually scheduled at the 5 year mark. A major overhaul such as that being done as part of AIDA Evolution, takes place when ships hit 15 to 20 years.