Costa neoRiviera that was built as Mistral for the now defunct Festival cruises in 1999 will be transferred to AIDA Cruises’ AIDA Selection sub-brand as AIDAmira after a refit, the Rostock based company said in a statement.
Both companies are parts of Carnival Corporation & plc group.
Felix Eichhorn, President AIDA Cruises, said in the statement: "The feedback we have received from our guests and the high demand for our AIDA Selection programme continually inspires us to keep expanding our variety of routes and to call at new dream destinations in the most beautiful regions in the world.”
“Therefore, we are very pleased to have found with the Costa neoRiviera the perfect ship within the Costa Group for our explorer fleet at such short notice. Many of our guests have been hoping for AIDA cruises to South Africa for a long time. I am pleased that we are now able to fulfill this wish," he said.
Due to its size and design, AIDAmira is a perfect addition to the current three Selection ships. Since 2017, AIDAaura, AIDAcara and AIDAvita have been traveling unusual routes and have delighted over 157,000 guests. The AIDA Selection explorer program is ideal for cosmopolitan adventurers who would like to experience countries and cultures in an intensive and unique way.
Before going into service, the ship will be remodeled and refurbished. There will be two large pools and two whirlpools on the spacious sun deck of the 216 metre long vessel From 624 staterooms, 96 will be suites, 80 of them with balconies. Guests can enjoy delicious variety in six bars and six restaurants. AIDAmira will depart on its maiden voyage on December 4, 2019, in Palma de Mallorca.
The ship’s itineraries will also be totally new for the AIDA program: In December 2019, guests will have a first-time opportunity to experience the natural wonders in southern Africa with AIDAmira. The departure and destination port on the 14-day route "South Africa & Namibia" is Cape Town.
Further ports include Durban, East London and Lüderitz on the edge of the Namib desert. The multi-day stops in Cape Town on the cruises are an absolute highlight and give guests plenty of time to explore attractions such as Table Mountain and Lions Head. AIDAmira also stays overnight at Walvis Bay. In the large lagoon between the desert and the sea, guests can observe exotic species. AIDAmira cruises can be booked starting now.
While AIDAmira will expand the AIDA fleet from December 2019 onwards, the newbuild AIDAnova will be embarking on its first cruises already in November 2018. Two sister ships of AIDAnova are to follow in the spring of 2021 and 2023. The AIDA fleet will then include 16 ships.
