AIDA PRIMA BY: FREDERIK ERDMANN

he christening of AIDA market, but also as a hub for skill just as much as the success of the new flagship as a 'birthday Cruises' new flagship, cruises: As the first cruise ship ever, the club cruising approach on the present' for the 20th anniversary – in GoodGood thingsthings comecome the 125,572 GT "AIDAprima" will operate from a German source market. Quite fact, the vessel was supposed to be "AIDAprima", has German base port year round. suitable, the ship was christened delivered already more than a year highlighted the 20th Her construction was heavily exactly one month before the 20th earlier, in March 2015. anniversaryT of Germany's leading delayed, nevertheless the anniversary of AIDA Cruises, which cruise operator. Moreover, the "AIDAprima" eventually constitutes a had started commercial operation Heavily delayed toto thosethose whowho waitwait Japanese-built vessel – which success both for her builders, the back on 7th June 1995 with the first but of high quality accommodates 3,300 passengers Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery "AIDA", identical with today's Accepting the order for "AIDAprima" and a crew of some 900 – is setting Works within Mitsubishi Heavy "AIDAcara". When AIDA signed the and her sistership to be named the new standards with regard to green Industries, Ltd., and for the contract with Mitsubishi Heavy "AIDAperla" – which is now due for cruising – and with regard to operator, AIDA Cruises: She Industries back in 2011, the delivery in 2017 – in summer 2011 Germany's position not only as a represents Japanese engineering company had no intention of getting marked the beginning of a very

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difficult road for Mitsubishi Heavy record of supplying AIDA Cruises with and March 2016 were agreed as finalising the design, delays in Industries. First of all, winning a new tonnage. The contract volume delivery dates. "At the time of the approvals, confusion on items to be contract from Carnival Corporation & was not disclosed when the order contract, we deemed that possible purchased and other issues plc was a big success for the agreement was announced on 3rd based on our track record", Shunichi conspired to hold back the Japanese group: So far, Carnival had August 2011, but Shunichi Miyanaga Miyanaga said in a statement later. production schedule. By mid-2013 focussed its newbuilding activity – President and CEO of Mitsubishi Soon, however, problems turned up MHI responded to the upcoming mainly on yards in Northern Europe, Heavy Industries (MHI) – later which MHI's president later revealed problems by exchanging key and also all existing AIDA cruise indicated that it was in the region of when presenting the 3rd quarter personnel and bringing in additional vessels were of European origin. With 650 million USD per unit. results of 2015 in a speech held in engineers from outside. Yet it was the so-called "Hyperion Class" February 2016: Almost ten years had impossible to catch up with the time Mitsubishi offered Carnival to build ccording to MHI's planning, passed since MHI built its final cruise already lost: In two steps, the delivery twin ships of a very sophisticated the design and procurement ships, the 116,000 GT Diamond of "AIDAprima" was first delayed to design: "AIDAprima" and her sister A process for the first ship – Princess and Sapphire Princess October 2015 and then to April 2016. were to set new standards of "AIDAprima" was to be completed by delivered to Princess Cruises. In that efficiency and eco-friendliness, both early 2014 and the delivery to take decade, a lot had changed – for lready in spring 2014 AIDA fitted with an advanced propulsion place by the end of 2014. For the example with regard to safety Cruises was forced to cancel plant and advanced exhaust gas second ship, design and regulations or the technical outfitting Athe planned 86-day world cleansing. Secondly, it came as a procurement were to be finished by of cabins which, as a standard, have cruise of "AIDAprima" – as a highlight, mere sensation for the cruise industry early 2015 with delivery to take place to be equipped with WiFi these days. the operator had planned to promote that Mitsubishi had been able to by early 2016. When the official As a result, the concept realisation the delivery voyage from Japan to secure the contract against renowned building contract document between took a lot of time in the planning Germany as an exclusive world European yards such as German Carnival and Mitsubishi was signed phase scheduled for "AIDAprima". A cruise targeting especially loyal Meyer-Werft, which held a long on 2nd November 2011, March 2015 combination of problems with AIDA-customers. New plans for a

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world cruise taking place in two steps commercial operation within a very increase, especially as the second their new "Hyperion Class" in were drawn up, just as well as a limited time frame. On 21st April the vessel of the "Hyperion Class" is still 2009/10, the idea was to launch a concept for temporary employment "AIDAprima" arrived at Hamburg after pending delivery. On the other hand, new kind of cruise product suitable of the "AIDAprima" in the Arabic her lengthy transfer voyage it has already become clear that the for year-round operation from region during the 2015/16 winter. But comprising a passage of the Suez Japanese yard has delivered a Germany. Traditionally, cruises from also these plans had to be aborted Canal as well as several bunker superb ship: The quality of German ports (Hamburg, Kiel, later when it became clear the ship stops. On 30th April she commenced "AIDAprima" fully complies with the Rostock-Warnemünde and would be delivered only in the scheduled operation on the agreed, high standard, and the ship's Bremerhaven are the country's main beginning of 2016. On 3rd May 2014 'Metropolis' route departing from technical installations work without cruise hubs) have been limited the "AIDAprima" was eventually Hamburg. The formal name-giving fault. Despite minimal time between mainly to the summer period launched. Outfitting subsequently occurred only after the first regular the delivery and the commercial extending from late April to early/mid commended. In January 2016, as the cruise: At 22:15 hrs on 7th May the inauguration the ship fully met its October. Since about a decade there ship was almost complete, a series of "AIDAprima" was christened during passengers' expectations already on have been off-season calls (including three fires broke out onboard within the "Hamburger Hafengeburtstag" the first voyage. Despite generating Christmas market itineraries) as well, just one month, but all blazes came festivities with 1.6 million people losses and being plagued by a hefty but only in a very limited number – under control quickly without causing watching the event. Her godmother delay, the "AIDAprima" has thus generally, the chilly, often windy and any major damage or further became Emma Schweiger, a 2002- earned her yard much recognition for rainy North European weather is delaying the delivery date. On 14th born German child actress their work. Shunichi Miyanaga is rarely suitable for cruising. AIDA's March 2016 the "AIDAprima" was originating from Los Angeles and quite probably right when attributing approach was to overcome these finally acquired by AIDA Cruises with now living in Hamburg. the problems to the fact that constraints by designing a ship with the signing of delivery documents For her Japanese yard, the "AIDAprima" is the first ship in a new spaces creating an outdoor between the owner and yard. On the "AIDAprima" has become a financial series. atmosphere while protecting its same day the ship left Nagasaki, its disaster. By early 2016, Mitsubishi guests against the impact of the birthplace, to take course on Europe Heavy Industries had already booked Designed for year-round atmosphere. This has been achieved – without any passengers, but with a loss of 1.7 billion USD for the operation from Germany onboard the "AIDAprima", about most of its crew already onboard in project, resulting from delays and Once Carnival and AIDA Cruises which AIDA Cruises says in its order to get the vessel ready for cost overruns. This loss may further conceived the conceptual idea for marketing: "Summer makes you

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lucky, and this is why the summer concentrated on Amsterdam, and Cologne area. Cruises departing between Oslo and Kiel, backing her spending two weeks onboard the never ends onboard AIDAprima". the overnight call allows passengers from Hamburg are branded as up with the sistership "COLOR "AIDAprima". This means nothing else Having created a cruise experience to join the Dutch capital's nightlife. "Metropolenroute 1" ("Metropolis' MAGIC" in 2007. While these 75,027 then experiencing the very same independent from the weather After its departure from Rotterdam Route 1"), while the cruises GT ships accommodating up to cruise twice! outside, AIDA Cruises put its new the "AIDAprima" spends another 26 departing from Rotterdam are called 2,750 passengers are genuine flagship on a repeating itinerary from hours at sea, giving its guests lots of "Metropolenroute 2". Rather than on ferries with considerably capacity Club cruising approach Hamburg to a number of regular opportunity to conclude their the ports, AIDA Cruises' marketing also for cargo, Color Line introduced AIDA Cruises' philosophy has always ports in western Europe: Every vacation again using the ship's vast concentrates on the capitals them to the market as "cruise ships been based on the club holiday Saturday – starting on 30th April variety of amenities. At 08:00 hrs on standing behind, stressing the with car decks" and offered year- approach which enjoys great 2016 – the ship departs from Saturday the ship is eventually back "AIDAprima" is taking her round mini-cruises from both Oslo popularity on the German travel Hamburg at 18:00 hrs. Sunday is in Hamburg. passengers to London, Paris, and Kiel. market. "Club" means a holiday resort spent at sea, giving passengers the Brussels and Amsterdam. The offering accommodation, food, opportunity of enjoying a first intense aturday has deliberately itinerary of "AIDAprima" will remain hat approach was received entertainment and sports. Typically, holiday experience and to familiarise been chosen as the main unchanged at least long into 2017, well by both the Norwegian these vacation clubs – the most widely themselves with the onboard facility. S turnaround day since probably even beyond that. For T and the German source known German product is the On Monday, the ship calls at Germans use to start and end their Hamburg, the advent of year-round market, and continues prospering to "Robinson Club" belonging to TUI, Southampton from 09:30 to 21:30 holiday on that weekday (a habit cruising with weekly calls of a 3,300 day. Interestingly, in the early days which has also two Greek resorts in hrs with excursions to London. Next, which can often ben felt also on passengers ship means a major when "Color Fantasy" was new in Kos Island and in Kastro, Kyllini – offer Le Havre is visited on Tuesday from ferries for example between Italy and boost, strengthening its position as 2004/05, some passengers chose to a very leisurely, informal atmosphere. 07:00 to 19:00 hrs, with excursions Greece, and which regularly results Germany's number one cruise port. book two consecutive roundtrips in The same is true for the "AIDAprima": to Paris. On Wednesday, Zeebrugge in extensive traffic disruption on Innovative as it is, AIDA Cruises' order to make full use of the ship's The ship has been designed for a is called from 10:00 to 19:00 hrs with German motorways). As an approach of offering a year-round facilities. In case of the "AIDAprima", young (typically 25 to 55 years old), excursions to Brussels, before alternative, AIDA allows its (liner-like) cruise product from a AIDA Cruises is offering the same – cosmopolitan clientele with an income Rotterdam concludes the itinerary passengers to start and end their German port is still not entirely new. somewhat odd – opportunity: At a above the average and a modern, with an overnight call from Thursday cruise also at Rotterdam, a port Back in 2004 the Norwegian ferry slightly reduced rate, passengers active lifestyle. The typical AIDA cruise 08:00 hrs until Friday 06:00 hrs. which is more easily accessible from operator Color Line A/S launched its may book two consecutive cruises passenger is well educated (often with Here, excursions are much the densely populated Dusseldorf / cruise ferry "COLOR FANTASY" from Hamburg or Rotterdam, university degree), working in a

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well-paid position and fairly casually dressed during the day. remains a brand concentrating 1958-bord Bunge, who are both Germans). The lower decks until demanding with regard to the quality Although there is no dress code entirely on the German-speaking cruise ship architects and interior most of Deck 3 are reserved for the of his/her holiday product. Typically, either for dinners and evening market – mainly Germany, to a designers, set up Partner Ship engines, stores rooms, other this target audience lives a entertainment, most guests dress up certain extend also Switzerland and Design back in 1991 and have since technical facilities as well as crew demanding life with fairly limited for that time of the day, yet with a Austria. The onboard programs are been involved with numerous cruise accommodation. Decks 4 to 5 and 9 spare time. In response, the design modern approach. Tuxedo outfits German, announcements are only ship projects, including several to 12 comprise mainly passenger of "AIDAprima" intends to offer a are not normally seen, but youthful, made in German language, and ships of AIDA Cruises. In case of the cabins, while Deck 6, 7 and the front short (one week), but very intense sporty suits and somewhat more marketing is constraint to the "AIDAprima", Schindler and Bunge part of Deck 8 are used for indoor holiday break allowing lots of new elegant sneakers are quite common. German-speaking countries. were in charge of a very public facilities. experiences and lots of activity in a While very modern in their lifestyle, Passengers from abroad may book comprehensive package: The stood modern, social surrounding beyond the guests of "AIDAprima" and the an AIDA cruise as well, but are not for the basic design, general eck 14 houses cabins in the conservative conventions but still AIDA fleet mates are still seeking actively encouraged to do so – the arrangement, profile design, interior front section and public with a good touch of elegance. some elegance. This distinguishes operator has no sales network design for public and crew spaces, Dfacilities in the aft, while the Moreover, the AIDA fleet aims to the German club cruising approach outside the German-speaking passenger and crew cabins as well ship's four uppermost decks – 15 to allow passengers a great deal of – which has been virtually invented countries. Therefore, the vast major as supervision during the 18 – are reserved for sun deck areas individual freedom to make most of and continues to be dominated by of passengers onboard the construction. In line with AIDA's and activity-focussed public areas. the time with family and friends: AIDA Cruises; the company's largest "AIDAprima" and her fleet mates are approach to create a ship suitable Here, in this part, most of There are no fixed seated meals; competitor, TUI Cruises, is following Germans. for year-round operation in the "AIDAprima's" innovative features guests may rather proceed to have a different approach – from US North, they conceived a design are located. Probably most striking lunch or dinner whenever they wish American club cruise products, 365 days of summer reflecting "365 days of summer". is the "Four Elements" activity area and sit together with whom they which are altogether even more The design of "AIDAprima" has been Basically, the "AIDAprima" has 17 extending over three levels from wish. Also, there are almost no informal and often lack the elegance developed by Hamburg-based decks (these Decks are numbered 1 Deck 14 to Deck 16 aft. It boasts the restrictions on what to wear: still found on AIDA's ships. Partner Ship Design, a partnership of to 12 and 14 to 18; Deck 13 is left out "Racer", a twin waterslide starting Typically, AIDA's passengers leave Despite the cosmopolitan attitude of Kai H.E. Bunge and Siegfried since number 13 is considered to be even at Deck 18 and taking people their smoking at home, being most of its passengers, AIDA Schindler. 1950-born Schindler and indicative of bad luck by many down to Deck 15, as well as a

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crag. For those seeking softer and 16 amidships is the "Beach As far as the gastronomic side of entertainment, the "Lazy River" Club" complete with palm trees and their cruise is concerned, allows to drift in a river-like pool a landscape of pools. Again, this passengers onboard the while enjoying the sea view. A huge part can be turned into an open-top "AIDAprima" may choose between LED-wall makes the "Four zone by removing the UV- 12 restaurants, 15 bars as well as Elements"-zone complete; it is use penetrable folio. three snack bars and the AIDA for public viewing for example of lounge. A particular highlight is the soccer matches. The entire "Four ach evening the "Beach newly conceived "Spray Bar by Elements" area is covered with a Club" turns into a venue for Moët & Chandon", an exquisite special UV-penetrable folio which E onboard beach parties with location extending over two deck can be opened in case of good live music and a DJ. Another levels in the front of Decks 6 and 7. It weather – thus, this zone of the ship highlight of the "AIDAprima" is the comprises also an open-air section is an open-top area in summer and "Sports Deck" located on Deck 16 – in the very front of Deck 7. The celebrity TV chefs. enclosed in winter. Another during winter, it is converted into a interior of this location sports a very choice of drinks aims to stress the As far as accommodation is highlight extending over Deck 15 rink for ice skating! exclusive design, and also the elegant atmosphere of this probably concerned, the passengers of most exclusive part of the ship. "AIDAprima" may choose between Generally, the "AIDAprima" boasts 14 cabin categories with 72 square an extremely broad variety of metre suites standing at the top of restaurants and bars to meet very the choice. The vast majority of the different tastes: There is, for 1,647 cabins is located outside. In example, the "Brauhaus", a detail, there are 1,101 cabins with a Bavarian-style restaurant. But there private veranda, 198 outside cabins are also the "Ristorante Casa Nova" without a veranda or balcony, and and, more exclusive, the "Gourmet- 312 inside cabins. Passengers of Restaurant Rossini", two Italian-style the upmarket cabins and suites restaurants. On the other hand, the have access to a special deck area "French Kiss" is a typical brasserie, with a private bar. while the "Fuego Restaurant" caters particularly for families travelling s said, the "AIDAprima" has with their kids. Venues like the been designed to offer a very "Sushi Bar" and the "Scharfe Ecke" A compact but rich holiday (which serves curry sausages with experience – a one-week cruise filled pommes frites) cater for special with experiences. This is also tastes. And for those passionate to reflected by the style and quality of learn more about cooking and to try onboard entertainment: Each it themselves, the "AIDAprima" has evening a different show is an own cooking studio amidships presented, and there are on Deck 7 – here, cooking entertainment opportunities virtually workshops and shows take place, 24 hours of the day, including for featuring some of Germany's example the " Nightfly", a night

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club featuring a moderator ironing (shoreside electricity In order to meet though emission diversified variety of onboard food, presenting elegant live entertainers. supply). Specific permission is standards even when operating on entertainment and activities. required for LNG supply in port; in HFO, the "AIDAprima" has been Although not conceived to Dual-fuel engine case of Hamburg such authorisation fitted with the first of a Carnival- represent the luxury end of the Given the ship has been designed to was granted in the beginning of May developed integrated exhaust gas cruise market, she certainly dock in the centre of metropolis 2016, few days before the treatment system. This highly represents a very comfortable way cities and major ports, a reduction of christening of the "AIDAprima". It compact plant filters particulates, of cruising, with an atmosphere air emissions not only at sea but as demands among others special fire NOX as well SOX. At the moment, it that is relaxed, stylish and still much in port was a key requirement protection measures to be set up is still in the certification process elegant at the same time. A lot of of the technical conception of while LNG is delivered onboard. and awaiting the necessary attention has paid to details (such "AIDAprima". In order to reduce documents to be inaugurated. Until as passenger orientation onboard), energy consumption and emissions, uthorisations by local this has been achieved the and there are quite a number of she has been fitted with the authorities for LNG supply "AIDAprima" will continue operating genuine innovations – including the 'Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System' A has also been grated for on MDO; subsequently, she could "Four Elements" and "Beach Club" (MALS), a system developed by MHI Southampton, Le Havre and switch to HFO and still comply fully areas which intend to create 365 which releases small air bubbles to Zeebrugge. In case of Rotterdam the with SECO emission limits. Overall, days of summer onboard. cover the bottom of the vessel. This respective procedure is still it is expected the "Hyperion Class" approach is intended to reduce the underway. AIDA Cruises' objective is cruise ships will consume about 2.8 ltogether this is very friction between the hull and the to have the "AIDAprima" supplied litres of fuel per passenger per 100 agreeable cruise ship which surrounding water, bringing down with LNG in all her ports of call in the kilometres. This is significantly A may be seen in Greek ports fuel consumption by more than future. To ensure the availability of below AIDA's present fleet standard in the future – after all, she will most seven percent. Secondly, the this alternative fuel, AIDA Cruises of about three litres. The reduction probably not spend her entire life "AIDAprima" has – as the first cruise signed a long-term agreement with has, in case of the "AIDAprima", on a repeating one-week itinerary ship world-wide – been equipped Shell this April. As a strategic been mainly achieved by from Hamburg! Lt's now see what with a dual-fuel engine able to burn partner, Shell will be the exclusive introduction of MHI's innovative the sistership "AIDAperla" has to LNG to supply the ship with supplier of LNG to the "AIDAprima" MALS, but also by a further offer when being inaugurated next electricity while in port. This engine – and any other AIDA-vessels in optimisation of the hull design and year – while widely identical to the a 12M46DF – has been fitted along medium term. Securing the long- the sophisticated propulsion "AIDAprima", she may still boast with three conventional 12V M43C term availability of LNG is even more system comprising two Azipod some innovations in detail. This main generator diesel engine units important for AIDA, as the operator azimuthing podded propulsors. second ship of the "Hyperion supplied by Caterpillar Motoren plans to have its next generation of Each rated at 14 MW, the Azipods Class" will, by the way, be deployed GmbH & Co. KG. In port, ships – to be inaugurated in 2019/20 bring the ship to a top speed of 22 on a year-round itinerary in the "AIDAprima" can be supplied with – to be operated exclusively with knots and substantially improve Mediterranean as from next year, LNG by a shoreside tanker truck; the LNG both in port and at sea. manoeuvrability in port. sailing weekly from Palma de LNG is directly burned by the dual "AIDAprima", in contrast, operates Mallorca to Ajaccio (Corsica fuel engine to reduce NOX still with conventional fuel, i.e. Green, diversified, innovative Island), Civitavecchia (for Rome), emissions by 80% and CO2 alternatively HFO or MDO. Due to Altogether, the "AIDAprima" leaves Livorno (for Florence) and emissions by 20% while the ship is the fact that its route from Hamburg a lasting impression on her guests Barcelona. Passengers will be able docked. Alternatively, the lies within a SECA area, the ship – she is a particularly eco-friendly to embark on their cruise either in "AIDAprima" is also prepared for cold presently runs on MDO. cruise ship with a very intense and Palma or Barcelona. ß

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