Meyer Werft secures another AIDA order

The 2,192-passenger vessel, which will be built at an approximate all-in cost of 150,000€ per lower berth, is scheduled to enter service in spring 2013. It will be No 10 in the AIDA fleet and the seventh ship built for the German cruiseship company by the Papenburg-based shipyard.

The newbuilding, belonging to the AIDAblu class will be 252m long and 32.20m wide, have a draught of 7.20m and 14 decks. She will be driven by a 24.8MW diesel electric power plant for a service speed of 20 knots.

The new vessel will operate under AIDA Cruises’ informal ‘club resort’ cruise concept which is marketed exclusively to German-speaking clientele and offers a product aimed at younger, more active guests who enjoy a host of onboard innovations.

“With growth that is outpacing other regions of the world, expanding our European brands continues to be a priority for us. This new AIDA ship will build upon the brand’s leadership position in the fast-growing German-speaking market, while offering a unique onboard experience preferred by its clientele,” said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc chairman and CEO.

The new vessel will join the 71,300gt AIDAsol, set to debut in April 2011, and an as-yet-unnamed sister ship in June 2012.