Table of contents
AIDAblu in Transition: Where Classic Cruising Meets the Digital Age
AIDAblu stands exactly in between. It combines classic exterior design with the first steps into the digital era. It feels familiar like AIDAsol, but offers more possibilities than its older sisters. No experiments, no over-the-top staging - instead, clarity with a touch of innovation.
Top Deals from AIDA Cruises & Co.
Built in 2010 at Meyer Werft, it marks a turning point. It doesn't yet have a show concept like the Nova, but it's also not a purely analog ship. Wi-Fi throughout, onboard information via TV, digital route maps - all there, but unobtrusively. Technology is complementary, not staged.
In the fleet, it's considered a hub. Many crew members start here. Guests often remember this ship first. Not because it's louder, but because everything seems harmonious: the routes, the sense of space, the rhythm on board. If you want to understand AIDA, you'll understand it here.
AIDAblu is not a ship of great superlatives. But the ship with which many things begin and which you won't forget afterwards.
A Wide World at Sea: How AIDAblu Showcases Travel Flair
The AIDAblu doesn't just sail anywhere. It sails where the desire to travel becomes tangible. Adriatic Sea, Canary Islands, Greece - all regions with sound, history, and atmosphere. And the ship itself? It carries this atmosphere further. Without grand theatrics, but with a sense of movement.
Its architecture appears open, almost narrative. The spacious sun deck, the clear line of sight from the Theatrium to the Ocean Bar, the calm stern overlooking the sea. No winding paths, no overloading - but structure that provides direction. Those who step on deck see not just water. But space. Destination. Vastness. In the Adriatic Sea, AIDAblu adapts to the rhythm of the ports. Short distances, ancient cities, long evenings. In Greece, it's the mix of island hopping and days at sea that suits the ship. In the Canary Islands, it holds its own - against wind, waves, and weather. Not with mass, but with balance.
AIDAblu doesn't travel the ocean, it accompanies a route. It connects places without imposing itself. And that's precisely what creates this feeling: being on the move - not as a tourist, but as a traveler.
Defining Spaces on AIDAblu: Character You Can Feel
Some areas on board have more impact than any entertainment. On the AIDAblu, these are spaces with attitude - not show design, but identity.
The brewery stands out. Not because of the volume, but because of the atmosphere. Copper kettles, dark wood, a menu that ranges from hearty to understated. Fresh beer is brewed here - in the middle of the sea. A space that doesn't pretend. Authentic, down-to-earth, popular with regulars and explorers alike.
Right next door: the art corridor. A simple passage lined with changing exhibitions, often with photography, sometimes with surprises. Not a museum, but not an accessory either. If you look closely, you'll see: Here, design becomes a statement. The visual concept runs throughout - not obtrusive, but noticeable.
And then the stern area. Open, calm, spacious. Unpretentious, but with impact. Ideal for days at sea when others retreat inside. There's space here. For thoughts. For conversations. For the sea. These places define AIDAblu. Not because they shout loudly. But because they stay.
Culinary with character: How AIDAblu impresses with its food
AIDAblu doesn't try to impress with its cuisine. It simply impresses. Not through show kitchens or food trends, but through substance and variety.
The buffet restaurants - especially Markt, Bella Donna, and Weite Welt - work because they have structure. Clear stations, transparent processes, little crowding. No clutter, just clarity. The selection is extensive, but not arbitrary. International classics, regional specialties, sometimes simple, sometimes creative.
Added to this is the Brauhaus with its own signature. Rustic, sociable, reliable. Pork knuckle with a view of the sea. A place that works - both culinary and atmospherically.
And then there's the Rossini. Reduced to the essentials: good service, a quiet environment, a sophisticated menu without frills. Quality counts here. Those seeking more peace and quiet in the evenings or wanting to celebrate what's on their plate will find it here. Many guests remember a restaurant after their trip - not because of the spectacle, but because something was perfect. AIDAblu offers exactly this moment. Often unobtrusive. But that's precisely why it's so special.
Entertainment on AIDAblu: Small-Scale Shows with Big Impact
The AIDAblu's Theatrium doesn't need LED walls. No rotating stages, no fireworks. What counts here is proximity. And the moment.
The stage is in the center of the action. No threshold, no separation between audience and performers. Those who pass by often stop. Those who remain seated are in the center of it. The space is open, flowing, unstaged - and precisely for that reason intense.
Many formats rely on smaller ensembles. Singers, musicians, acrobats. No laser show, but a hand-crafted presence. Music that connects, not just impresses. Language that doesn't stage, but reaches out.
In the evening, the tone changes. It becomes quieter, more personal. Jazz sets at the edge, a solo pianist in the upper ring, voices that linger in the room. No overwhelming, no continuous program. Just entertainment that breathes. And lasts.
AIDAblu shows that real shows don't have to be big. Only genuine.
Key Facts About AIDAblu: What Sets This Ship Apart
Category | Details |
---|---|
Year of construction & shipyard | 2010, Meyer Werft Papenburg. First ship with the name "Blu." Launch of the Trio series with AIDAmar and AIDAsol. |
Size & capacity | 252 meters long, 32.2 meters wide. Around 2,200 guests at double occupancy, 600 crew members, 14 decks. Mid-range with a focus on efficiency. |
Special features on board | First AIDA brewery with copper kettles and fresh beer. Art gallery with curated works by international photographers. |
Environmental technology | Optimized hull shape, utilization of waste heat, biological wastewater treatment. An efficient new build for 2010 - without LNG. |
Cabin layout | Interior, sea view, balcony, suites. Many cabins amidships or aft. Barrier-free access was considered early on. |
Digital equipment | Wi-Fi on board, interactive TV system. No app linking, many processes analog. Advantage for guests on a technology break. |
Role in the fleet | Reference ship for training and entry-level cruises. Popular with regular guests and crew - for reliability, not innovation. |
The Blue Route: Why AIDAblu is a perfect fit for the Adriatic
Corfu, Bari, Dubrovnik - these aren't exotic insider tips, but rather established names in the Adriatic itinerary. And that's precisely where AIDAblu's strength lies. It doesn't rely on spectacular one-off cruises, but on reliable routines that work.
The typical route leads along familiar coasts: Greece, Southern Italy, Croatia. What appears to be a classic is anything but ordinary in its execution. AIDAblu benefits from its compact design and short routes. When going ashore, every minute counts - and those who don't have to walk halfway through the decks get more out of their day.
The ship's atmosphere is also perfect. Not a huge showpiece, but a restrained companion. Those who stroll through Dubrovnik's Old Town or enjoy the tavernas in Corfu don't want a fireworks display of entertainment afterward, but a clear ending. That's exactly what AIDAblu offers.
Things get exciting at sea, too. The transition between day and night - often accompanied by open sea, a warm breeze, and a view of the coastline - works best on a ship that doesn't stage a scene, but rather accompanies the experience. AIDAblu takes advantage of these moments. Not loud, not overloaded, but just right.
For Adriatic cruises, it's not just a ship among many - but one of the best options. Because it doesn't just sail, it also fits the route.
AIDAblu vs. AIDAsol: Two sisters, two temperaments
Both come from the Sphinx class, both are almost identical in design - and yet there are noticeable differences. The AIDAblu and the AIDAsol serve similar target groups, are technically closely related, and offer comparable itineraries. But there are clear nuances in details, atmosphere, and character. Those who sail with AIDA frequently will quickly notice which ship is a better fit.
Feature | AIDAblu | AIDAsol |
---|---|---|
Year of construction | 2010 | 2011 |
Length | approx. 252 meters | approx. 253 meters |
Passenger capacity | approx. 2,200 | approx. 2,200 |
Special features | First AIDA brewery, art gallery | Clearer color scheme, calmer overall appearance |
Atmosphere | Lively, somewhat more dynamic | Restrained, structured |
Culinary | Brauhaus, Rossini, large buffet selection | Rossini, Market, East Restaurant |
Entertainment | Somewhat louder, more active | Quieter, emphasizing closeness |
Wellness area | Identical layout, sheltered from the wind by its location at the bow | Similar structure, slightly quieter |
Target group focus | Couples, repeat customers, cultural travelers | Couples, solo travelers, experienced cruisers |
Typical routes | Adriatic, Canary Islands, Greece | Baltic Sea, Northern Europe, Mediterranean |
The AIDAblu appears somewhat livelier, somewhat more open - not in terms of technology, but in terms of use. The AIDAsol is more deliberately withdrawn, playing with reduction and clarity. Both deliver quality, but in a different tone. Those who see silence as a strength will appreciate the AIDAsol. Those seeking closeness, a program, and reliability will quickly feel at home on the AIDAblu.
Cabin Comfort on AIDAblu: Designed for Everyday Retreat
No spectacular innovations, no gimmicks. The cabins on the AIDAblu focus on what works. And this is precisely what creates a sense of space that makes all the difference in everyday life.
The floor plans are logically structured. There's hardly any wasted space, but easily accessible storage areas and clear routing. Even in the inside cabins, there's no feeling of being cramped. This is ensured by cleverly placed light sources and discreet mirrors. In the ocean view cabins, it's striking how well the window position and furnishings interact - the outside becomes part of the interior without being intrusive.
This effect is intensified in the balcony cabins. A step separates the bed from the railing without causing any disturbance. The glass surface remains unobstructed, the view unobstructed. For many, this is precisely the moment when relaxation sets in - effortlessly, quite casually.
The suites offer more space, but without ostentation. Instead of design acrobatics, there is a clear zoning of the sleeping and living areas. The materials remain understated, the comfort practical: an additional seating area, more storage space, a large balcony with a view. Those who need space get it. Those seeking peace and quiet will find it.
Which cabin suits them best:
- Inside cabins are ideal for those who spend little time on board and value darkness and peace.
- Sea view cabins are suitable for those who like the view but prefer to stay in a protected space.
- Balcony cabins are worthwhile for guests who want to combine retreat with space - perfect for reading or quiet mornings overlooking the sea.
- Suites are ideal for those who want privacy, freedom of movement, and comfort - without relying on exclusivity.
Target Groups in Focus - Who the AIDAblu Is Particularly Suitable For
The AIDAblu isn't aimed at everyone. And that's precisely what makes it so strong. Those who understand the ship will be happy to return. Not for the spectacle, but for the substance. Not for its technical gadgets, but for its reliability.
Those who feel particularly at home here:
- Couples who want to travel together without being driven by entertainment. The quiet atmosphere, the spacious outdoor deck at the stern, the Rossini or the Theatrium with live music - all this creates space for conversation, time, and serenity.
- Culture enthusiasts who are more attracted to the itinerary than the onboard program. Those who use the day to explore on land appreciate a ship that doesn't overwhelm in the evening. That makes the return journey easy. And that's exactly what the AIDAblu achieves: The return journey isn't an event - but a way to wind down.
- Regular guests who already know the AIDA principle and know exactly what they want. For many, their cruise career begins here - and often the ship remains the benchmark. Because it doesn't overwhelm. Because everything is in its place. And because it's easy to get along.
For those less attracted to the ship:
- Families with several children looking for large adventure worlds will be more happy on Cosma or Nova. The Kids Club is there, but not designed for maximum excitement. It lacks slides, themed playgrounds, or large interactive areas.
- Technology enthusiasts who want to test out the latest features will miss out on a lot on the AIDAblu. No smart cabin concept, no fully digitalized journey, no interactive app world on board. Much of it is still analog - for some, relaxing, for others, out of date.
But what the AIDAblu offers to all who understand it: A ship that promises nothing it can't keep. And that's precisely why it often delivers more than many others.
Staying Active on AIDAblu: Fitness Without the Fuss
Sports are part of the AIDAblu, but without a big stage. No fitness arena with an LED wall. No climbing wall demanding attention. Instead: spaces that are there - and can be used. Without pressure, without showmanship.
The jogging deck stretches along the outside deck, with a view of the sea, accompanied by the breeze. The route isn't long, but it works. For short laps in the morning. For steps between the pool and the buffet. If you want, run. If you don't, just walk. Exercise happens incidentally.
The fitness studio is easily accessible in the upper area of the ship. Spacious, clearly structured. Equipment for cardio and strength training, plus mat areas for free exercises or stretching. No overly elaborate concept, no music shows - simply a space for training. With a window front and natural light.
Classes such as yoga or abs, legs, and bums run regularly, but without the feel of an event. No registration, no overcrowded studios. Those who participate, participate. Those who don't, can still stay active - up stairs, along paths, through everyday life on board.
...On the AIDAblu, exercise isn't a must. But it's possible. And precisely because it's not celebrated, but integrated, it has such a lasting effect. No pressure. No comparison. Just an offer - there when you need it.