First guide dog goes on an AIDA cruise
Barrier-free accessibility is a high priority with AIDA Cruises. In May 2014, a certified guide dog accompanied a couple on an AIDA Cruise for the first time. Nine-year-old Alfa helped her blind owner, Frank Kähms, make his way around the ship. This was a first for him and also for his wife Annelore and their Labrador Retriever Alfa. "Except for a ferry ride, we had never experienced traveling on a ship. Thanks to the competent advice provided by the AIDA barrier-free team in advance and their helpful support throughout the trip, we always felt right at home with AIDA," said Annelore Kähms.
The fact that Frank Kähms' faithful companion Alfa was also able to be by his side every day on board was a great help for the couple. Pets are not normally allowed on AIDA ships. However, in order to ensure that guests with limited vision can navigate without any barriers even when they are vacationing at sea, the cruise line has allowed guests to bring certified guide dogs on board.
AIDA Cruises has been offering guests with physical or health-related restrictions a comprehensive overview of barrier-free travel matters on its website since 2013. In addition to information for guests with limited mobility, vision, or hearing, there is a special area of AIDA's website that has a frequently asked questions section about barrier-free accessibility. The website also provides information for guests with allergies as well as onboard medical treatment information.
In advance of the booking, specially trained AIDA staff members are more than happy to provide travel consultation over the phone or via email with guests who have any disability concerns.
Nearly all public areas on AIDA ships, such as bars, restaurants, elevators, outdoor decks, public restrooms, and staterooms have barrier-free accessibility and are equipped with signage in raised lettering and braille. A barrier-free meeting that is held on the first day of travel helps guests navigate the ship without any issues. AIDA's shore excursion options also include excursions that are particularly suited for guests with limited mobility.
Rostock, June 19, 2014
AIDA Cruises increases arrivals in Hamburg
In 2015 the cruise line AIDA Cruises will visit the Hanseatic City of Hamburg a total of 55 times with five ships. AIDAbella will be new to Hamburg. The amount of ship arrivals will increase from 49 to 55. From May 2nd to October 13th, 2015, AIDAbella will visit the Hanseatic ... [more]
AIDA Cruises: Dr. Ali Arnaout is the new CFO & Senior Vice President Business Development
Dr. Ali Arnaout (45) joined the AIDA Cruises executive management team on May 5, 2014 as the new CFO & SVP Business Development. He therefore succeeds Paul Soulsby as CFO, who was appointed Senior Vice President Shared Services for the Costa Group in Genoa in January 2014. ... [more]
AIDAprima has successfully touched water
On May 3, 2014, at 2 p.m. local time, the dry-dock gates opened for AIDAprima for the first time at the Tategami Plant of Nagasaki Shipyard of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) in Nagasaki, Japan. The cruise ship has touched water and has successfully demonstrated its ... [more]