By
Elizabeth Robinson |
AIDA Cruises has floated out its newest LNG-powered cruise ship, AIDAnova, from her building dock at Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
During the floating-out process, the shipyard’s team used several cable winches to enable AIDAnova to travel a distance of approximately 140 metres.
Now that Meyer Werft has completed AIDAnova’s superstructure, the team will assemble and install the propellers, fit the mast and funnel, and paint AIDA’s signature smiling lips and eyes on the ship’s prow. The team will also complete interior outfitting work, which will see the vessel offer onboard highlights such as the Theatrium, Brauhaus (brewhouse), Beach Club and the Four Elements, as well as 21 different kinds of stateroom. These will include penthouse suites, family and veranda staterooms, and individual staterooms with a balcony.
During the float-out ceremony, AIDA revealed that it has chosen long-time employee Boris Becker as captain of the ship.
Born in Germany, Becker joined AIDA after graduating with a degree in industrial marine engineering and has worked as an officer and staff captain. Becker has also helped to commission several newbuilds, including AIDAluna, AIDAblu and AIDAperla. He will work with the shipyard’s team to oversee the final construction phases of AIDAnova.
On 31 August 2018, AIDAnova will be christened outside Meyer Werft’s covered building dock in Papenburg during the AIDA Open Air ceremony. Becker will accompany the yet-to-be-named godmother during the ceremony, which will also feature a firework display and a live concert by DJ David Guetta.
AIDAnova will begin her first voyage in mid-September, heading for Eemshaven in the Netherlands to undergo sea trials. The ship will then be handed over to AIDA on 15 November 2018 in Bremerhaven.
Following a series of preview cruises, the vessel will embark on her official inaugural cruise on 2 December from Hamburg, Germany to the Canary Islands, where she will spend the rest of her maiden season.