Tuesday, August 6, 2024 AIDA Cruises partners with Guangzhou Nansha, launching a new cruise ship by 2026, blending Lingnan culture and Maritime Silk Road heritage for a unique maritime experience. Adora Cruises unveiled today that its vessel, Adora · Mediterranean, will initiate a series of global voyages ranging from 2 to 6 days starting December 18, 2024, from Guangzhou Nansha. This ship will seamlessly blend Lingnan’s cultural essence with innovative maritime and tourism experiences, offering passengers luxurious and immersive sea travel.
The vessel, named Aida Mediterranean, measures 292 meters in length and boasts a gross tonnage of 86,000. It is equipped with 1,057 opulent rooms and suites, accommodating up to 2,680 passengers. Inspired by Mediterranean civilizations, its design features an array of Mediterranean-themed art including oil paintings, sculptures, and architectural motifs, providing a genuine Mediterranean ambiance.
The ship houses 15 dining venues and bars, offering a wide variety of global dishes, traditional Chinese meals, and unique beverages. Entertainment onboard includes the “Mediterranean Style” music and dance spectacle at the Osiris Grand Theater and numerous lively themed parties, creating a festive atmosphere at sea. The recently enhanced Aida Mediterranean also merges iconic cultural tourism with traditional Chinese elements, enriching the onboard experience.
Additionally, AIDA Mediterranean leads the industry with its spacious guest-to-staff ratio, ensuring expansive personal space and superior, attentive service. Onboard the Aida Mediterranean, departing from South China, an array of novel and enhanced experiences awaits, deeply rooted in the rich culinary and intangible cultural heritage of the Lingnan region. Culinary offerings include authentic Cantonese cuisine—ranging from traditional dishes and desserts to hot pots infused with Sichuan and Guangdong flavors.
The cruise will also introduce a health-conscious autumn and winter menu featuring nourishing soups and seasonal delicacies, catering to a holistic wellness journey on the high seas. Furthermore, Aida Mediterranean will host a series of cultural activities celebrating Lingnan’s intangible heritage. Passengers will have the opportunity to engage in traditional handicraft workshops, attend lectures by inheritors and experts of these arts, and enjoy performances like Cantonese opera and Gaohu music, immersing themselves in the deep cultural currents of Lingnan.
Aida · Mediterranean’s newly announced cruise routes from Guangzhou span several sought-after destinations including Hong Kong, Japan, and Vietnam. These itineraries not only showcase the ship’s unique offerings but also allow guests to explore diverse shore excursions, delving into the rich traditions of each port of call. Booking inquiries and reservations for these journeys are now open via Aida Cruises’ official website, WeChat mini-program, customer service centers, or through local travel agents, providing multiple channels for prospective travelers to plan their next sea voyage.
Liu Hui, CEO of AIDA Cruises, said : “The deployment of AIDA MSC’s autumn and winter Guangzhou route is an important step for us to deepen our strategic layout in South China. In the future, we will continue to strengthen our business layout in South China and continue to launch diversified routes and products that combine the traditional culture and regional characteristics of Lingnan, and strive to bring a new maritime cultural exploration journey to our guests.” Furthermore, AIDA Cruises has established a strategic partnership with the Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Home Port.
This collaboration marks the decision to base its upcoming large domestic cruise ship primarily at Guangzhou, focusing on strengthening its presence in the South China market. The vessel is expected to be delivered by late 2026 and will commence international voyages from the Guangzhou Nansha Cruise Home Port shortly thereafter. This new ship will operate with South China as its permanent base, infusing its offerings with the distinctive Lingnan culture and the historical influences of the Maritime Silk Road.
This approach aims to blend innovative maritime culture with tourism to provide a unique experience for passengers. Additionally, this initiative is set to foster a new era of high-quality development for both the South China region and China’s broader cruise industry, positioning the area as a significant hub in the global cruising landscape..
