AIDA embraces onboard social media

As other cruise lines expand their wi-fi and internet access, AIDA announced something different. Their passengers can soon buy packages with access to various social media platforms for a flat rate. This seems like a smart move which will make for a better cruise experience and better marketing for AIDA.

Customers say they want more access to the internet onboard but much of that want is just social media. They want to keep in touch with friends and family and also want to share their adventures at sea. By enabling the social media sites and presumably blocking other sites, AIDA can save on bandwidth and keep customers happy. The posts, likes, pics and tweets will also help AIDA. Each message sent makes cruising top of mind and also makes it more accessible. 

Due to AIDA's ties with Carnival, this is probably a test for other cruise lines. Let's hope it goes well so we can all start sharing everything we did on our next cruise.

Carnival orders megaships for AIDA

AIDA's getting bigger. As part of a larger order for Carnival Corp, AIDA will receive two 6,600 passenger ships between 2019 and 2020. The ships will dwarf the current passenger record of Royal Caribbean's recently launched 5,400 passenger Allure of the Seas. This order shows a major commitment to AIDA and a major commitment to the European market. (Carnival also announced that two other 6,600 passenger ships will also service Europe, although which brand is still to be determined.)

Congrats to AIDA on the new ships and to the cruise fans in Europe who have a lot of exciting ships coming soon. 

20 years of AIDA

Cruise Industry News noted an important anniversary for AIDA Cruises: 20 years! Due to their German focus, many North Americans might not be as familiar with AIDA, but their mid-size ships with a youthful focus, bring a unique mix to the Carnival family.

The anniversary celebration includes a 10 ship, 20,000 passenger toast and a new ship generation coming later this year. Congrats to AIDA and more continued success ahead.