AIDAnova is the world’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered cruise ship, and was constructed at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, for Carnival Corporation’s German cruise line AIDA Cruises.
It is the first of seven next-generation LNG-powered cruise ships ordered by leisure travel company Carnival and represents the 13th vessel in the AIDA fleet.
Recommended White Papers
Recommended Buyers Guides
The contract for the construction of the AIDAnova ship was awarded in June 2015, while the keel-laying ceremony was held at Meyer Werft’s shipyard at Seatrade Europe in Hamburg, Germany, in September 2017.
The ship’s naming ceremony was held in August 2018 and it was delivered in December 2018.
AIDAnova design and features
The LNG-powered cruise ship features a ‘green cruising’ design and is built in compliance with the rules of classification society RINA.
It incorporates several innovative designs with regards to amenities, entertainment and dining.
AIDAnova has a length of 337m, a width of 42m and a maximum draught of 8.8m.
The vessel can carry up to 1,500 crew members and features a gross weight of 183,900t.
“The ship’s staterooms are available in 21 different categories, including double, single or family cabins, verandas and junior suites with a well-lit winter garden.”
It can accommodate up to 5,200 passengers in 2,600 staterooms, which include 31 suites, 312 interior cabins, 198 ocean-view cabins and 1,655 balcony cabins.
AIDAnova features 5,000 lower berths and the ship’s staterooms are available in 21 different categories, including double, single or family cabins, verandas and junior suites with a well-lit winter garden, as well as premium or penthouse suites with an area of up to 53m².
A number of family cabins equipped with guest-friendly features are located on decks 15, 16 and 17, while deck 16 also features entertainment facilities such as a kids club and a beach club.
A luxury day spa spanning 3,545m² is situated across two decks and provide guests with sea views. It features five different saunas, two private wellness suites and a tepidarium.
In addition, a spacious sun deck offers three outdoor Jacuzzis and more than 80 spa treatments.
Passengers have access to the latest equipment available at the ship’s modern fitness centre, which features indoor and outdoor areas.
The ship’s other features include three giant water slides, a water park, a climbing garden and a mini golf course, as well as a wide range of public areas and deck spaces for relaxing.
Dining facilities
The LNG-powered ship has a total of 17 restaurants, including six à la carte restaurants, five specialty restaurants, and five buffet restaurants.
It offers multiple dining options with a wide range of culinary delights in specialty restaurants and snack bar, while buffet restaurants serve drinks to the guests.
The ship’s Lanai deck is also equipped with restaurants, bars and a Lanai Bar at the stern, which allows guests to stroll around the entire ship.
The pool deck features a lightweight construction and is located on the roof of the ship.
Additionally, the ship comprises 23 bars in order to provide a wide range of refreshing drinks, coffee specialties and cocktails.
AIDAnova cruise ship propulsion and performance
AIDAnova is capable of operating both in port and on the open sea using four Caterpillar dual-fuel hybrid engines.
Engines are driven by environmentally friendly LNG, which reduces harmful emissions.
The propulsion system also includes four marine diesel generators to generate electricity for use by the ship’s various on-board systems.
Itineraries for the AIDAnova cruise ship
AIDAnova embarked upon a seven-day vacation cruise to Madeira and the Canary Islands in December 2018, covering locations such as Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
It will then sail upon a Mediterranean cruise in April 2019, covering Majorca, Barcelona, Rome, Florence, and Marseille.
