AIDA Has Most Successful Year, Fleet to Grow

2010 was the most successful year in the history for AIDA Cruises, with a strong surge in both sales and passenger numbers. Michael Thamm, President of AIDA Cruises, said: “Because acting in an ecologically sustainable manner also means benefiting in business management terms.”

A total of 511,400 guests travelled on the seven AIDA ships, corresponding to 97,400 more passengers than in the previous year. Total sales revenue also rose to $1,161m, compared to $949.7m in the financial year 2009.

AIDA Cruises started the business year with six ships. The newly built AIDAblu then joined the fleet soon after on 9 February 2010 as the company’s seventh vessel.

In line with helping to protect the environment, the reduction of fuel consumption plays an important part in the development of our new ships, said Michael Thamm: “The best ton of fuel is the one we save.” Even now, the AIDA fleet consumes around 40% less than the average for the cruise industry. And this is still only an interim step, according to Thamm: “Our objective is the Zero Emission Ship. We want to be the first in the world to have a fuel cell on board”. This is also one of the reasons for taking part in the Federal Government’s e4ships project.

The company is also looking at the use of liquefied gas as a fuel. AIDA’s ships are prepared for the use of shore power where this is provided in the ports.

All the signs point to further growth for AIDA Cruises in 2011. Cruises on AIDA’s ships continue to grow in popularity, with a large number of routes already well booked. The next new ship, AIDAsol, will then be christened at a ceremony in Kiel on 2011, increasing the size of the fleet to eight vessels.