AIDAdiva Becomes Line's First Ship to Transit Panama Canal

AIDAdiva became the first AIDA Cruises ship to transit the Panama Canal on Dec. 6, 2025, completing the crossing during the vessel’s 133-night world cruise.

The milestone came as AIDA Cruises, the German brand under Carnival Corporation, continues a multi-ship modernization effort under its AIDA Evolution program, including a recently completed seven-week dry dock for AIDAluna in France.

AIDAluna returns to service after a seven-week dry dock in France

AIDAluna’s shipyard period overhauled guest accommodations and public spaces, with every cabin redesigned and updated fittings added throughout. The refurbished cabins now include USB and USB-C charging ports, reflecting the line’s push to modernize the onboard experience as part of AIDA Evolution, a program focused on the brand’s Selection fleet.

AIDA also refreshed suites across the ship and introduced new stern suites designed to expand premium outdoor space. The stern suites add a private sun deck, and the wider suite category was supported with new dedicated venues intended to build out a more defined “ship-within-a-ship” experience.

• Cabins and suites were redesigned across the ship, including the addition of USB and USB-C charging ports and new stern suites with a private sun deck.
• New suite-only areas were introduced, including a suite lounge and a Sky Deck with two hot tubs and cabanas.
• High-traffic venues were modernized, including the Theatrium, which received upgraded lighting and sound technology.
• Wellness and family areas were expanded with a new nail and hair spa, two new wellness suites, a redesigned kids club, a Fun Park with a climbing tower, and a game center.
• Guest-facing technology was added, including interactive screens in public areas and RFID boarding passes for embarkation.

Dining, entertainment, and family areas were among the high-traffic upgrades

AIDAluna’s updated onboard lineup includes 10 restaurants and snack bars and 13 bars and cafes, an expansion intended to broaden choices across casual and sit-down options. In entertainment, AIDA modernized the ship’s Theatrium with updated lighting and sound technology aimed at improving the show experience.

For families, the refit introduced a new Fun Park with a climbing tower, a newly designed kids club, and a game center. On the wellness side, the ship received a new nail and hair spa and two new wellness suites.

RFID boarding passes and interactive screens added onboard

Alongside physical renovations, AIDAluna’s dry dock introduced interactive screens in public areas and moved embarkation to RFID boarding passes for guests. AIDA presented the technology additions as part of AIDA Evolution’s emphasis on pairing shipwide refurbishments with updated onboard systems.

AIDAdiva’s world cruise included a first for the brand in the Panama Canal

AIDAdiva’s Panama Canal transit took place during a 133-night world cruise that spans 54 destinations across 27 countries. AIDA said the crossing offered guests the chance to travel from the Caribbean to the Pacific through the canal’s original locks.

The world cruise began in Hamburg in early November and included calls in North America, including Boston, New York City, Charleston, and Miami, before moving into the Caribbean. The itinerary also included stops such as Belize City and Cozumel, followed by Colón, Panama, before continuing through Central America, California, Hawaii, and across the Pacific to Asia.

AIDAdiva completed its own seven-week refit under AIDA Evolution before the world cruise, with updates that included upgraded staterooms, updated technology, expanded entertainment, new restaurants, and redesigned public areas across three decks.

AIDA Evolution: a fleetwide rollout through 2028

Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, linked the recent shipyard work to a broader investment in smaller ships in the fleet. “With AIDA Evolution, we are investing a three-digit million sum in the modernization of our Selection fleet,” Eichhorn said.

“In doing so, we are clearly committed to our smaller ships and making them fit for the future both in terms of the travel experience and technical innovations and sustainability. AIDAluna is another milestone on this path,” he added.

AIDA Cruises has said five additional ships are scheduled to be remodeled between now and 2028 as the program continues through successive refit cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the AIDA Evolution program?

AIDA Evolution is AIDA Cruises’ modernization initiative for its Selection fleet. The program involves major ship refits that combine updated guest spaces with technical innovations and sustainability-related goals, and it is scheduled to continue through 2028.

What are RFID boarding passes on a cruise ship?

RFID boarding passes are guest credentials that use radio-frequency identification, allowing the cruise line to support touch-based scanning and identity checks during the boarding process. AIDA introduced RFID boarding passes on AIDAluna as part of its recent refit.

How many more AIDA ships will be modernized under AIDA Evolution?

AIDA Cruises has said five additional ships are scheduled to be remodeled between now and 2028 under the AIDA Evolution program.

Why was AIDAdiva’s Panama Canal transit significant?

AIDAdiva’s Panama Canal transit on Dec. 6, 2025 marked the first time an AIDA Cruises ship sailed through the canal. The crossing took place during the ship’s 133-night world cruise.

What sustainability efforts are part of the AIDA Evolution program?

AIDA has said the program incorporates technology upgrades intended to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, and it includes a focus on modernizing onboard waste management systems and adopting eco-friendly practices across fleet operations.