OREANDA-NEWS. June 18, 2015. AIDA Cruises is continuing its long-standing strategic partnership with the shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Papenburg with an order for two new ships of the next AIDA ship generation. The ships, each exceeds180,000 gross tons and has a capacity of more than 2,500 staterooms, will join the AIDA fleet in 2019 and 2020.

Thereby the company, which will next put into service the new ships AIDAprima and its sister in 2015 and 2016, is further expanding its dynamic growth on the German cruise market.

As pioneer in the industry, AIDA Cruises is again setting an example for environmental protection with a revolutionary ship design: With the "Green Cruising" concept, AIDA will be the first cruise line in the world to operate its new ship generation to 100 percent with LNG (liquefied natural gas). This eliminates emissions of soot particles and sulfur oxides.

"It is particularly thanks to the steady growth of AIDA that Germany has become the second-largest cruise market in the world. We look forward to successfully continuing our long-standing partnership with Meyer Werft," says Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group.

AIDA President Michael Ungerer says, "With our innovative strength and creativity we strive to offer our guests unparalleled vacation experiences on these extraordinary ships. Even more individuality, variety, personal space, and service will delight not only our AIDA fans but also innumerous new guests."

Further details on the shipbuilding contract will be announced by AIDA Cruises in upcoming months.

Bernard Meyer, CEO of Meyer Werft, remarks, "In past years, we have built seven highly successful ships for AIDA Cruises. We are honored that the company has entrusted us with the implementation of this ambitious shipbuilding program in Papenburg."

About AIDA Cruises:

AIDA Cruises is one of Germany’s fastest growing and most economically successful tourism businesses and currently employs around 7,000 people from 40 countries. Of these employees, 6,000 work on board and 1,000 work at the company headquarters in Rostock and Hamburg. The current AIDA fleet of 10 state-of-the-art cruise ships is operated in compliance with the highest international quality, environmental, and safety standards. By 2020, the AIDA fleet will expand to 14 ships.