By
Rebecca Gibson |
AIDAprima was floated out from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI) Tategami Plant of Nagasaki Shipyard in Japan on 3 May.
The 124,500 gt ship, which is the first of AIDA’s two new Japanese-built vessels, was hauled from its drydock at the yard to the Kojagi Dock on the outskirts of Nagasaki. Here AIDAprima will undergo extensive technical systems tests, followed by further outfitting.
AIDAprima’s highlights include the Beach Club, which is housed beneath an expandable, transparent membrane roof and features the ‘Four Elements’ activity area with a water slide; the new AIDA Mini Club, which provides childcare for children above six months; the Kids and Teens Club; and a 45 m high glass skywalk at the ship’s stern. In addition, the ship will feature 14 different stateroom categories, 13 restaurants, the first AIDA cooking school with interactive classes, glass elevators and the Theatrium, which has a circular stage, LED technology and an interactive floating globe.
As the first of AIDA’s ships to be outfitted with dual fuel engines, the vessels will operate using liquefied natural gas and feature a comprehensive filter system to reduce nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide and soot particles by around 90 to 99%.
Fuel use will also be reduced by a new hull design, pod drive technology and the use of the Mitsubishi Air Lubrication Systems.
Accommodating around 3,300 passengers, AIDAprima will embark on her maiden cruise from Yokohama on 1 October 2015. Her sister ship is scheduled for delivery in 2016.