By
Cherie Rowlands |
The first of AIDA Cruises‘ two new-age, features-packed ships is to be christened AIDAprima once delivered in March 2015.
Potential passengers are being promised prow-to-stern individuality onboard AIDAprima, one of the structurally identical, 3,300-passenger ships offering a new concept that sees a selection of 14 different stateroom variations on offer.
These include a classic balcony offering that will become a veranda stateroom with two sun loungers, while the lanai staterooms feature a winter garden and large veranda off the Deck 8. Uninterrupted views over a new patio deck will be a particular treat for passengers in any of the 36 panorama staterooms.
“AIDAprima will usher in a new age of cruising,” said AIDA Cruises president Michael Ungerer. “Encouraged by the desires of our guests, we are constantly thinking beyond the horizon. Our new flag ship offers more room, more variety, more individuality than ever before.”
Other features include the ‘4 elements’ activity deck – its design based around fire, water, air and earth – with an expandable membrane roof so that family fun can continue whatever the weather. In a first, an AIDA Mini Club will provide childcare for youngsters from six months old, as well as the Kids and Teens Club.
Under a near-invisible, UV-permeable, membrane dome – which will serve as a projection surface for a virtual starry sky or laser shows – the AIDA beach club will host beach parties around its central bar. The Theatrium, with its circular stage, LED technology and an interactive floating globe, is at the heart of the entertainment facilities.
Thirteen restaurants will take passengers on a culinary world tour from the East to the Mediterranean, while in another first for the line, the new vessel will be opening the AIDA cooking school. Using ingredients sourced from local markets, the ship's chefs will share their culinary secrets during interactive cooking classes.
Other highlights include glass elevators and a 45 m high glass skywalk at the ship’s stern.
New standards in environmental protection are also being set with the new vessels. Exhaust treatment technology means between 90 and 99 per cent of all three significant emissions – soot particles, nitrogen oxide, and sulphur oxide – will be reduced. The first passenger ships to be outfitted with dual fuel engines means emissions-free power with liquefied gas.
Efficiency will be increased through a new hull design, pod drive technology and the use of the Mitsubishi Air Lubrication Systems will enable a decrease in fuel usage.
An 86-day journey from Hamburg, Germany, to Yokohama in Japan, will mark AIDAprima's maiden voyage from 22 March to 16 June 2015, when cruise guests will visit 39 ports in 22 countries on three continents.
Both the 124,500 gt, 300 m vessels are being constructed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with the second ship scheduled for delivery in 2016.