AIDA Evolution: Multi-Million Euro Modernization of Sphinx Class Fleet by 2028

Bild von Richard Eisenmenger auf Pixabay
AIDA Cruises has initiated an extensive renewal program for its entire Sphinx class, which comprises seven cruise ships. The initiative, dubbed "AIDA Evolution," is slated for completion by 2028. The cruise line plans to invest approximately 100 million euros in each of these popular vessels for refurbishments and upgrades. These plans were confirmed by Felix Eichhorn, CEO and President of AIDA Cruises, in an interview with the "Hamburger Abendblatt."

All news also on X formerly Twitter

The "AIDA Evolution" program commenced in the spring of 2025 with a seven-week shipyard stay for AIDAdiva. The prototype ship of this series, built in 2007, has been showcasing its revised condition and various new features since March 2025. AIDAluna is scheduled next in autumn 2025, followed by AIDAbella in spring 2026. A clearly defined schedule extending to 2028 also exists for the four newer units of the Sphinx class – AIDAblu, AIDAsol, AIDAmar, and AIDAstella.

It is anticipated that the modernization work on AIDAmar and AIDAblu will be carried out during the winter season of 2026/2027. Subsequently, AIDAsol and AIDAstella are expected to follow in the winter season of 2027/2028. This timeline would ensure the complete overhaul of the ship class by the end of 2028.

Indications for this schedule can already be found in the sailing plans: A seven-week gap is noted for AIDAmar from October 26 to December 12, 2026. AIDAblu shows a similar hiatus from January 25 to March 13, 2027. As cruise ships regularly undergo dry-dock inspections at least every five years, and the last shipyard stays for AIDAsol and AIDAstella occurred in 2023, it is assumed that their "AIDA Evolution" stays will take place in autumn 2027 and spring 2028, respectively.

As part of "AIDA Evolution," all guest areas, as well as all cabins and suites on the ships delivered by Meyer Werft between 2007 and 2013, will undergo comprehensive modernization. Plans include new restaurants, bars, and bistros with enhanced service offerings, numerous comfortable lounges, exclusive retreats for suite guests, and new amenities for families with children. It is believed that all shipyard work will be conducted at Chantiers Naval de Marseille in Southern France.