AIDA Cruises commissions Fincantieri to build two new cruise ships for 2030/2031

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AIDA Cruises Commissions Fincantieri to Build Two New Ships for Fleet Modernization
Rostock/Miami – The Rostock-based cruise line AIDA Cruises, the leader in the German cruise market, has placed a significant order for the construction of two new cruise ships with the Italian shipyard Fincantieri. This strategic decision was announced during the Seatrade Cruise Global, the leading international trade fair for the cruise industry, taking place from April 7th to 10th, 2025, in Miami.

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The delivery of the two newbuilds is scheduled for Spring 2030 and the Winter 2030/2031 season, respectively. This means AIDA Cruises will receive the first ship of a new generation nearly eight and a half years after the commissioning of AIDAcosma in December 2021. With these additions, the AIDA fleet will grow to a total of 13 vessels by the Winter 2031/32 season. The company thereby underscores its ambition to further solidify its strong market position in Germany and respond to the consistently high demand for cruise vacations.

Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, elaborated on the details: "The two ships, each featuring 2,100 guest cabins, will complement and expand our existing fleet. We are introducing a new class of ship with this order, positioned in size between the AIDAprima and AIDAcosma classes." Technologically, the cruise line is focusing on forward-looking propulsion concepts. "Our next generation of ships will feature multi-fuel engines that can run on lower-emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) and are also prepared for the future use of bio- or e-fuels," Eichhorn continued.

The design concept for this new ship class is significantly based on guest feedback, combined with the company's own innovations and creative approaches. The aim is to further develop successful concepts and implement new ideas. "We are confident that our new ships will excite not only our loyal AIDA fans but also countless new guests," Eichhorn added.

The contract for the newbuilds was signed on April 7, 2025, but remains subject to final financing approval. By commissioning Fincantieri, AIDA Cruises is once again selecting a different shipbuilding partner. The fleet's two most recent and largest ships, AIDAnova (2018) and AIDAcosma (2021), were built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Their predecessors, AIDAprima (2016) and AIDAperla (2017), were constructed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan.

AIDA Cruises has announced that further details regarding the next generation of ships will be released in the coming months. The focus will be on enhancing operational efficiency through innovative technologies, optimized operational procedures, and the use of alternative fuels, aiming to make the operation of the new vessels even more sustainable.