On Monday, October 8th 2018, at 08:00 pm AIDA said “Cast off and have a good trip!” to AIDAaura. After the grand send-off with fireworks, the ship sallied forth to its first world cruise. 20 countries and 41 ports are awaiting a visit from the globetrotter. Besides famous and popular destinations, new stops such as South Africa, Namibia, Melbourne, Tasmania and the archipelagos Fiji, Samoa, and New Caledonia are on the schedule.

The first part of her world cruise leads AIDAaura across the equator from Europe to South America. Dream destinations in Brazil and Argentina are awaiting the cruise guests. Alongside the breath-taking coast of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, the route leads to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

After a few stops in Chile, the cruise gets exotic. On her way to Australia, AIDAaura visits Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Fiji, where guests get the chance to snorkel with colourful schooling fish, rays and turtles. After landings at New Caledonia, Australia and the wild landscapes of Tasmania, AIDAaura continues its voyage towards Mauritius, crossing the Indian Ocean.

Animal lovers get their money worth at the coast of Africa. Newly included are ports in South Africa and Namibia, which not only inspire with their diversified nature but also offer the opportunity to see The Big Five with your own eyes.

After crossing the equator a second time, ship and guests say ¡Hola! to the Canary Islands, Salut! to Paris and eventually Moin! in Hamburg when, after 117 days, the journey comes to an end on February 2nd 2019.