AIDA Cruises has completed a major refit and refurbishment of AIDAluna following almost seven weeks in drydock in Marseille, as part of its fleet-wide modernisation initiative.
The work marks the second major shipyard project under the AIDA Evolution programme, which is intended to update six vessels in the line’s Selection class by 2028.
AIDAluna entered Chantier Naval on October 23rd, 2025, and emerged this week with extensive upgrades across guest and crew areas, as well as new sustainability features.
“With AIDA Evolution, we are investing a three-digit million sum in the modernisation of our Selection fleet,” said Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises. “In doing so, we are clearly committed to our smaller ships and making them fit for the future – both in terms of the travel experience and in terms of technical innovations and sustainability. AIDAluna is another milestone on this journey.”
Cabins and suites have been fully refurbished with updated furniture, new lighting features, USB and USB-C ports, and redesigned balcony spaces. Additional stern suites have been introduced, accommodating up to five guests with private sun decks and updated bathrooms.
Dining options now include ten restaurants and snack bars, such as French Kiss, East Fusion, Tapas & Bar, and the Yacht Club, alongside 13 bars and cafés including Lanai Bar and the Panorama Bar. Public spaces have also undergone changes, with the Theatrium receiving new seating, lighting and sound systems.
Family facilities have also been expanded with a Fun Park, redesigned Kids Club, and a Game Centre.
On the upper decks, new wellness suites, a redesigned Nail Spa and Hair Spa, and a Sky Deck for suite guests featuring whirlpools and cabanas have been added.
Crew areas have also been upgraded, including redesigned cabins and a modernised crew bar. A concept called “Crew Market” will provide snacks around the clock.
The ship’s refit incorporated a range of sustainability-led updates and technology upgrades, including digital improvements such as new interactive screens and RFID boarding passes.
Fully recycled carpet underlay made from material recovered on AIDAluna and sister ship AIDAdiva has been installed through a collaboration with Oceancircle. A total of around 45,000 square metres of carpet and more than 1,000 mattresses were processed as part of the refurbishment. Recyclable carpets made from ECONYL yarn now replace flooring in the crew areas and reception.
Other circular-economy measures include re-using dismantled steel bulkheads from the Pier 3 Bar, which the brand Paul Hewitt is transforming into jewellery pieces that will be sold on board.
Three types of solar films are being tested on the pool deck, and new systems have been introduced to improve energy efficiency in water production, air-conditioning, and cooling. A biocide-free hull coating has been applied to reduce drag.
AIDA Cruises reported that 2,200 specialists supported the project, including crew members, technical staff, and external partners.
AIDAluna is now sailing a western Mediterranean itinerary with entertainment and a reopening programme, before repositioning to the Canary Islands in early January 2026.
Additional Selection-class vessel upgrades are planned, with AIDAbella scheduled for a refit and refurbishment from January to March 2026 and AIDAmar to follow by Christmas 2026.
Categories: Cruise News
