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AIDAprima
AIDAprima
from Wikipedia
AIDAprima in Rotterdam
History
Italy
NameAIDAprima
OwnerAIDA Cruises
OperatorAIDA Cruises
Port of registryGenoa, Italy
RouteNorth Europe
BuilderMitsubishi Heavy Industries
LaunchedMay 3, 2014
AcquiredMarch 14, 2016
Maiden voyageMay 7, 2016
In service2016–present
Identification
StatusIn service
General characteristics
TypeHyperion-class Cruise ship
Tonnage
Length299.95 m (984.1 ft)[1]
Beam
  • 37.65 m (123.5 ft) (max)[1]
  • 37.60 m (123.4 ft) (waterline)[1]
Height67 m (221 feet)
Draught8.25 m (27.1 ft)[1]
Decks18
Installed power
  • 3 × Cat 12VM43C (3 × 9,450 kW)[1]
  • dual-fuel Cat 12VM46DF (5,400–8,685 kW)[1]
  • Cat 3516B (2,250 kW)[1]
Propulsion
Speed22.0 knots (41 km/h) (cruising)
Capacity3,250 passengers
Crew900

AIDAprima is the flagship of AIDA Cruises, built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding at their shipyard in Nagasaki, Japan. The cruise ship entered service on April 25, 2016, after suffering several construction delays.[2] She is the first AIDA vessel not to be built in Meyer Werft since the completion of AIDAaura in 2003. She is also the first Carnival Corporation & plc vessel to be built in Mitsubishi since the completion of the Sapphire Princess in 2004.

History

[edit]
AIDAprima at Kop van Zuid, Rotterdam on June 9, 2016.

Originally, the vessel was planned for delivery in the first half of 2015, with an inaugural trip to 22 countries, but the shipbuilder was unable to complete the vessel on time and the delivery was postponed to December 2015 after several minor accidents during construction.[3] The ship was christened on 7 May 2016 in Hamburg, Germany as part of the 827th Hamburg Port Anniversary (Hafengeburtstag).[4] The ship's godmother is German child actor Emma Schweiger.[5][6]

In September 2017, AIDAprima was one of the guests at the Hamburg Cruise Days and a part the Blue Port light show.[7]

Design

[edit]

AIDAprima has an overall length of 300.00 m (984.25 ft), moulded beam of 37.60 m (123.4 ft), and maximum draft of 8.00 m (26.25 ft). The vessel has a capacity of 3,300 passengers and 900 crew members. AIDAprima has 18 passenger decks, 15 dining options, indoor and outdoor pools, as well as shops, cafes, and bars. The AIDA Beach Club pool area, which is covered by a transparent UV-permeable membrane dome, allows passengers to relax in a beach setting with natural light despite inclement weather. The Four Elements features the longest indoor water slide on a cruise ship, a rock climbing wall, and a lazy river.[8] At night, the Beach Club serves as a discotheque, with stars or laser shows projected onto the dome.[9]

Engineering

[edit]

AIDAprima is driven by three MaK 12VM43C diesel engines and one MaK 12VM46DF dual-fuel (LNG/oil) engine, which give 53,150 hp to the propulsion system.[10][11] The engine has computer-controlled fuel injection to increase fuel economy. The ship is propelled by ABB Azipod XO units, which allows a service speed of 22 kts.[12]

The AIDAprima uses Mitsubishi Heavy Industries's proprietary Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System (MALS), which releases small air bubbles to cover the bottom of the vessel, reducing the friction between the hull and the surrounding water. This is predicted to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by more than 7%.[10]

In 2020, the vessel underwent an upgrade, incorporating a 9,944 kWh Orca ESS battery system from Corvus Energy. This system serves the purpose of peak shaving, effectively minimizing peak electrical demand on the vessel. This not only helps reduce maintenance costs for the engines but also contributes to a decrease in CO2 emissions.[13]

The vessel has the option to plug-in whilst in port (and turnoff the engines) with an option known as cold ironing.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
AIDAprima is a Hyperion-class built in 2016 as the lead vessel and flagship for , a subsidiary of . Constructed by at its shipyard in , , she measures 300 meters (984 feet) in length, has a beam of 37.6 meters, and a of 125,572. With capacity for 3,286 to 3,400 passengers across 1,643 staterooms on 18 decks, she is crewed by approximately 900 members and sails under the Italian flag (IMO 9636955). Notably, AIDAprima was the world's first dual-fuel , equipped with engines capable of running on (LNG) or marine diesel, featuring advanced propulsion and Mitsubishi's Air Lubrication System for enhanced fuel efficiency. Ordered in 2011 as the first of AIDA's new-generation fleet, AIDAprima was delivered in 2016 after construction began in 2013. She underwent sea trials in before transiting to , arriving in in 2016 for final preparations. The ship was christened on 7 May 2016 in during the port's 827th anniversary festivities, marking a for AIDA as its largest vessel at the time and the first LNG-powered globally. Her , AIDAperla, followed in 2017, completing the initial pair of the Hyperion class. AIDAprima emphasizes innovative design and passenger experience, with amenities including the Beach Club—a four-deck open-air area with a retractable —the Four Elements featuring multiple slides and pools, and the expansive Body & Soul Organic . The ship offers a variety of dining options, venues, and retail spaces, including the world's first dedicated store at sea, opened in 2021. Environmentally focused, she incorporates energy-efficient technologies and was retrofitted with a large battery storage system (10 megawatt-hours) in 2022 for hybrid operations. Homeported in as of 2025, AIDAprima operates year-round itineraries to Northern, Western, and Baltic , with occasional voyages to the Mediterranean and beyond, such as 13-day cruises visiting ports like , , and .

Construction and commissioning

Planning and order

In 2011, as part of Corporation's strategy to expand its brand amid growing demand for premium German-market voyages, the company announced an order for two large cruise ships on August 3. This initiative aimed to enhance AIDA's fleet with innovative vessels featuring advanced environmental technologies and increased passenger capacity, marking a significant step in the brand's modernization efforts. The formal shipbuilding contracts were finalized with (MHI) on November 2, 2011, for construction at MHI's Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works in , based on the announced all-in cost of €140,000 per lower berth across the project. The lead vessel, later named AIDAprima, was specified at 125,572 gross tons (GT) with accommodations for up to 3,250 passengers in double occupancy, positioning it as the flagship and inaugural ship of AIDA's Hyperion class—significantly larger than the preceding Sphinx-class vessels at around 71,000 GT. This order held strategic importance for , representing the first newbuild commissioned outside since the AIDAvita and AIDAaura were constructed in in 2003, thereby diversifying supply chains beyond traditional European yards like and integrating Japanese engineering expertise in and hull . The collaboration with MHI was intended to leverage the shipyard's advanced manufacturing capabilities to meet AIDA's goals for sustainable, high-capacity cruising while reducing reliance on European suppliers.

Building and delays

The construction of AIDAprima commenced with a ceremonial keel laying on June 30, 2013, at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' (MHI) Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Japan, marking the start of assembly for this 125,000-gross-ton vessel designed as the flagship for AIDA Cruises. The hull progressed to float-out on May 3, 2014, when the incomplete structure was moved from the building dock to the outfitting basin for further installation of superstructure, interiors, and systems. This milestone allowed for the integration of advanced Japanese-engineered features, including MHI's proprietary Air Lubrication System, which generates microbubbles under the hull to reduce frictional resistance and improve fuel efficiency by up to 5-10%. Throughout the assembly phase, the project encountered substantial setbacks, primarily due to modifications requested by the owner, which necessitated reworking of materials, , and . These changes, combined with MHI's lack of recent experience in large-scale cruise shipbuilding—its previous project being the in 2004—led to delays in approvals, confusion in supply sourcing, and a "vicious cycle" of reordering components as specifications evolved, particularly for complex cabin layouts and safety features like enhanced integration. The cutting-edge elements of the design, including podded propulsors and energy-efficient air-conditioning, further complicated the on-site fabrication process, extending the detailed engineering phase well beyond initial projections. As a result, key progress markers shifted significantly from the original timeline outlined in the 2011 order. Sea trials, intended to validate propulsion and systems performance, were deferred to late 2015, with multiple sessions conducted off the coast to address integration issues before final outfitting. The initial delivery target of March 2015 was first postponed to September 2015, then to December 2015, before a final extension to , 2016, when MHI handed over the completed vessel after resolving lingering construction hurdles. This one-year slippage incurred substantial costs for MHI, estimated at over $500 million for the pair of sister ships, but provided critical insights that streamlined the build of AIDAprima's sibling, AIDAPerla.

Delivery and christening

AIDAprima was officially delivered to by on March 14, 2016, following construction delays that postponed the handover from its original schedule. The vessel marked the first non-European-built ship for AIDA since AIDAaura's completion in 2003 and the first Carnival Corporation ship constructed by Mitsubishi since 2004. It entered service on April 25, 2016, commencing with a short positioning cruise from to , followed by regular seven-day roundtrip voyages from starting April 30. The christening ceremony took place on May 7, 2016, during the 827th Hamburg Port Anniversary, with actress serving as godmother in a public event as part of the festivities, which attracted approximately 1 million visitors overall. The ceremony highlighted AIDAprima's innovative features, including its dual-fuel propulsion system, and featured a light show on the ship's hull as part of the port's festivities. In September 2017, AIDAprima participated in the Cruise Days, leading the parade of cruise ships along the River and integrating with the Blue Port light installation that illuminated over 100 port buildings. The event drew approximately 250,000 spectators and underscored the ship's role in 's maritime celebrations, complete with customized displays.

Design and features

Exterior and layout

AIDAprima measures 300 meters in , with a beam of 37.6 meters and a draft of 8.1 meters, resulting in a of 125,572 GT. The ship accommodates up to 3,300 passengers at double occupancy, supported by a of 900 members. The vessel features 18 decks in total, of which 17 are accessible to passengers, including expansive open promenades that enhance outdoor connectivity across multiple levels. The layout emphasizes seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces, with dedicated areas like the Lanai Deck providing wraparound walkways for panoramic views. A distinctive , emblazoned with the seahorse emblem and angled for aerodynamic efficiency, serves as a prominent visual identifier atop the . Exterior design elements include a modern hull incorporating the Air Lubrication System, which generates air bubbles to reduce frictional resistance and improve , contributing to a sleek, wave-inspired profile. The ship boasts multiple outdoor pools integrated into sun decks totaling over 4,484 square meters, fostering a resort-like atmosphere. At the stern, the AIDA Beach Club stands out under a transparent UV-permeable dome, offering shaded relaxation while allowing natural light and virtual sky projections for an immersive open-air experience.

Passenger accommodations

The AIDAprima features 1,643 staterooms distributed across 14 categories, designed to accommodate up to 3,300 passengers in double occupancy with a total of approximately 6,600 beds. These accommodations emphasize comfort and variety, catering to solo travelers, couples, and families with modern interiors that incorporate light colors, ample storage, and spa-like elements such as soothing lighting and high-quality linens for a relaxing onboard experience. Stateroom categories include inside cabins for budget-conscious guests, outside cabins with ocean views, balcony (veranda) cabins offering private outdoor , and premium suites. All veranda cabins provide step-out balconies equipped with seating areas, including chairs and small tables, allowing passengers to enjoy fresh air and sea vistas directly from their rooms. Family-oriented designs are available through connecting cabins, with 49 such pairs enabling larger groups to stay adjacent while maintaining privacy. The ship includes 32 suites across six categories, ranging from spacious suites to luxurious penthouse options up to 53 square meters, featuring separate living areas, king-size beds, and enhanced amenities like walk-in closets and dual bathrooms. Suite guests benefit from premium perks, including priority boarding and check-in, services, and exclusive access to dedicated lounges such as the AIDA Lounge for complimentary drinks and quiet relaxation. Accessibility is prioritized with 29 wheelchair-accessible staterooms located on decks 4 and 5, featuring wider doorways, roll-in showers, and lowered fixtures to ensure inclusive . These cabins span multiple categories, from inside to balcony types, and are positioned near elevators for ease of navigation throughout the ship's 18 decks. Overall, the accommodations reflect ' focus on contemporary, wellness-oriented design, with cabins distributed across decks 2 through 14 for optimal proximity to public areas.

Dining and entertainment

AIDAprima offers a diverse array of 12 restaurants and multiple buffets, providing passengers with varied culinary experiences ranging from casual to specialty dining. The ship's complimentary options include five buffet-style venues, such as the Markt Restaurant and Bella Donna, where meals are served with included beverages like water, beer, wine, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. Specialty restaurants feature Italian cuisine at Casa Nova, French dishes at Brasserie French Kiss, steakhouse fare at Buffalo Steakhouse, sushi at the Sushi Bar, Mediterranean options at Rossini, and German beer hall specialties at Brahaus, each available for an additional fee. All-inclusive beverage packages, such as the AIDA Premium All Inclusive rate, allow guests to enjoy unlimited drinks across the ship for a supplementary cost. Complementing the dining scene, AIDAprima emphasizes wellness-focused options, including the Soulkitchen restaurant introduced in 2023, which specializes in plant-based, vegan dishes made from fresh, sustainable ingredients like plant-based cheeses and alternatives to promote healthy and ethical eating. Themed culinary events, such as food tastings and international nights, occur regularly in venues like the Atrium, enhancing the interactive dining atmosphere. For entertainment, the Four Elements water park serves as a central recreational hub, featuring the AIDA Racer, the longest indoor at sea spanning three decks, alongside a , splash pools, and a family water playground protected by a foil roof for year-round use. A wall integrated into the park adds adventure for all ages, while nearby pool areas blend seamlessly with these aquatic features to create versatile leisure spaces. The ship's 18 bars and lounges, including the panoramic Lanai Bar, provide casual spots for relaxation and socializing throughout the day. Nightlife options energize evenings, with the AIDA Beach Club transforming from a daytime relaxation area under a dome into a vibrant discotheque hosting beach parties and DJ sets. The multi-level Theatrium functions as the primary theater venue, accommodating large-scale productions, live music, , acrobatic acts, shows, and family-oriented performances like the "Heart of the Ocean" musical, all included in the cruise fare. Additional includes themed events in spaces like the D6 lounge, featuring dance parties and live bands until late.

Technical specifications

Propulsion and power systems

The AIDAprima is powered by a diesel-electric system featuring four main engines: three MaK 12VM43C diesel engines and one MaK 12VM46DF dual-fuel engine capable of operating on , , or . These engines collectively deliver a total output of 53,150 horsepower (approximately 39.6 MW), driving generators that supply electrical power to the ship's and auxiliary systems. The propulsion mechanism consists of two ABB XO azimuth thrusters, each rated for high-power applications, which provide the ship with a service speed of 22 knots and enhanced maneuverability through 360-degree rotation. This configuration enables a maximum speed of 22 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots, optimizing efficiency for transatlantic and Mediterranean itineraries. Electrical power distribution supports all onboard operations, including , , , and facilities, via a centralized diesel-electric grid. The system includes capability, allowing the ship to connect to shore-side electricity in compatible ports to shut down auxiliary engines and reduce emissions during docking.

Environmental and efficiency technologies

The AIDAprima incorporates several advanced environmental technologies aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing . One key feature is the Air Lubrication System (MALS), which generates a carpet of microbubbles along the hull to minimize frictional resistance with , thereby lowering consumption and CO2 emissions by approximately 7%. This system, the first of its kind on a , was integrated during the vessel's construction and utilizes compressors to release air from the ship's bottom, creating an air cushion that improves hydrodynamic performance without altering the overall setup. In 2022, following a COVID-delayed retrofit originally planned for 2020, the ship received a 10 MWh energy storage system (BESS) from Corvus Energy, enabling peak shaving to reduce reliance on diesel generators during high-demand periods and supporting limited hybrid operations for lower emissions. The battery integrates with the onboard to optimize energy distribution, allowing for zero-emission maneuvering in ports and serving as a spinning reserve to enhance . The AIDAprima is equipped for shore power connectivity, permitting it to draw electricity from land-based grids while docked, which significantly cuts auxiliary engine use and associated emissions; it has successfully connected at facilities like Hamburg's Steinwerder Cruise Center terminal during integration tests and operational calls. Additionally, the vessel features exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), part of Carnival Corporation's Advanced Air Quality Systems, installed on its main engines to remove up to 99% of sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter from exhaust gases, ensuring compliance with stringent emission regulations. These hybrid systems operate effectively across types, including LNG, and were fitted as standard on AIDAprima from delivery. Waste management on the AIDAprima follows international MARPOL conventions and AIDA's internal protocols, including a comprehensive onboard plan for segregating, , and minimizing various streams such as plastics, food residues, and hazardous materials through state-of-the-art processing facilities. This approach emphasizes reduction at source, with reusable items prioritized over single-use products, and includes advanced and compaction systems to handle non-recyclable responsibly.

Operational history

Maiden voyages and early operations

AIDAprima's first revenue voyage departed on April 30, 2016, as a 7-day roundtrip to calling at , , , and , returning on May 7 for the christening ceremony in as part of the 827th Hamburg Port Anniversary. This initial sailing marked the ship's entry into commercial operations, showcasing her innovative LNG propulsion system during the brief Northern European route. In October 2017, during a crossing, AIDAprima encountered severe weather causing the ship to list heavily, resulting in injuries to several passengers and temporary disruptions. In her early years, AIDAprima operated seasonal itineraries focused on during summers and, starting from winter 2017-2018, the during winters. Summer programs featured seven-day roundtrip cruises from , visiting ports such as , (for ), (for ), and (near ), providing access to major Western European cities. Winter deployments from 2017-2018 shifted to the , with seven-night itineraries from or de , including stops at , , and other Atlantic islands, allowing year-round operations from . In September 2018, a propulsion system failure () forced the cancellation of a 7-day Mediterranean cruise from . Additionally, a 2017 NABU report highlighted elevated fine particle emissions on board, sparking environmental concerns despite the ship's LNG capabilities. Key events in AIDAprima's initial operations included prominent participation in the Hamburg Port Anniversaries of 2016 and 2017, where the ship served as a central attraction with fireworks displays and public viewing events, drawing millions of visitors. In winter 2018-2019, she undertook her first deployment to the , offering seven-night roundtrip cruises from to ports like , , and . Passenger feedback during these formative years highlighted high occupancy rates, often exceeding 90% on summer Northern European sailings, and praised the ship's innovative design features, such as the expansive deck areas and LNG efficiency, contributing to strong initial reviews.

Itineraries and deployments up to 2025

Due to the , AIDAprima's operations were suspended from March 2020 through much of 2021, with extending pauses across its fleet amid global travel restrictions and health protocols. The ship resumed limited sailings in July 2021 with short 7-day voyages from , expanding to from starting October 30, before shifting to a stronger emphasis in 2022 with itineraries to and the . AIDAprima maintained seasonal winter deployments to the from 2018 through 2024, homeporting in and offering week-long cruises to ports in the UAE, , , , and the region. However, canceled the 2025-2026 season in July 2025 due to escalating regional security concerns and instability affecting safe navigation through the , redeploying the ship to European and Atlantic routes including and the . In spring 2025, AIDAprima avoided passages amid ongoing conflicts, opting for alternative European routes following its winter program. Summer 2025 deployments centered on the and Norwegian s, with departures from and featuring scenic voyages to destinations like , , and . For winter 2025-2026, the ship shifted to themed itineraries from and emphasizing cultural sites and natural landscapes in , such as extended fjord explorations and city highlights. Across AIDA's fleet, more than 3,300 tons of bio-LNG were used in the first half of 2025 to support reduced emissions on these routes. In early November 2025, AIDAprima completed a 13-day one-way cruise from to (November 2–15), with a port call in on November 10. As of November 18, 2025, she is on a 14-day roundtrip cruise from (November 8–22), calling at ports including and .

References

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