After seven weeks of shipyard time in Marseille, the Selection ship is shining in new splendor // Recycled carpet underlay wins award for innovation in the cruise industry 

AIDA Cruises, market leader for cruises and third-largest tour operator in Germany, is about to successfully complete its second comprehensive shipyard project as part of the AIDA Evolution future initiative with AIDAluna. Five more Selection ships will be brought up to peak condition by 2028. Next is AIDAbella from January to March 2026, and just in time for Christmas 2026, AIDAmar will also shine in new splendor.

“With AIDA Evolution, we are investing a three-digit million sum in the modernization of our Selection fleet. In doing so, we are clearly committed to our smaller ships and make them fit for the future – both in terms of the travel experience and in terms of technical innovations and sustainability. AIDAluna is another milestone on this journey,” explains Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises.

The new AIDA feeling on board AIDAluna

After spending almost seven weeks from October 23 to December 8, 2025, at the Chantier Naval shipyard in France, AIDAluna is ready for its first voyage with guests – and presents itself fresher, more modern and more inspiring than ever before. Numerous innovations, many of them based on valuable guest feedback, ensure an unparalleled vacation experience. These are the highlights of modernization:

• Cabins & Suites: All cabins shine in new splendor: with modern color schemes, high-quality furniture, USB and USB-C ports, sensory night lights and new balcony furniture. The existing suites have been completely refurbished – with high-quality materials for even more comfort. New on board: spacious stern suites with private sun deck, new master bathroom and space for up to five guests.
• Culinary: Ten restaurants and snack bars – including novelties such as French Kiss, East Fusion, Tapas & Bar and the Yacht Club – as well as 13 bars and cafés, including the new Lanai Bar, the French Kiss Bar & Bistro and the Panorama Bar with signature drinks and afternoon tea.
• Entertainment & family offers: The modernized Theatrium impresses with the iconic color concept of AIDAluna, cozy seating areas and state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology. For families, there is the new Fun Park with climbing tower, a newly designed Kids Club and a Game Center. Premiere on board has a play corner for the little ones next to the Time Out Bar.
• Spa & Wellness: Two new wellness suites, an elegant new Nail Spa and the Hair Spa in a fresh design ensure pure relaxation.
• Exclusive areas: Suite guests can look forward to the new suite lounge at the Rossini as well as the new Sky Deck with two whirlpools, stylish lounge furniture and cozy cabanas.
• Digitalization: Interactive screens in the public areas and RFID boarding passes make the stay even smarter.

The crew areas were also extensively modernized during the shipyard period. The crew bar received a modern facelift, all cabins were redesigned and equipped with practical features such as USB ports. In the future, the crew mess will be presented as a “Crew Market” – with a new room concept and snacks around the clock. 

Innovation in the cruise industry: Circular economy in action

As part of an innovative and award-winning project by AIDA Cruises and Oceancircle, fully recycled carpet underlays were installed on AIDAluna for the first time. The so-called “Green Guard Underlay” was made from old carpets from AIDAdiva and AIDAluna. The carpet removed during the shipyard period was first pressed in mobile facilities at the shipyard, then transported to the processing centers and converted into recycled carpet underlay in record time. Parts of the mattresses collected from AIDAluna are also being recycled by Oceancircle and used as new carpet underlay for the next ships in the Selection fleet. During the shipyard period, a total of around 45,000 square meters of old carpets, 10,000 square meters of carpet underlay, 2,500 square meters of artificial turf, and over 1,000 mattresses were processed. For the first time, sun loungers, balcony chairs and side tables were also collected during AIDAluna’ s shipyard period and their materials recycled.

For new floor coverings, a 100 percent recyclable and allergy-friendly carpet was used in the entire crew area and at the reception. The material comes from ECONYL® yarn from the company Aquafil and is produced by the Italian manufacturer Radici. These carpets are designed to be fully dismountable, allowing Aquafil to recycle them at the end of their life cycle.

The dismantled steel bulkheads of the Pier 3 Bar are also being given a new life: the Paul Hewitt label transforms them into elegant pieces of jewelry with a maritime soul. These exclusive designs will be available on board AIDA ships in the future and combine authentic ship history with modern style.

These circular economy concepts show how more sustainable processes can be successfully implemented in the cruise industry.

More sustainable technology

As part of a pilot project, three different types of solar films are being tested on the pool deck of AIDAluna, for internal research and development purposes. The transparent photovoltaic panels enable the use of sunlight to generate renewable energy without restricting guests’ views. A new reverse osmosis system increases energy efficiency in the in-house production of fresh water from seawater, and LED lighting reduces electricity consumption. In the underwater area, a biocide-free coating ensures less friction and lower fuel consumption. AIDAluna also achieves increased energy efficiency through the installation of so-called box coolers to optimize the cooling water system and through optimization of demand-based air conditioning in public areas. A total of 12.5 km of fiber optic cable and 28 km of copper data cable were laid to modernize the IT infrastructure.

AIDA Evolution projects win CSI Award

On December 4, 2025, three innovative projects from AIDA Evolution were honored at the Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) industry trade fair: the “Green Guard Underlay” as “Sustainable Product of the Year” by Oceancircle and Alarwool S.L., “Best Refurbished Space” for the design of the new East Fusion and French Kiss restaurants by SMS Group, and “Best Cabin” by Partnership Design for the design of the new rear suites.

Shipyard time in numbers

A total of 2,200 specialists were involved in the modernization of AIDAluna. Among them were 1,378 external technicians, 648 crew members and 188 specialists from AIDA and Carnival Maritime. In addition, 140 external companies were involved. Together, they coordinated and implemented the extensive work.

Premiere voyage & outlook

On December 10, 2025, AIDAluna will embark on its first voyage after modernization under the motto “Fall in love with AIDAluna again”.The five-day route “Côte Bleue & Costa Brava” will take guests from Palma de Mallorca to Marseille, Palamós and Barcelona. Celebrity guests such as model Franziska Knuppe, German singer Max Mutzke and comedian Mirja Boes will accompany the ceremonial reopening. This will be followed by further voyages in the western Mediterranean, including the Christmas and New Year’s Eve voyages to Spain, Italy and Gibraltar. From January 5, 2026, AIDAluna will head for the Canary Islands. During the winter months, the Canary Islands are served on various routes in combination with Madeira or Morocco.