AIDAbella begins refit and renovation as next ship in Evolution programme

AIDA Cruises’ AIDAbella has arrived at the Chantier Naval de Marseille in France to begin a major refit and refurbishment as part of the cruise line’s AIDA Evolution modernisation programme.

The 2008-built vessel entered dry dock on January 21st, 2026, following a repositioning cruise from the Canary Islands.

The 68,500-ton ship is scheduled to spend more than seven weeks in drydock, during which it will undergo a wide-ranging series of technical and guest-facing updates. The work is intended to align the onboard product more closely with the line’s newer vessels, while retaining the flexibility of the Sphinx class design.

The project includes the creation of new public areas and venues, alongside a comprehensive refresh of all staterooms.

Cabin upgrades will introduce updated colour schemes as well as new features, including USB ports, revised lighting, and other modernised fittings.

The refit will also see the addition of new stern suites, expanding the ship’s premium accommodation offering.

Food and beverage options are being broadened with the introduction of new venues, including the Yacht Club. A new nautical-themed restaurant will be added on the stern, complemented by the Lanai Bar, a new outdoor lounge space also located at the aft of the ship.

Additional dining and bar concepts debuting on AIDAbella include the French Kiss Bar & Bistro, East Fusion, and Tapas & Bar, reflecting changes already introduced on other ships in the class.

Entertainment areas are also being upgraded, with the ship set to feature a modernised Theatrium incorporating updated lighting and sound technology, as well as additional seating areas.

Family facilities form another key element of the refurbishment. A new Fun Park with a climbing tower is being installed, alongside a redesigned Kids Club and a new Game Center.

Other areas undergoing updates include the spa, the sky deck, crew spaces, and the suite lounge.

Following completion of the work, AIDAbella is scheduled to welcome guests back into service in Palma de Mallorca on March 11th, 2026.

AIDAbella is the third ship to undergo refurbishment as part of the AIDA Evolution programme, following AIDAdiva and AIDAluna.

Upgrades introduced on AIDAdiva, including new suites, redesigned public areas, new restaurant concepts such as French Kiss, the Lanai outdoor bar, and an upgraded spa, are expected to be mirrored across the remaining ships, including AIDAbella.

The initiative targets the cruise line’s seven Sphinx class vessels, which entered service between 2007 and 2013 and represent the oldest group in the fleet.

The remaining vessels scheduled to undergo refits are AIDAsol, AIDAstella, AIDAblu, and AIDAmar.

AIDA Cruises’ refit programme forms part of parent company Carnival Corporation’s broader fleet revitalisation and optimisation strategy, launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen a number of older ships sold or scrapped across the group’s brands.