Sustainability at AIDA encompasses a wide range of processes and standards, which are defined in a systematic and effective management system to ensure the adherence to laws as well as internal and external guidelines. The health and safety of our guests and crew members as well as of everyone working for us is our top priority. Another fundamental aspect of our commitment to sustainability is environmental and climate protection.
The integrated HESS management system (HESS = Health, Environment, Safety & Security) of the Carnival Corporation governs our process management in the areas of the environment, health and safety at sea as well as on shore. In many areas, the HESS standards exceed the standards applicable on shore, and take particular account of the requirements of the cruise industry. The standards and processes are continuously developed and their adherence monitored internally as well as externally in the form of audits.
The most important international conventions and concomitant standards which are fundamental to AIDA include the following:
- SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea)
SOLAS regulates the safety requirements in terms of the design, construction, equipment and operation of ships, as well as safety management.
- ISM Code (International Management Code)
The ISM code is an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships, as well as the prevention of pollution. In many areas, AIDA exceeds the requirements of the ISM Code, for example with regard to additional certifications in accordance with ISO 14001 or OHSAS 18001.
- ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code)
The ISPS code defines safety standards, requirements and processes for ships, ports and governments. Furthermore, it prescribes appropriate responsibilities for governments, ocean carriers, ships’ personnel, port and site staff, including for the development of safety plans, the evaluation of safety risks and hazards, and the meeting of precautionary safety measures.
- MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships)
MARPOL is the key international convention for preventing pollution of the marine environment. Adherence to this convention aboard the AIDA ships is regularly monitored and certified by the flag state.
- IMO Convention on Ballast Water
The IMO’s (International Maritime Organisation) convention on ballast water serves to prevent microorganisms inadvertently spreading into foreign regions via ballast water. With AIDAstella and AIDAprima, two ships in the AIDA fleet already feature cutting-edge ballast-water systems in accordance with the IMO D2 standard.
- STCW (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers)
The STCW convention sets standards for the training, qualification and certification of seafarers, as well as standards for crew members’ skills and the methods for demonstrating these skills.
- MLC (Maritime Labour Convention)
The Maritime Labour Convention MLC 2006 from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) sets minimum international standards for the working and living conditions of seafarers.
A complete overview and exact description of the applicable standards in the cruise industry as well as within the Carnival Corporation can be found in the corporation’s current sustainability report.
In order to meet our quality requirements – with the objective of offering our guests an unforgettable vacation with AIDA – we have introduced our own management systems that go beyond the standards mentioned.
These include:
- Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
With the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, we obligate ourselves to the fair treatment of our business partners, suppliers and competitors, as well as the accuracy and integrity of our business transactions.
- Donation guidelines
In our donation guidelines, we have i.a. determined the criteria for donating. The responsibilities for administering our donations budget is also determined therein.
- Customer Experience Management
The satisfaction of our guests is important to us. We systematically record their feedback in order to derive measures for further increasing guest satisfaction.
- Training management
We support our employees in continuously developing their own potential and knowledge, and offer a variety of training and continuing-education programs specific to the cruise industry.
- Service standards
A focus on service is paramount to us, and we encourage our employees to be proactive in exceeding the expectations of our guests in terms of service, quality and variety of experiences. As part of our internal service initiative, we train and reward employees who manage to make our guests smile time and again, true to our AIDA motto “Home of the smile.”
- Performance and talent management
Our performance and talent management helps us to recognize the abilities and skills of our employees, foster their strengths, and derive long-term, targeted development measures. In our annual performance reviews, criteria relevant to success and employee performance are discussed and assessed in a standardized, transparent process. This is used to derive individual development recommendations and support programs, such as e.g. participation in training courses.
Employees who demonstrate interdisciplinary skills and outstanding performance are supported by us via our group-wide talent management scheme, and helped to individually develop in order to prepare them for potential new challenges as managers.