AIDA Cruises Returns as Kiel Week Sponsor for 2026 Festival
Kiel Week draws more than three point five million visitors annually, and AIDA's "Between Sky and Sea" production will include drones and lasers.
AIDA Cruises will return as event sponsor for Kiel Week in 2026, pairing public programming with three cruise calls during the June 20-28 festival in Kiel. The program will put AIDAnova and AIDAbella at the port during the week, with AIDAbella’s departure from the Kiel Fjord tied to AIDA’s 30th birthday.
Kiel Week draws more than 3.5 million visitors, 5,000 sailors and 2,000 ships annually. The festival began as an 1882 sailing regatta with 20 yachts and later hosted Olympic sailing contests in 1936 and 1972.
AIDAnova and AIDAbella scheduled for three calls
AIDAnova is scheduled to call in Kiel on June 20 and June 27. AIDAbella is scheduled for a June 21 call.
The June 21 departure from the Kiel Fjord is planned as AIDA’s 30th-birthday sendoff, with special effects as the ship leaves. AIDA’s “Between Sky and Sea” production will include drones and lasers as part of the festival program.
AIDA is also expanding its food and drink offerings for the 2026 event. Visitors will be offered selected AIDA drinks in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, along with the line’s kissing-mouth waffles.
Family programming set for June 27
A mascot parade is scheduled for June 27 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., with well-known regional mascots introduced on stage. The route starts at the Sailing Camp on the Kiellinie and finishes at the RSH-Fordebuhne at Bernhardt-Harms-Parkplatz.
Interactive elements along the route are planned to include a high-five zone, a dance battle, a slow-motion parade and designated photo spots. Families and children are scheduled for a meet-and-greet from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. after the parade.
