Fresh Look for the Fleet: AIDAluna Celebrates Premiere in Palamós

It was an almost perfect winter day on the Costa Brava when AIDAluna entered the port of Palamós on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Punctually at 08:00 AM, the order "secure lines" was given at the main quay. For the ship and the crew around Captain Sven Laudan, this was no ordinary stop. It was the first port of call following the extensive "AIDA Evolution" program – and simultaneously a premiere, as AIDAluna had never visited this charming Catalan harbor before.

The fact that a ship of this size docks in Palamós in December is part of a new strategy. The region aims to move away from pure summer tourism and welcome guests during the cooler season as well. The plan worked: AIDAluna's call marked the end of a record-breaking season for the port. A total of 65 ships docked here in 2025.

To celebrate the occasion, the traditional plaque exchange ceremony took place on board. Local dignitaries such as Manel Nadal from the Catalan government and Mayor Maria Puig insisted on personally welcoming Captain Laudan and his crew. A major advantage for the guests: it is only about a 500-meter walk from the berth to the city center. Those standing at the railing on the starboard side had a direct view of the city and the Christmas hustle and bustle, while the open sea stretched out on the port side.

Much more exciting than politics for cruise fans, however, is the question: What actually happened during the 47 days in the shipyard in Marseille? The answer is: quite a lot. AIDA has brought the 16-year-old "Luna" technically and visually up to the standard of the newest ships.

New Look and More Flavor: Anyone stepping onto the ship immediately notices that the design has become more modern and "grown-up." The colorful club ship design of the 2000s gives way to calmer tones.

• Culinary: The restaurant offering has been significantly expanded. New additions include "French Kiss" (a French bistro), the Asian "East Fusion," and the maritime-designed "Yachtclub."
• Outdoor Feeling: For a drink with a view, there is now the "Lanai Bar" at the stern and the "Panorama Bar."
• Living: All 1,025 cabins have received an update – new carpets, fresh furniture, and finally USB-A and USB-C ports directly at the bed. A highlight for families is the new suites in the stern area, offering extra space.

Work was also carried out extensively below the waterline. AIDA is committed to sustainability that goes beyond lip service.

• Smooth Sailing: The hull has received a biocide-free silicone coating. This makes the ship "slipperier" in the water, saves fuel, and protects the marine environment.
• New from Old: An award-winning project concerns the old carpets. Instead of incinerating 45,000 square meters of old flooring, it was recycled and reused as a high-quality underlay for the new carpets.
• Solar Power: On the pool deck, AIDA is testing transparent solar foils for the first time to check how much energy can be generated via the glass surfaces.

The call in Palamós was the operational test run ("shakedown") for the upcoming winter season. The technology is running, the new restaurants are ready to go, and guests were already able to enjoy the ship on the short route from Marseille via Palamós to Barcelona. Starting in January 2026, the freshly renovated AIDAluna will then set course for the Canary Islands.

For fans of the Sphinx Class, this is good news: The ship retains its charming character but now offers the comfort and environmental technology of the very latest generation.