AIDA Cruises: New Ship Generation from 2030 and Group-Wide Design Synergies – Sphinx Class to be Modernized

Two Newbuilds from Fincantieri Starting 2030

At the core of the future strategy are two newbuilds ordered earlier this year from the renowned Italian Fincantieri shipyard. The delivery of these ships is scheduled for 2030 and 2032. According to Carnival Corporation's original announcement, these vessels will belong to a new class of mid-sized units. With a gross tonnage (GT) of around 150,000 and approximately 2,100 guest cabins, they position themselves as a somewhat more compact alternative to the most recently introduced Helios-class ships (e.g., AIDAcosma with approx. 183,900 GT and around 2,700 cabins).

A key feature of the newbuilds will be their multi-fuel capability. This indicates a flexible propulsion system expected to enable the use of lower-emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) and could also potentially be equipped for future alternative fuels such as methanol.

Innovative Design Platform with Potential for Carnival Group

Felix Eichhorn revealed that the design platform being developed for these newbuilds could also benefit other brands within Carnival Corporation. "At Carnival, there’s close coordination between the brands regarding technology platforms. If a design proves successful in practice, it’s often adapted," Eichhorn explained. He added, "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." Eichhorn emphasized that such ships would, however, differ in detail, "especially when it comes to the guest experience" of the respective brand.

According to Eichhorn, the new ship class is being developed "from the ground up" in close collaboration with the shipyard and a team of architects. The core objectives are clearly defined: "to further increase energy efficiency, optimize processes in the hotel area, and create greater flexibility in cabin and room design."

New AIDA Experience with Familiar Elements

Despite the new direction, proven and popular AIDA features, such as the central Theatrium – a combination of an atrium and a theater – will be retained. At the same time, the AIDA CEO promises a further development of the travel experience: "With the new ship class, we will take the AIDA experience to the next level." Specific details about the new ships and their special features will be announced at a later date.

Modernization of the Entire Sphinx Class by 2028

In addition to the newbuild plans, the existing fleet is also a focus. Eichhorn confirmed in the interview with "Hamburger Abendblatt" that all ships of the so-called Sphinx class will undergo comprehensive modernization projects by 2028. The Sphinx class includes the ships AIDAdiva (commissioned in 2007), AIDAbella (2008), AIDAluna (2009), AIDAblu (2010), AIDAsol (2011), AIDAmar (2012), and AIDAstella (2013). Details on the scope and specific measures of the modernizations have not yet been announced but are expected to aim at bringing the ships up to date both technologically and in terms of guest offerings.

With these comprehensive investments in newbuilds and fleet modernization, AIDA Cruises underscores its commitment to more sustainable travel and a future-proof cruise experience.

Sources:

• Interview with Felix Eichhorn by "Hamburger Abendblatt" (information from the provided text, specific date of interview not specified).
• Announcements from Carnival Corporation & plc (generally regarding new orders and ship classes).
• Publicly available fleet information from AIDA Cruises (e.g., for details on the Sphinx and Helios classes).