Cruise battle: AIDAnova versus AIDAdiva – which ship will win?

Cruise battle: AIDAnova versus AIDAdiva – which ship will win?

The cruise line AIDA Cruises offers a diverse fleet that includes both large and smaller ships. Among the best-known representatives are the “AIDAnova” and the “AIDAdiva”, which offer a wide variety of experiences for passengers. While the “AIDAdiva” is considered the shipping company’s oldest and smallest ship, the “AIDAnova” is the largest. According to the information from Evening paper The “AIDAdiva” went on its first cruise in 2007, while AIDA Cruises itself gained experience in the cruise business with the “AIDAcara” in 2001.

The “AIDAdiva” has 1,039 cabins and therefore offers almost twice as much space as previous ships, which had around 600 cabins. In contrast, the Sphinx class, which also includes ships such as “AIDAbella” and “AIDAluna”, offers space for over 2,000 passengers with a length of 252 meters and 13 decks. These ships were commissioned between 2008 and 2009 and show marginal differences in design, such as color variations and restaurant customizations.

Variety of ship classes

AIDA Cruises divides its ships into three main classes: Sphinx Class, Hyperion Class and Helios Class. The Sphinx class began with the “AIDAdiva” and includes new, modified ships that will undergo a modernization program called “AIDA Evolution” from spring 2025. The “AIDAdiva” receives a new design for cabins and ship areas. All ships in this class are expected to be modernized by 2028. In terms of leisure attractions, dining and cabin types, sister ships within the same class show certain similarities, which offers guests a certain level of familiarity. Maritime service points out that some ship classes are also in use across different shipping companies, which may be due to sales or contract awards.

The Hyperion class with ships like “AIDAprima” and “AIDAperla” brings with it numerous innovations. These ships are larger than their predecessors and offer amenities such as the Beach Club, Four Elements and an Organic Spa. The Helios class includes the “AIDAnova” and the “AIDAcosma” and is known for its ability to be environmentally friendly. The “AIDAnova” was the shipping company’s first environmentally friendly ship and even received the “Blue Angel” environmental award.

Experiences with the ships

The cruise reporter Noëlle Bölling has been on around 20 cruises with the Sphinx class and in her reports expresses some regret about the changed atmosphere on the larger ships. She notices that the buffet restaurants on the AIDAnova are often crowded and noisy, while the quality of the food does not always meet her expectations. Bölling appreciates the family-friendliness of the large ships with offerings such as indoor pools and child care, but misses the “AIDA feeling” and family atmosphere that smaller ships offer. This calming simplicity makes the experience even more relaxing for many cruise lovers.

Overall, the AIDA fleet illustrates the different options for cruise tourists - from more space and more extensive entertainment to family and familiar environments on smaller ships.