AIDAdiva

Karl WP Beyer

MEYER Werft, commissioned by Carnival subsidiary AIDA Cruises, built the AIDAdiva as the first of seven identical, seemingly "Sphinx-class" cruise ships. The shipping company took over the newbuild in April 2007.

AIDAdiva

Ships of the Sphinx class have been very familiar to cruise passengers ever since. However, in 2007, the circular "Theatrium" located amidships on the AIDAdiva attracted considerable attention. The invented word "Theatrium" defines the innovative, central theater and event area of ​​the ships with the distinctive "kissing lips" logo. Alluding to a well-known coffee filter, it has earned these cruise ships the nickname "Melitta class."

Staterooms

The deck plan shows 1.033 cabins for the AIDAdiva: The cabin selection is diverse. The offer ranges from the inside cabin to the suite. Of the outside cabins and suites, 439 have a balcony. Guests who book the AIDA PREMIUM tariff can choose their dream cabin.

Inside cabins

Inside cabins are 13,50 square meters and they are offered as 2, 3 and 4-bed cabins.

Outside cabins

Outside cabins, euphemistically called “cabins with a sea view” in the cruise industry, are barely larger than the inside cabins with an area of ​​14 to 16,50 square meters. Depending on requirements, they are equipped with two, three or four beds.

Balcony cabins

The balcony cabins, including the balcony, measure between 17,50 and 23 square meters. They are available with two to four beds, depending on your needs.

As everywhere on the ship, modern design, beautiful colors, and well-thought-out details are impressive. The balconies take up three to six square meters of the designated area. The larger balcony even offers a hammock.

Suites

Like its sister ships, the AIDAdiva also offers individually designed junior suites, suites, and premium suites. The size ranges from 26 to 44 square meters; the balconies range from 12 to 50 square meters.

In addition to increased living comfort, guests who book the AIDA VARIO or AIDA Premium tariff in the suite area are offered some additional goodies.

Barrier-free cabins

Crusaders with disabilities have a total of eleven barrier-free cabins of various sizes (18 to 27,50 square meters). Seven of the cabins are inward, four offer sea views.

Features of all cabins

All cabins are modern and comfortable. Equipping them with satellite TV, telephone and air conditioning corresponds to the standard of modern cruise ships. In contrast to the competitor TUI Cruises, the cabin service is only performed once a day. An additional turn-down service is only offered in the evening in the suite area.

AIDA Cruises will invest a three-figure million euro sum in the coming years in the necessary technical and visual renewal of the Sphinx class.

Eating & drinking on board the AIDAdiva

The current AIDA Cruises catalog promises passengers "...the greatest culinary variety." A distinction is made between buffet and specialty restaurants included in the cruise price and à la carte restaurants that require an additional charge.

Buffet restaurants included in the tour price

Market restaurant

It is the on-board restaurant with the richest range of dishes (deck 9 aft): it is very busy at all times. For organizational reasons, the guests take the dinner in two sessions. Between the two sequences, the restaurant is closed for half an hour and prepared for the next meeting.

AIDAdiva - Market Restaurant

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AIDAdiva - Market Restaurant 

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 The buffet offers a wide variety of delicious and diverse dishes. Meals are preferably eaten at tables of four to eight people. Drinks such as house wine, beer, and soft drinks are served with main meals at no extra charge.

The highlight of the Markt Restaurant is the presentation of the dishes in the form of market stalls. Guests are meant to feel as if they were in a market hall. Lavishly filled fruit baskets are placed at the entrance. Dinners revolve around specific themes, such as "World Tour," "Portugal," or "Spain."

Stalls in the market restaurant

Yachtclub Restaurant

The Weite Welt Restaurant, located aft on Deck 10, had to make way for the Yacht Club Restaurant as a result of the modernization. It offers a maritime flair and a diverse selection of dishes. An outdoor area is adjacent. AIDA Cruises describes this onboard restaurant as a "favorite spot for vacation captains." The Yacht Club is open for main meal times.

The general rule is: The range and quality of the food is right on board AIDA cruise ships. A light food is available for allergy sufferers. Free drinks such as various juices, water, tea, beer, as well as white and red wine are served at the table.

AIDAdiva - Yacht Club Restaurant – Photo © AIDA Cruises

À la carte & specialty restaurants

As described, AIDA Cruises' service concept is primarily geared towards self-service. If guests prefer table service, they must rely on the ship's à la carte and specialty restaurants, some of which charge extra. AIDA Cruises differentiates between the following two categories for good reason.

Specialty restaurants We offer seated service. All meals are included in the cruise price (except for the LIGHT fare). Drinks require a surcharge or beverage packages.

à la carte restaurants also offer the Table service is available, but food generally carries a surcharge. Drinks also incur an additional charge unless they are included in the drinks package.

Specialty restaurants

French Kiss

The small, stylish Brasserie French Kiss on Deck 10 offers its guests a selection of French specialties. The restaurant is recommended for guests who appreciate style and don't want to miss out on table service. Visually, the restaurant is a real asset to the ship.

AIDAdiva – French Kiss Restaurant – Photo © AIDA Cruises

Almhütte

In the Alpine hut on deck 10, hearty and savory dishes are served. The menu includes dishes that may be rather unfamiliar to northern Germans, such as "Hirtenschmankerl" (beef goulash with noodles) and "Grillfeger" (half a grilled chicken with French fries). Fish dishes, bratwurst, and vegetarian options are also included.

Best Pizza @ Sea

Freshly prepared pizza, pasta, and salads can be enjoyed at Best Pizza @ Sea on Deck 11.

À la carte restaurants

Rossini gourmet restaurant

Of the à la carte restaurants, the upscale Rossini is particularly recommended. The ambiance, the food, and the service are all commendable. The extensive wine list will satisfy even the most discerning wine connoisseurs. At Rossini, there are additional charges for food and drinks. A "Dinner for Two" can easily add €100 or more to your onboard account. Table reservations are essential. Rossini is located on deck 11.

AIDAdiva – Gourmet Restaurant Rossini – Photo © AIDA Cruises

Buffalo Steakhouse

The top address for meat lovers on deck 10. American beef and bison meat are prepared in front of the guests in a show kitchen. Ten steak creations with names such as Tomahawk Steak or Wagyu Skirt Steak are on offer. The quality and so much skill requires an extra charge! The drinks menu is interesting. It offers beer lovers delightful "brewing creations", for example the "Clan - Scotch Ale". 0,75 liters of the brew cost an impressive 15,50 euros.

Buffalo Steakhouse

East Fusion Restaurant

This new restaurant on Deck 11 offers select Asian cuisine. Diners can enjoy meat, fish, vegetables, and desserts.

In our view, the changes made significantly improved the onboard dining scene. The catering appears to have been upgraded after the renovation. A special food menu is available for guests with allergies. Complimentary drinks such as various juices, water, tea, beer, and white and red wine are served at the table – with the exceptions mentioned. Passengers who would like to experience AIDA cuisine at home can order a cookbook with the charming title "The World" from the cruise line's online shop. isst colorful".

AIDAdiva – East Fusion Restaurant – Photo © AIDA Cruises

Cafes, bars and lounges

We like the location and presentation of most of the bars. On AIDA cruise ships, the drinks served in the cafes, bars and lounges are chargeable. A selection of notable bars:

wine shop

The wine bar on deck 10 behind the theatrium presents good wines from all over the world. Wine seminars are also held in the vinotheque.

AIDAdiva - Wine Shop

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AIDAdiva - Wine Shop 

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AIDA bar

This star-shaped bar can be found on deck 10 in the forward part of the ship. Those who don't like to sit at the bar can choose one of the many armchairs. The music plays on a small stage; there is dancing in front of the stage.

AIDA Bar – Photo © AIDA Cruises

AIDA lounge

In front of the AIDA Bar, the quiet and dignified AIDA Lounge invites you to daydream. A small on-board library has been integrated on the edge of the lounge.

AIDA lounge

Cafe Mare

The Starbucks Café provides good coffee, tea or cocoa in between. You can find it behind the Buffalo Steak House on deck 10.

Ocean club 

The Anytime Bar/disco, originally located aft on Deck 12, was quite a sight. After the AIDA Evolution modernization, the venue was renamed Ocean Club. What serves as a meeting place during the day transforms into a hotspot for night owls in the evenings and at night, together with the adjacent Ocean Bar. Guests enter the bar through a barrel-vaulted passageway. The outdoor area is also used for events.

AIDAdiva – Ocean Club – Photo © AIDA Cruises

With so many bars, it's hard to choose. We especially liked the star-shaped AIDA Bar. And we didn't despise the AIDA Lounge either. The price level in the bars is reasonable. The service is dedicated and always good.

Sport, relaxation & wellness

Body & Soul Sport

The gym on Deck 11 is well-equipped with modern equipment, weight benches, and other training facilities. Exercises can be done individually or in groups.

gym

During the state parliaments, tours with bicycles or e-bikes, Segway excursions, diving trips and other activities are organized for a fee.

Ball athletes can play basketball, handball or squash on the outside sports deck (deck 14). A short jogging course invites you to run. In our opinion, the pool landscape is only designed in a minimalist manner.

Field for ball games

The Body & Soul Organic Spa

AIDA ships are known for their large wellness areas. The AIDAdiva, with its 2.300 square meters, is no exception, as the wellness zone is spread across decks 12 and 14.

AIDA wellness includes saunas and a solarium. Paid massages and various treatments increase well-being. Entry to the wellness oasis costs 20,00 euros. Guests in the spa cabins and wellness suites can use the offer daily at no extra charge. Individual applications charge the on-board account.

Those who pass the Body & Soul reception in the front part of the ship on deck 12 have access to well-being. On the 14th deck, the wellness oasis offers its visitors a whirlpool, an adventure shower and a relaxation room. The highlight of the oasis is a glass, retractable roof.

Conversation

All sorts of things are offered to entertain the almost 2.000 passengers. The AIDA club team organizes, for example, bingo tournaments, dance courses, painting meetings, parties and sporting competitions (darts, shuffleboard, volleyball).

Theatrium is the focal point of onboard entertainment. It spans decks 9 to 11. The 30-minute AIDA shows are legendary.

AIDAdiva – Theatrium – Photo © AIDA Cruises

The Theatrium itself is debatable. Its concept is inferior to conventional theaters on board cruise ships. It offers too few seats, the seats are often uncomfortable, and some have restricted views. In addition, the Theatrium is designed as a transit area. We find the strollers to be a distraction.

Not only entertainment shows are presented on the round, versatile stage. The moderators of the on-board television report from the theatrium. The room is also used for information events or for the regular art auctions.

Musical entertainment is also provided in other areas of the ship. The stage on the pool deck is just one example of many. Well-established events on the pool deck are the Welcome Laser Show, the Sail Away Show or the Farewell Laser Show.

AIDAdiva - Art Gallery

The casino on the 10th deck offers further entertainment and diversion. The game is played on machines or tables. Roulette, poker and blackjack are on offer. But bingo and similar amusements also find grateful participants. The art gallery is located on deck 9. AIDA Cruises recommend booking gallery tours before starting the cruise.

AIDAdiva is a family ship, especially during the holiday season. Children aged three to eleven and teenagers aged twelve to seventeen have their own clubs. Expert childcare according to German standards is provided to the family. The kids & teens programs offer a wide range of entertainment.

General information about the AIDAdiva

Summary

The AIDAdiva is the fourth ship in the AIDA fleet. The ship meets the expectations of German vacationers for relaxed and unconventional cruise holidays. This means: no strict dress code, no bothersome onboard receptions, but good food from the buffet and in the à la carte restaurants is offered. In addition, there is a wide range of entertainment options. It all works. In 2023, around 1,3 million passengers were welcomed aboard all AIDA ships.

Pooldeck

Those who occasionally prefer table service and à la carte dishes can enjoy excellent meals in three restaurants for a fee.

We liked the café, bars & lounges. We feel comfortable in most of the localities.

Pool Bar

The entertainment on board is varied and the daily shows are first class.

However, we must note one thing: We don't consider the AIDAdiva to be on par with the premium ships of Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, or TUI Cruises. These cruise brands offer higher-quality services for comparable prices.

What is undisputed, however, is that AIDA Cruises offers its guests a special lifestyle on board its currently eleven ships.

Update January 2026