AIDA Cruises all-new class of newbuilds could be used by other Carnival Corp brands

The all-new class of cruise ships being developed for AIDA Cruises by Italian shipyard Fincantieri could be shared with other cruise lines in the Carnival Corporation group, according to Felix Eichhorn, CEO of AIDA.

In an interview with Hamburger Abendblatt, Eichhorn said successful new class designs are typically shared across the Carnival Corp fleet, where relevant. Carnival’s Excell class for example has been adopted by AIDA, Costa, and P&O in addition to Carnival Cruise Line.

Ordered in April, AIDA’s two new ships are expected to be in the 150,000 gross ton range, with capacity for 4,200 lower-berth passengers, and are due for delivery in 2030 and 2032.

“At Carnival, there’s close coordination between the brands regarding technology platforms. If a design proves successful in practice, it’s often adapted,” said Eichhorn. “The platform isn’t just interesting for us at AIDA Cruises … within the Carnival Group, ships for other brands could be built on this basis.” 

“However, such ships differ in detail, especially when it comes to the guest experience,” he added.

AIDA Cruises’ new vessels are being designed and developed from the ground up with the shipyard and a team of architects to meet the specific needs and expectations of the cruise line and its guests.

“The goal is to further increase energy efficiency, optimise processes in the hotel area, and create greater flexibility in cabin and room design,” said Eichhorn. “With the new ship class, we will take the AIDA experience to the next level.”

While keeping traditional features of the AIDA ships, such as the mixed-use Theatrium space, the new vessels will also evolve AIDA’s resort-at-sea concept. Eichhorn said further details about the new class would be released at a later date.

During the same interview, Eichhorn confirmed that all of the cruise line’s older Sphinx-class ships will undergo modernisation projects through 2028. He noted that there smaller size, providing access to more ports, and popularity with guests, given them enduring value within the fleet.

The new class of ships being built by Fincantieri will sit between the Hyperion class (led by AIDAprima), and the Excell class (led by AIDAnova).