AIDAcara is first ship in AIDA fleet to dock Down Under

On Tuesday evening, December 19, 2017 (CET), AIDAcara was the first ship in the AIDA fleet to dock at the harbor in Sydney, Australia. This first docking during her world cruise – which, over 116 days, will take the ship to 41 ports in 23 countries on five continents – was streamed live on the AIDA Facebook fan page. For AIDAcara’s guests and crew it was already Wednesday morning, December 20, 2017.

Before the world cruise ship with around 1,100 guests on board docked at the Australian mega city, Captain Tommy Möller sailed past the famous shell-shaped Opera House. Beneath blazing sunshine AIDAcara then made her way to the White Bay Cruise Terminal with its fascinating view of the city’s skyline. The first docking “Down Under” was watched by many people live on Facebook.

On Thursday, December 21, 2017, AIDAcara will sail from Sydney, heading for the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns, where guests will be able to celebrate a real Australian Christmas on Monday, December 25, 2017, with Santa Claus and didgeridoo players. Afterwards the cruise travels on to the most northerly city on the fifth continent, Darwin, which will welcome the world cruise ship on Friday, December 29, 2017, in a number of ways, including with a crocodile safari. On December 31, AIDAcara will be north of Australia and will be celebrating the new year – at 5 p.m. CET – with four traditional double-stroke drum rolls and a dazzling New Year’s Gala. Those on board looking forward to this unique turn of the year include crime thriller author Jörg Böhm who has written the cruise-based novel “Moffenkind” in conjunction with AIDA Cruises, astronomy expert Dr. Hartmut Renken, and comedian Thorsten Bär. It is also a very special occasion for Captain Tommy Müller, as AIDAcara will have the privilege of being the first ship in the fleet with the smiling lips to ring in 2018. “We’ll be the first ones sending out our good wishes and thoughts from the ocean around the world for all the guests, their families and the crew members aboard AIDA.”

After spending New Year’s Day in the Komodo Islands (Indonesia), AIDAcara will sail on to Lomok (Indonesia), across the equator to glittering Singapore, and on to the cultural treasures of Langkawi (Malaysia). On her voyage to the most fascinating destinations in the world, she will also be taking in Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Malé in the Maldives. Those on board include the author and screenplay writer Derek Meister, and actor Wanja Mues. Once the ship reaches Singapore, the native of Hamburg will be presenting his favorite books as part of the “Celebrities Read” series. Premium lecturer Knut Edler von Hoffmann will be providing guests with information and solid background on the various sights and excursion options at the ship’s dream destinations, while moderator and running trainer Ilka Groenewold will be getting sport-loving guests into shape with professional tips and fascia yoga. Illustrious guest artiste and entertainer, Terrél Woodbury will be putting the cherry on the cake of the upcoming world cruise’s entertainment program with singing, dancing and choreography.
The second world cruise will already be getting underway to the cry of “cast off!” in October 2018. Over the course of 118 days AIDAura will travel to 41 ports in 20 countries on four continents. Until her return on February 2, 2019, she will be the first ship in AIDA’s history to dock at a number of different destinations. These include South Africa, Namibia, Melbourne, Tasmania and the South Sea archipelagos of Fiji, Samoa and New Caledonia.

AIDA presents details of the cruise and the board program as well as inspiring videos and interviews that provide interesting insights into the individual countries and their inhabitants at www.aidaselection.de.

More information and bookings at travel agencies, at the AIDA Customer Center at +49 (0) 381 / 20 27 07 07 or at www.aida.de.