AIDA cruises takes delivery of AIDAprima, the first of a new generation of energy-efficient cruise ships. The ship is equipped with a Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System for improved fuel efficiency, and features a scrubber system as well as dual fuel capability for with traditional bunkers, or a LNG fuel supply system.
AIDA Cruises took delivery of its first newbuild of a new ship generation from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) in Nagasaki during a formal ceremony. In the presence of Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group, and Felix Eichhorn, President AIDA Cruises, AIDAprima was handed over to the cruise line by Shunichi Miyanaga, President and CEO, and Yoichi Kujirai, President and CEO, Commercial Aviation & Transportation Systems MHI.
The ship has left Nagasaki towards Hamburg. AIDAprima, the 11th ship in the AIDA fleet, will be christened by Emma Schweiger on May 7, 2016, in front of an audience of millions as the climax of the 827th HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY.
“AIDAprima is the first ship of an entirely new AIDA product family. With creativity and great innovativeness, our team has managed to implement our high standards in terms of product quality and environmental friendliness in an exemplary and impressive way. We are extremely pleased with the successful design of the ship, and look forward to welcoming guests aboard her, who are going to be equally impressed,” said Michael Thamm, CEO Costa Group, on the occasion of the ship’s handover.
Felix Eichhorn, President AIDA Cruises: “20 years ago, AIDA launched its concept of modern cruising. With our new flagship and the three newbuilds to follow, the company will continue to provide important growth impulses for the German cruise market. We are once again charting new territory by being the first German cruise line to offer cruises starting from Germany the whole year round. I am convinced that we will reach new guest groups with our unique variety of offerings aboard AIDAprima.”
Shunichi Miyanaga, President and CEO MHI, commented: “We are proud to deliver AIDAprima, the first of a new generation of energy-efficient cruise ships superbly equipped to provide a fantastic cruising experience for passengers.”
From April 30, 2016, Hamburg will be the home port for seven-day round trips to Western Europe’s most beautiful metropolises such as London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.