AIDAbella as the third ship in the Evolution shipyard: more efficiency, new guest experiences and new standards in the circular economy
Today, AIDAbella resumed service in Palma de Mallorca, gleaming with renewed splendor. The cruise ship had previously spent seven weeks in a shipyard in Marseille, where it underwent a comprehensive overhaul and modernization in all areas.
AIDAbella is following in the footsteps of its sister ships AIDAdiva and AIDAluna. AIDAmar will sail to Marseille this autumn. By 2028, all seven ships of the Selection Generation, representing roughly half of the fleet's total capacity, will have undergone the Evolution program. With Evolution, AIDA has launched the largest fleet renewal program in its history. This program will prepare all of the smaller ships, which are very popular with AIDA guests, for the second half of their service lives. Evolution is therefore also a clear commitment to smaller ships – with a focus on the travel experience, technological innovations, and sustainability.
This is evolution in concrete terms: new and additional restaurants, bars with enhanced service, fresh, redesigned guest cabins, new activity areas for families, and a fresh look for the public areas. There are also new and additional suites, as well as exclusive areas such as the Sky Deck and the Rossini Lounge. The Theatrium also shines in new splendor – with inviting seating areas and a harmonious color scheme that creates an even more welcoming atmosphere. What's special about it: Each ship has its own individual color concept for the Theatrium. Furthermore, technical upgrades reduce energy consumption and support efficient ship operation. The high level of guest satisfaction on the already modernized AIDAdiva and AIDAluna demonstrates that the investment of around €100 million per ship is worthwhile.
Social responsibility: 5,100 pieces of furniture for a good cause
With this modernization project, AIDA Cruises is donating approximately 5,100 pieces of furniture from AIDAbella to social organizations. This initiative, now in its third year, is a collaboration with DER HAFEN HILFT! e. V., Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), and Daimler Truck Holding AG. More than 50 aid projects will benefit, including children's and youth facilities, homeless shelters, refugee housing projects, a women's shelter in Hamburg, organizations as far away as the Ahr Valley, and social projects in Ukraine.
Circular economy projects and innovative materials
AIDA Cruises is setting standards for resource-efficient interior design on AIDAbella as well. During the shipyard period, in collaboration with its Hamburg-based partner OceancircleRessourcen GmbH, AIDAbella refurbished approximately 45,000 m² of carpets, 10,000 m² of carpet underlay, 2,500 m² of artificial turf, and over 1,000 mattresses, giving them a new lease on life. In the crew area and reception area, a fully recyclable, allergy-friendly carpet made from ECONYL® yarn, produced from recycled carpets from AIDAdiva and AIDAluna, was installed. Aluminum from sun loungers and chairs was also recycled, yielding a total of 18 tons of this valuable metal. With these innovative concepts, AIDA Cruises demonstrates how the circular economy can be successfully implemented in practice.
Technological innovations for greater efficiency and resource conservation
Greater efficiency in drinking water production: Thanks to a new reverse osmosis system, AIDAbella can produce more fresh water from seawater using less energy. The consistent use of LED lighting, further optimization of demand-based climate control, and the use of state-of-the-art catering technology, such as dishwashers in restaurants and bars, further contribute to reducing energy and water consumption on board. In the underwater area, a special biocide-free coating significantly reduces fouling on the hull and thus drag. This also further reduces fuel consumption.
Shipyard time in numbers
The modernization of AIDAbella involved approximately 2,600 specialists – including 1,433 external technicians, 648 crew members, and 188 specialists from AIDA Cruises and Carnival Maritime. A total of 148 external companies worked on the project. This involved laying 12.5 km of fiber optic cable and 28 km of copper data cable to bring the IT infrastructure up to date.
Premiere voyage: Back at sea in style and sound
The first voyage after the modernization departs today, March 11, 2026, from Palma de Mallorca. The 7-day itinerary includes stops in Civitavecchia (Rome), La Spezia, Marseille – with a special overnight stay – and Barcelona, before returning to Palma. Guests can expect a diverse program: The "Falling in Love Again" ceremony in the Theatrium provides an emotional opening. The band Glasperlenspiel will offer musical highlights with their modern sound, while Matze Knop will provide top-notch entertainment with his comedy routine. A particular highlight is the participation of Eva Padberg, who not only served as godmother but will also be DJing, creating a truly special atmosphere on board.
March 11, 2026