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AIDA Cruise & Help: AIDA fleet strongly committed to partner projects thus financing the 50th school in total

September 20, 2023 9:15 AM EDT - Traveling, discovering the world - and doing something good at the same time: AIDA Cruises has been following this approach with its charitable initiative AIDA Cruise & Help since 2019. Especially on board the fleet, there are frequent activities for good causes. What is new is that since mid-2023, each AIDA ship has been responsible for its very own partner project. The strong commitment of guests and crew paved the way for constructing four more schools thus enabling the projects No. 47 to 50:

During her past voyages, AIDAperla collected donations for a new kindergarten, including a preschool facility with a spacious playground for around 30 children in the Namibian village of Oruhona.

On board AIDAaura, AIDAbella and AIDAdiva, donations for three new special schools in the villages of Kandukur, Chinna Hothur and C.Kodigipalli in southeastern India were raised. These schools can be built in the coming months and will provide a safe place to learn for a total of 150 girls and boys in the future.

“Education is the key to a more peaceful world and every time we can build another school, it is an unforgettable moment. Many thanks to all our colleagues and the generous donations of our guests, who unite to form the big AIDA family in this social commitment,” says Entertainment Manager Tobias Klaus, who has experienced the great commitment of guests and crew during his recent assignments on AIDAdiva as well as on AIDAperla.

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Successful installation of SpaceX's Starlink on the first ships of the AIDA fleet

July 6, 2023 8:18 AM EDT

Starlink rollout on AIDA ships takes place faster than expected / AIDA travelers and crew benefit from more bandwidth and faster internet connections / Starlink Special: Double data volume for internet packages and 50% discounted social media flat rate"Fifty" for kids & teens.

Starlink rollout on AIDA ships takes place faster than expected / AIDA travelers and crew benefit from more bandwidth and faster internet connections / Starlink Special: Double data volume for internet packages and 50% discounted social media flat rate "Fifty" for kids & teens.

Great news for AIDA guests and crew: by October 2023, all ships in the AIDA fleet will be equipped with SpaceX's innovative Starlink broadband service. This will enable AIDA Cruises to offer the best available Wi-Fi experience at sea before the end of the year.

"Our project team has already equipped three ships in the AIDA fleet with Starlink antennas and the field test has been very convincing. Guests and crew appreciate the faster internet connections and enjoy the more comfortable web surfing. Digital work on board is also made easier. We are very much looking forward to offering this new standard on all ships very soon," reports Steffi Heinicke, Senior Vice President Guest Experience & OBR.

On AIDAblu, AIDAbella and AIDAstella, guests can already benefit from a Starlink special offer with increased data volumes in the Internet packages from mid-July. With the special introductory offer "Starlink Special", the Internet packages L, XL and XXL can be purchased at the usual price with twice the volume. The volume is doubled automatically for packages that have already been booked. Parents of kids and teens can look forward to a 50% discount when booking the social media flat rate "Fifty" on the myAIDA* service portal.

The connection of the fleet to the new broadband connection that AIDA makes possible, is a significant benefit for their crew. This milestone improves communication to AIDA shore colleagues and thus intensifies cooperation. The lived AIDA culture becomes even more alive as a result. By increasing the data volume, each individual crew member benefits in terms of private use. The regular exchange with family and friends gives employees a feeling of being at home at sea. Their shared moments from life and work on board on their own social media channels offer individual insights into the diverse AIDA job worlds.

The fleet rollout of Starlink within Carnival Corporation started in December 2022 with Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises ships. Thanks to the exemplary and dedicated work of the AIDA project team, the fleet-wide connection to Space X's Starlink low earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology and associated IT infrastructure will be completed on AIDA ships ahead of schedule, by mid-October 2023.

In the future, AIDA guests and crew members will have access to a reliable, fast and even more affordable Internet connection in all AIDA destinations through a combination of different technologies, services and broadband connections. This opens up completely new possibilities for travelers who cannot do without the Internet or who want to stay in touch with friends and family and share their travel experiences.

Guests can take advantage of this introductory offer until the complete conversion of the entire AIDA fleet, which is planned for fall 2023. During the summer, the ships AIDAprima, AIDAperla, AIDAnova and AIDAcosma will also be equipped. AIDA guests will be informed of the current rates before the start of each voyage and can book them in the myAIDA service portal. Guests who have already booked their cruise can pre-book desired services such as Internet packages and social media flat rates at www.myAIDA.de.

About AIDA Cruises
AIDA Cruises is the leading cruise company in Germany with voyages to over 250 ports around the world. An AIDA vacation offers guests of all ages a varied on-board program, culinary diversity, first-class entertainment, unforgettable shore excursions, numerous sports activities and wellness areas to relax in. The AIDA fleet comprises 12 ships, including two modern cruise ships that can run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). AIDA Cruises is part of the family of cruise brands of Carnival Corporation & plc, one of the largest leisure travel companies in the world.
AIDA voyages can be booked at travel agencies, the AIDA Customer Center at +49 (0) 381 20 27 07 07 or at aida.de.

Rostock, July 6, 2023

*The offer "Fifty" - Social Media flat rate for Kids & Teens can only be booked before the start of the cruise for young people under 18 years of age. Packages already booked at the previous rate can be canceled free of charge in myAIDA.

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AIDA and ROSTOCK SEAWOLVES go into sponsoring extension

A strong platinum partnership for the region

May 8, 2023 11:30 AM EDT

At a joint event on board AIDAmar in the port of Rostock-Warnemünde today, Monday, May 8, 2023, the extension of the partnership between AIDA Cruises and the ROSTOCK SEAWOLVES for the upcoming 2023/2024 Basketball national league season was announced. AIDA Cruises will be the platinum sponsor for the sports club for the upcoming season.

"This partnership is much more than just a classic sponsorship. It thrives on joint actions and, above all, mutual support. For example, the AIDA fan block was filled to capacity at every home game. Over the course of the season, a total of 2,200 AIDA employees and relatives cheered on the SEAWOLVES at the local stadium. The joint establishment of the AIDA Student League as well as the involvement of our crew on board are further examples that show that it is a lively partnership on many different levels. From AIDA's point of view, we can state: It was a super start and we are already looking forward to the extension," said Felix Eichhorn, President AIDA Cruises.

AIDA Cruises has been a premium partner of the Basketball national league team ROSTOCK SEAWOLVES since August 2022 and at the same time also a reliable local partner that promotes cohesion and strengthens the region through joint measures. The AIDA employee fan block has already cheered the team on to many home victories. In return, the Wolves have helped create AIDA after-work events, co-founded the AIDA Student League, and provided an opportunity for the perfect work-life balance with the "FIT LIKE A WOLVE" app. Always present at every home game is the inviting AIDA action area in the foyer of StadtHalle Rostock, home to the basketball games. On this area, guests have the chance to win tickets for a home match of their choice of the current season. The AIDA ships are also in Seawolves fever: on board, the AIDA crew, outfitted in the distinctive Seawolves jerseys with the colorful AIDA logo on the players' shorts, shoot hoops on the high seas. As a platinum sponsor, AIDA Cruises is expanding this commitment further in the new season on board and ashore. The AIDA Student League and the "Basketball macht Schule" project will also continue.

Today the players of the ROSTOCK SEAWOLVES enjoyed their stay on board AIDAmar. They were welcomed by captain Andreas Etzien on the bridge, experienced the AIDA feeling on a tour of the ship and let themselves be pampered in the Body & Soul Spa after the last game of the season on Sunday. A highlight was the basketball match with the crew, where the pros showed tricks for the perfect basket shot.

"The two companies are not only connected by their location, but also by the same values such as cohesion, diversity and cosmopolitanism. Both AIDA Cruises and the ROSTOCK SEAWOLVES have a high charisma in Rostock and beyond ", says SEAWOLVES board member André Jürgens. "We are very much looking forward to the joint basketball season 2023/2024 with many more highlights and certainly one or two surprises."

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April 28, 2023 10:40 AM CEST— With AIDAluna, the first AIDA ship has arrived in Kiel this season already on April 21, 2023. A total of three ships in the AIDA Cruises fleet are expected to call at the Kiel Fjord 64 times during the 2023 summer season. The last call of the season will be on November 4 with AIDAnova, which is also the largest ship for the seaport of Kiel this season: The first call will be next Saturday, April 29, 2023.

During the nearly seven-month season, guests can choose from a wide variety of different cruises departing from the Schleswig-Holstein state capital: Whether the Baltic Sea, Norway's fjords or the Arctic Circle - there is a perfect match for every vacation seeker. The three-, four- and five-day AIDA cruises also offer perfect relaxation for a short break in between.  

AIDA's taster cruises from Kiel are perfect for those who want to discover the adventure of cruising for themselves: On the three-day cruises in May and September 2023, it goes with AIDAluna through the the archipelago of Denmark with stops in Århus and Copenhagen. On the four-day short cruises to Norway and Denmark, guests will not only experience wonderful metropolises of Northern Europe with Oslo and Copenhagen, but also the unique Oslofjord and Holmenkollen with the oldest ski jump in the world.

From mid-May 2023, AIDAluna will set course for the "Highlights at the Arctic Circle": Destinations such as the North Cape, the Orkney Islands, three stops on Iceland and Norwegian ports such as Tromsø and Hammerfest feature on the program on six different dates on the 17-day voyage. The highlight of this itinerary is Spitsbergen, a group of islands in the Arctic Ocean. Spitsbergen is one of the northernmost destinations on earth and impresses with its barren landscape of glaciers, mountains and fjords. Polar bears, reindeer and foxes live here in their natural environment. The capital, Longyearbyen, is known for its colorful wooden houses that contrast with the white surroundings.

The itineraries of AIDAbella are just as diverse, including 14-day voyages "Norway with Lofoten & North Cape." This route combines the most beautiful charms of Norway: starting in Kiel, guests sail on five dates via Haugesund to the North Cape and then to the Lofoten Islands. Further destinations are Bodø, Åndalsnes, Molde, Bergen and Århus - a north country adventure for each taste.

For the seven- or 14-day voyages with AIDAnova between May 6 and October 21, 2023, AIDA Cruises has developed attractive routes to Norway and Denmark for its guests. In Norway, guests will experience not only the charming capital of Oslo with its innovative architecture, museums and newly developed neighborhoods, but also sun-drenched Kristiansand with its old town of Posebyen, where the white wooden houses reflect the sunlight. Numerous sights and urban lifestyle await guests in Denmark's capital Copenhagen. In Skagen, on the other hand, visitors are attracted by endless beaches and the country's largest shifting sand dune, from which only the tower of the silted-up parish church still peeks out. This is the only place where you can bathe with one leg in the Baltic Sea and the other in the North Sea.

This year's Kiel Week will take place from June 17 to 25, 2023. Once again, AIDA Cruises will be on board as event sponsor of the world-renowned sailing and summer festival. The cruise company will present itself to the public during the nine-day event with a total of three ships and four calls by AIDAnova (June 17 and 24), AIDAluna (June 23) and AIDAbella (June 25) on sea and shore with an inviting AIDA vacation world.

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AIDA Cruises expands the use of shore power - AIDAsol was connected to shore-side-plants in nearly all ports during a voyage for the first time

April 21, 2023 5:50 AM EDT

Thanks to the growing shore power infrastructure in Northern Europe, AIDA Cruises has reached another milestone on its decarbonization path. With AIDAsol, the first cruise ship in the AIDA fleet could already be connected to shore-side facilities in four out of five ports during its voyage from April 16 to 21, 2023, in Rostock-Warnemünde, Aarhus (Denmark), Kristiansand (Norway) and Hamburg.

"AIDA shows what can already be possible today. Our goal is to be able to use shore power in all ports in the future where port infrastructure is available. With our investments in this clean technology, we are actively supporting the goals of the EU's "Fit for 55" program to build a corresponding infrastructure in all major EU ports by 2030, because we can only achieve the energy transition together," says AIDA President Felix Eichhorn.

AIDAsol's voyage started with a premiere in Rostock-Warnemünde last Sunday, April 16, 2023. During a double call, AIDAmar and AIDAsol were the first two cruise ships to be supplied simultaneously with green energy on the same day in a German port.

Another premiere followed just one day later: In Aarhus, Denmark, AIDAsol was the first cruise ship to conduct shore-side and shipboard integration tests on the newly built facility. The official opening of Denmark's first shore power plant for cruise ships is scheduled for later this year.

Also during the voyage, AIDAsol was successfully supplied with energy from shore during its stop in Kristiansand, Norway, as it was already in 2022.

This Friday morning, AIDAsol arrived in Hamburg, her home port for this year's summer season. Shortly after docking at the Cruise Center Altona, the ship was connected to Europe's first shore power plant for cruise ships and switched off its main engines.

AIDA Cruises has been considering the use of this environmentally friendly technology in the planning and construction of its ships since 2004. More than ten years have passed since the company have been able to start the usage of shore power in regular operation with an AIDA ship in Hamburg Altona in 2017. As an expression of its commitment, the cruise company signed a memorandum of understanding in April 2022 with Cruise Baltic, a network of 31 ports and destinations, to use shore power in the ports of the Baltic Sea region.

AIDA Cruises has been investing in sustainable cruising for many years. As a part of the Carnival Corporation & plc family of cruise brands, the company aspires to achieve carbon-neutral ship operation for its fleet by 2050. In addition to the use of low emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an important bridging technology, AIDA Cruises is further expanding the use of alternative energy sources such as shore power and batteries. Jointly with various partners, AIDA Cruises is intensively working on solutions for the usage of fuel cells or regenerative and synthetic fuels.

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Warmly recommended: The AIDA winter routes 2024/2025 - bookable now

There are many good reasons to plan the 2024/2025 winter vacation with AIDA right now. 380 to be exact, because so many new travel dates are bookable as of now. The sun destinations range from the Caribbean to the Far East and the Canary Islands. The cultural treasures of the Mediterranean or the natural beauties in the far north are also on the route program. When booking by April 30, 2024, guests can secure the cabin of their choice plus a hefty early-booker-plus discount.

Aruba, Jamaica... Travel to dream and dive away

Three AIDA ships will be stationed in the sunny dream destination of the Caribbean. The voyages of AIDAbella and AIDAluna depart from La Romana, Montego Bay or Fort-de-France on Martinique and sail on a wide variety of routes to the most beautiful Caribbean islands, Mexico, and Central America. AIDAluna takes its guests to the new port of Santa Marta in Colombia on every second Central American voyage. AIDAperla offers voyages to the ABC Islands from La Romana or Barbados, among others.

All winter escapees can make a note of two dates with AIDAmar: In December and January, it goes to the "Great Winter Break Caribbean" from Hamburg and back - quite comfortably and without a flight. AIDAmar spends New Year's Eve on Curacao.

One Night in Bangkok... Experience Asia intensively

Fascinating cultures, spectacular biodiversity and dream beaches in picture-perfect bays await guests on AIDAstella's four different itineraries. From Bangkok/Laem Chabang, for example, 14- and 21-day cruises take guests to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The highlight: guests spend the turn of the year on the Christmas and New Year's Eve cruise in Singapore!

Thousand and One Nights... Orient between desert and skyscrapers

AIDAprima will travel to the Orient on two different routes from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. They lead to Muscat (Oman) and Doha (Qatar) or to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Sir Bani Yas. This wonderful beach destination offers numerous opportunities for relaxation after visiting the mega-cities: snorkeling, kayaking or relaxing on the beach. The 7-day trips can also be booked combined as 14-days.

Vamos a la Playa... To the Volcanic Islands in the Atlantic Ocean

Sunny beaches, wildly romantic volcanic landscapes, unique nature. The many facets of the Canary Islands make them one of the most popular vacation destinations in winter. AIDAcosma will offer cruises around the Canaries and to Madeira from November 2024 to April 2025. The 7-day cruises depart either from Gran Canaria or Tenerife.

AIDAblu offers two different 7-day Canary Islands routes from Gran Canaria, one of which scores points with a stop on the enchanting island of La Gomera and the other with a visit to the flower island of Madeira. There is a special play of colors in the sky at the turn of the year off Funchal, where guests can experience one of the most spectacular fireworks displays live and from the front row. In addition to the 7-day cruises, guests can also opt for the 9-, 12- or 14-day combinations.

Who looks for the completely large Kanaren time-out, can go with AIDAmar at the beginning and at the end of the winter season on "large winter break" starting from/ to Hamburg.

Off to the South... Eastern and Western Mediterranean Routes

The winter program is rounded off with cruises in the Mediterranean. AIDAdiva departs from Palma for 9- or 12-day cruises to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands, or in seven days from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Italy and Malta.

On new 14-day voyages in the eastern Mediterranean with AIDAstella, guests visit the Greek islands, Cyprus, and Egypt. From Antalya, AIDAblu offers two new 7-day voyages. One route takes guests to Rhodes, Mykonos, Izmir, and fascinating Istanbul. The other route features Egypt (Port Said), Cyprus, Haifa, and Rhodes.

For Easter 2025, AIDAprima has wonderful voyages from Palma or Barcelona to Málaga, Cadiz and Cartagena. Longer layovers allow guests to experience the famous Semana Santa, the Holy Week with numerous processions. Easter Sunday the ship lies in Alicante. The trip can be booked as a 7- or 14-day variant.

Nordic by Nature... Northern Europe Routes

AIDAnova will spend the winter in Nordic climes and will be a guest on the Elbe from November 2024 to April 2025: From Hamburg, the program will alternate between voyages to the major cities and to Norway & Denmark. Whether Christmas shopping in London, Paris and Amsterdam or a visit to the Advent markets of Copenhagen or Oslo - a festive mood is ensured on shore leave as well as on board. The festive cruises are a very special highlight: Guests on board AIDAnova experience New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Copenhagen. The 7-day voyages can be wonderfully combined into a two-week break.

AIDAsol will embark on a world cruise in October 2024. From October 27, 2024, the ship will set course for 41 ports in 17 countries on four continents and, as a highlight, six destinations on New Zealand. Guests can look forward to extraordinary places, unforgettable moments, and great emotions. From February 2025, three voyages "Winter in the far north" are on the program. From Hamburg, they will travel to the land of the polar lights and to a unique winter landscape.

Book smart: The advantages for early bookers

Booking the AIDA PREMIUM tariff offers up to 900 euros early booking plus discount for winter departures 2024/25 when booking until 30.04.2024. The contingent is limited and applies to the 1st and 2nd person in the cabin. Further advantages of the AIDA PREMIUM rate include the choice of the desired cabin, the AIDA Rail&Fly ticket valid throughout Germany, as well as two bottles of mineral water and a 250 MB Internet package on board every day.

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First voyage departs February 26, 2022 // Inauguration ceremony in Hamburg on April 9, 2022

On December 21, 2021, AIDA Cruises took delivery of its newest cruise ship AIDAcosma in Bremerhaven from the Meyer shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. It is the company's second newbuilding powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) - currently the maritime sector's most advanced technology for reducing emissions.

Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, said at the ceremony, "Today marks an important milestone on our journey to emission-neutral cruising. With AIDAcosma and her sister ship AIDAnova, two of the most innovative cruise ships in the world belong to our fleet in terms of sustainable cruising as well as the very special guest experience and product diversity."

A variety of vacation experiences await guests on board AIDAcosma. One of the highlights is the Ocean Deck. This wonderful new area extends over four decks and offers an all-round panoramic view of the sea. The extensive sunbathing area invites guests to sunbathe and chill out during the day and in the evening. The large infinity pool at the stern of the ship provides cooling.

Guests young and old have plenty to do on board – be it on the bouldering wall, on the racer, climbing the rope towers or on the balance course. The new Fun Park with its large indoor playground offers plenty of variety.

The gourmet variety too is being enriched: Summery, light delicacies are served at the Beach House Restaurant. The specialty restaurant Mamma Mia is also new and offers homemade pasta and fresh Italian cuisine with on-site service. The brewhouse gets an outdoor grill with a magnificent sea view.

In addition, AIDAcosma scores with features popular with AIDAnova, such as the Beach Club, the Theatrium with its 360° stage, the TV studio and the spacious Body & Soul Organic Spa. Culinary guests are spoiled in 17 restaurants and 23 bars and cafés.
From the end of February, Hamburg will be the first "home port" for AIDAcosma. There the first of altogether six metropolis voyages starts on February 26, 2022. The 7-day cruises can be booked now.

On April 9, 2022, the champion athlete Kristina Vogel will ceremoniously christen the new ship in Hamburg. Guests of the subsequently starting christening voyage to the Mediterranean can experience this special event on board. The two-week christening voyage, including the ceremonial christening, can also be booked from now on, taking passengers to either Mallorca (until April 23, 2022) or Barcelona (until April 22, 2022). Further highlights of the itinerary include Lisbon, Cadiz and Malaga. More details on the christening event will be announced shortly.

From April 23 to October 15, 2022, AIDAcosma will offer voyages from Palma and Barcelona. The one-week highlight itinerary "Mediterranean Treasures" will also include Florence, Rome and Corsica. In the fall, the ship sets course for its sunny winter home of Dubai.

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Carnival Corporation's AIDA Cruises to Restart Sailing Vacations in August

Germany's leading cruise company presents details about its gradual, phased-in restart and enhanced health and safety protocols. Bookings for the first short cruises start today, July 9, 2020.

ROSTOCK, Germany, July 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AIDA Cruises, Germany's leading cruise line and a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company – today announced it will resume sailing operations in August 2020. Following an industry-wide pause in operations in mid-March, three of its ships will restart sailing next month. AIDAperla will be the first to set sail on August 5 from Hamburg, followed by AIDAmar from Rostock-Warnemünde on August 12 and AIDAblu from Kiel on August 16. Bookings start today, July 9.

Supported by the theme – "With certainty the most beautiful vacation" – AIDA Cruises has worked with several global and national health authorities to develop a comprehensive set of health and hygiene protocols to help facilitate a safe, healthy and phased-in return to cruise vacations. The brand will provide extensive information about the enhanced protocols and procedures it will implement against COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. More details are available at www.aida.de/sichererurlaub.

Starting with the booking process through individual travel preparation, embarking and disembarking in port, and medical care on board, AIDA Cruises has introduced a variety of preventive measures to complement existing health and hygiene standards.

These measures range from the digital health questionnaire prior to the cruise, to temperature measurements before check-in for guests and crew, to physical distancing guidelines and routing systems on arrival and departure and on board, to closely managing capacities at venues such as restaurants, bars, theatres, sports and wellness areas.

The enhanced protocols are supplemented by additional hygiene and safety measures, such as increased cleaning and disinfection measures, which take place in all cabins and public areas according to a defined protocol, as well as additional disinfection dispensers at check-in and on board.  

Onboard medical care for all guests and crew is available around the clock. The ships are equipped with PCR-test-kits and diagnostic devices for the immediate evaluation of suspected COVID-19 cases, and the medical team on board is trained in the relevant test procedures and treatment methods. Together with the responsible authorities, extensive processes have been developed to facilitate medical care, safe disembarkation, and a safe return home as quickly as possible for patients diagnosed with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

The first cruises will take place with an adjusted passenger capacity and without calling at another port. AIDA guests can look forward to a versatile vacation program on board with the usual five-star service for guests, with the implementation of necessary hygiene standards and rules for avoiding contact and keeping distance. Bookings start today, July 9, 2020, 12:00 a.m. (German time) in all travel agencies, at www.aida.de, as well as in the AIDA Customer Center at +49-381-20270707.

The comprehensive health concept and the measures taken to manage suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases have been developed with medical experts and are based in part on the current guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the German Robert Koch Institute (RKI) as well as other governmental and health authorities. Additionally, the renowned independent testing company SGS Institut Fresenius will check the implementation of the comprehensive hygiene standards and the processes of preventive measures against COVID-19.

AIDA Cruises is already working intensively on the next steps. Depending on the opening of further European ports for cruise ships, the first foreign destinations could be integrated into the itinerary.

In a third phase, the gradual return to the original itinerary will be possible, naturally taking into account current developments in the destinations and in compliance with the respective international and national regulations of health and hygiene authorities and AIDA's own high standards.

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