ROSTOCK, Germany, May 31, 2010 /PRNewswire/ --

- Spectacular World Premiere on the 823rd Anniversary of the Port of Hamburg

AIDA Cruises will christen its ninth ship with a spectacular world premiere on 12 May 2012 during the festivities marking the 823rd anniversary of the Port of Hamburg.

The new vessel will be christened on the Elbe in the Port of Hamburg on the evening of 12 May 2012. For the first time in the history of the cruise sector, three identical sister ships will accompany the latest addition to the fleet as "godparents".

Dietrich von Albedyll, Managing Director of Hamburg Tourismus GmbH, commented in this regard: "We are delighted that AIDA will be christening yet another 'puckered lips' ship in the Port of Hamburg for the third time. This ceremony will once again represent a spectacular symbol for Hamburg as a cruise location. AIDA is and will remain one of the most important partners of the Hamburg tourism sector over the coming years."

Following the christening ceremony, the latest AIDA ship will set off on its maiden voyage. AIDAluna will also depart from Hamburg on a new cruise, with AIDAblu and AIDAsol remaining in the Hanseatic City up to end of the port anniversary celebrations on 13 May.

Following the christening on 12 May 2012, the AIDA fleet will comprise nine ultra-modern cruise ships.

Cruises on the newest ship of the AIDA fleet can be booked from spring 2011 with the publication of the next AIDAtime catalogue for the 2012/2013 season.

Further information about AIDA Cruises can be found at http://www.aida.de

    
    Presscontact:
    AIDA Cruises
    Am Strande 3d
    18055 Rostock
    Germany
    Hansjörg Kunze
    Director Corporate Marketing & Communications
    Tel.-Nr. +49-381-444-8020
    e-mail: pressel@aida.de
    http://www.aida.de