December 02, 2025 – AIDA Cruises opens bookings for travelers who dream of a world cruise but cannot spend the full 126 days on board: The grand AIDAsol world cruise 2026/2027 will be divided into seven long segments of between 33 and 93 days, which can now be booked individually or in combination.

AIDAnova

Winter Wonderland

Ten good reasons for holidays on board AIDA

Christmas under fairy lights in a fjord, New Year's Eve under palm trees in the Caribbean or on the Indian Ocean: Those who spend the 2025 holidays aboard the AIDA fleet will experience perhaps the most relaxing and atmospheric time of the year at sea. From wintry northern routes to the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, and the Seychelles, there's a suitable itinerary for almost every taste.

The following ten reasons show why more and more guests prefer to celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve on board rather than at home.

1. Festive atmosphere without the stress of preparation

Even in the first days of Advent, the ships are transformed into maritime winter wonderlands: AIDAprima and AIDAnova They will have their own “Christmas market” on board, while the remaining ships will be decorated with festive decorations and several Christmas trees, each around 2,5 meters high – on the ships sailing in Europe, even with Nordmann firs from Germany.
Everything is prepared when the guests arrive on board: no tree purchase, no decoration stress, no vacuuming on December 26th.

2. International cuisine – interpreted festively

Christmas menus from around the world, classics for traditionalists and sweet works of art: The kitchen crews stage the holidays in a culinary way – from festive buffets to multi-course menus.
Also on board again is gourmet patron and world champion pastry chef Andrea Schirmaier-Huber, whose dessert creations lend a particularly creative touch to the festive cuisine. Children can get actively involved in baking cookies and crafting – creating a Christmas atmosphere without the kitchen chaos at home.

3. Enjoyment without planning, cooking, and cleaning up

The crew takes care of all the party organization: table decorations, menus, buffets, service – everything runs in the background while the guests have time for each other.
Families especially benefit from the wide selection of restaurants and dishes, where everyone from fish lovers to pasta fans will find something to their liking. Those who wish can indulge in the breakfast buffet and enjoy a multi-course dinner in the evening – without having to worry about the dishwasher in between.

4. Santa Claus is also coming on board.

For children, Christmas Eve is often the most important evening of the year – and it's celebrated at sea too. Santa Claus comes on board in person, distributes the gifts, and takes time to see the children's eyes light up.
This is complemented by a dedicated program in the Kids Club with surprises and creative activities prepared by the crew. Parents can relax while their little ones fully enjoy their celebration on board.

5. Entertainment from Advent singing to New Year's Eve gala

Entertainment instead of remote control: All AIDA ships offer an expanded entertainment program over the holidays. The range includes everything from Advent carols and a festive Christmas gala to a grand New Year's Eve party.
Varied evening shows ensure that each day has a special ending. In addition, there are workshops such as making Froebel stars – perfect for anyone wanting to get creative.

6. Shared experiences for young and old

Holidays on board are also a time for meeting others: children quickly find new friends in the Kids Club, while adults get to know each other during activities such as curling on AIDAprima and AIDAnova.
A highlight for winter fans is the approximately 200 square meter, festively illuminated ice rink on AIDAprima Ice skating on the high seas, with the ocean passing by outside, is definitely not a typical living room experience.

7. Peace and light – special moments on deck

Despite the packed program, there are still quiet havens: on your own balcony, in lounges, or on the spacious outer decks. Especially during the darker months, the view across the sea has a very special effect.
The northern routes also attract some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Northern Europe, while in warmer regions the Christmas market simply moves to the pool deck – after all, mulled wine and speculoos taste just as good in Caribbean temperatures or in the island paradise of the Seychelles.

8. Time for yourself: from cinnamon infusions to stargazing

The period between Christmas and New Year's is also a time for retreat: A sauna infusion with cinnamon scent and sea view, a treatment in the Body & Soul Spa or simply a quiet afternoon with a book and sea view are a regular part of the experience for many guests.
While the children are in the Kids Club for a bedtime story in the evening, there is time for a walk under the starry sky on deck or a romantic dinner in the restaurant.

9. New Year's Eve at sea – the festive turn of the year

New Year's Eve is a real highlight on all AIDA ships: live entertainment, shows, special programs for children and teens, and a culinary extravaganza with caviar buffet, midnight snack, and a lavish New Year's breakfast.
New Year's Eve 2025 will be particularly spectacular on AIDAbella, which will celebrate the turn of the year off Funchal. Madeira experienced – the fireworks there have been considered one of the most impressive in the world for years.
And of course, a classic cannot be missing: “Dinner for One” is part of the New Year's Eve program on all ships.

10. The sea as a stage

What many guests particularly appreciate is the maritime setting. Whether it's the Northern Lights, a winter wind on deck, or tropical warmth in the Caribbean – the sea, the vastness of the horizon, and the rolling waves make Christmas and New Year's Eve on board an experience that lingers long after the holiday.
The holidays take on a completely new context, somewhere between tradition and travel adventure.

Where will the AIDA ships be at Christmas and New Year's Eve 2025?

Finally, here is an overview of where the AIDA ships are scheduled to be on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve 2025 (information without guarantee, route changes are possible at any time).

AIDA positions on December 24, 2025 and December 31, 2025

This gives interested parties not only ten good reasons, but also an overview of which ship is sailing in which part of the world on which holiday.

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