As the last rays of sunlight disappear on the horizon of the Baltic Sea, the AIDAsol gives the signal for the start of its short voyage. It is a special moment: The opening of the cruise season in Rostock is imminent, and the colorful hustle and bustle at the harbor testifies to the acceptance of the cruisers. At the same time, the sister ship AIDAmar is also setting sail, and it seems as if the two ships are moving through the falling night in an elegant pas de deux. "Something very special for us, too," emphasizes the captain of the AIDAsol, Moritz Pankau, several times in the days that follow.
AIDA Cruises is popular: Numerous onlookers gather at the Warnemünde quay
Numerous onlookers have gathered at the quay in Warnemünde to witness this special moment. People of all ages exchange excited conversations about the upcoming spectacle. Even for die-hard AIDA fans, this start to the new season is something very special. Some have equipped themselves with blankets, cushions and picnic baskets to make themselves comfortable on the neighboring meadows and enjoy the unique sight to the full. Others are standing as close as possible to the action, smartphones and cameras in hand, ready to capture the moment for eternity.
Spectacular water ballet of the fireboat
A fireboat glides through the water and accompanies the AIDAsol and AIDAmar with spectacular water fountains. The dancing water jets, which shine in a wide variety of colors, form an impressive contrast to the dark blue night sky and give the whole thing an almost surreal atmosphere. An unforgettable start to a voyage that will take AIDAsol passengers to the port cities of Aarhus, Gothenburg and Copenhagen before finally reaching its destination - Hamburg.
Life is now pulsating on board the AIDAsol as new cruisers, having moved into their cabins, set off on a voyage of discovery to explore the impressive ship in all its facets. The deck and the bar are bustling with activity. Even in the gym, people are already exercising. The Theatrium in the middle of the AIDA sol forms the central hub of evening activity, where spectacular shows and the "Daily Prime Time" entertain and captivate guests.
The most interesting guest of the Daily Prime Time and almost celebrated like a star, is Moritz Pankau from Kiel, captain of the AIDAsol. "I always wanted to work on a cruise ship," the captain said in an interview on stage. He joined AIDA in 2013, having previously worked in cargo shipping. Pankau told good-humoredly that during his cruises he always encountered colorfully lit ships from which music sounded. "That's where I wanted to go."
Finally, he landed at AIDA and feels right at home there. The captain is approachable and likes to respond to the guests. Tells them about his life, his career and that he likes to do sports in his spare time. "Kitesurfing, to be exact!" During the cruises, kids even have the opportunity to do an interview round with him. Each morning, he greets guests via announcement in their staterooms, on deck or even on the sundeck. He also explains in detail what is planned during the days.
Discovering charming port cities
The next morning, the Danish port city of Aarhus greets us with bright sunshine on our balcony. Even the weather is premium on this cruise! After breakfast, we stroll through the charming alleys of Aarhus, past buildings steeped in history and modern architecture. Finally, we reach "Den Gamle By", the open-air museum that takes us into the city's fascinating past. There we encounter authentically recreated historic houses, small craft stores and friendly residents in traditional costumes, who bring us closer to life in old Aarhus.
From there, the tour continues to the impressive "Rooftopgarden Sailing". This green paradise, located high above the rooftops of the city, offers a place of rest and relaxation, which at the same time provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Aarhus and its surroundings. From there you can also very well see the ship in the harbor.
Gothenburg: culture, nature and gastronomy in the Swedish port city
In the early evening, the AIDAsol leaves the port of Aarhus for Gothenburg, the next destination of the voyage. The Swedish city also welcomes the ship and its passengers in bright sunshine. Although the wind of these days still carries a touch of freshness, but in the lee on the sun deck or at the bar we can already enjoy the first warm rays of sunshine in a T-shirt.
Our berth in Gothenburg is located just outside the city, so most passengers take a shuttle bus that reaches the center within 45 minutes. With its impressive museums, such as the Maritime Museum and the Volvo Museum, Gothenburg is a true paradise for those interested in culture. But the city's flora and fauna are not neglected either: the magnificent Botanical Garden and the extensive Slottsskogen Park invite you to stroll and relax.
Beyond its cultural treasures, Gothenburg also offers a lively gastronomic scene that ranges from traditional Swedish dishes to international cuisine. The historic district of Haga is a popular meeting place for a cozy fika, the Swedish coffee break, in one of the quaint cafés. Gothenburg is a city where, despite its Nordic location, you can find a real firework of experiences and impressions.
When the AIDAsol releases its lines at 6 p.m. in the port of Gothenburg, passengers are enchanted by the impressive archipelago landscape that stretches along Sweden's west coast. This unique formation of countless small islands and rocks offers a picturesque panorama that guests can admire from their balconies, cabins and the decks. In the evening, everyone gathers in the Theatrium to watch the "AIDAstars" take the stage with their show. The very talented singers and dancers slip into the roles of Queen tonight and make the Theatrium shake with the old classics of the legendary band.
Norway's 'summer city' Kristiansand charms cruisers
From Sweden, the AIDAsol sets course for Norway and heads for its next port, Kristiansand. This charming port city, also known as the "summer city" because of its mild temperatures and numerous hours of sunshine, offers guests a variety of ways to experience Norwegian culture and nature. The historic district of Posebyen, with its well-preserved wooden houses and cobblestone streets, invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll. Nature lovers can explore Norwegian flora and fauna on well-maintained hiking trails in the nearby Baneheia Nature Park, while those who want to learn more about local history can visit the Kristiansand Museum or the Vest Agder Museum. Kristiansand thus promises a varied experience for AIDAsol passengers. For the kids, the nearby beach at the small harbor is a great option. During the day, a great opportunity to bathe their feet in the cold water.
As we leave Kristiansand, the AIDAsol sets course for Hamburg, our final destination on this cruise. The coming day is a sea day, giving guests the opportunity to explore the imposing ship in all its facets. In bright sunshine and pleasant temperatures, passengers cavort on the expansive sun deck. The children splash around happily in the swimming pools, while the adults relax on the numerous deck chairs or enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar or in the cabin.
Sea day on board: entertainment and relaxation on the AIDAsol
The ship offers guests a wide range of options to diversify their day on board. From the modern fitness center and the spacious wellness area with sauna facilities and treatments to the theater, which impresses every evening with spectacular shows and live music, there is something for every taste. In terms of cuisine, the various restaurants on board spoil passengers with an exquisite selection of dishes from all over the world. And those who want to end the day on the ship in convivial company will find the right place for a cozy get-together in the stylish bars. Amid the vastness of the sea and the relaxed atmosphere on board, a day at sea flies by. None of the passengers was anxiously awaiting docking in Hamburg.
AIDAsol was put into service in 2011
The AIDAsol is an older ship in the AIDA fleet, which belongs to the shipping company AIDA Cruises - one of the best-known providers of cruises in the German-speaking world. The AIDAsol was commissioned in 2011 and impresses with a length of 252 meters, a width of 32.2 meters and a gross tonnage of 71,304, accommodating up to 2,174 passengers in 1,097 cozy cabins.
Not only the size of the AIDAsol is impressive, but also the variety of entertainment options and gastronomic offerings on board that leave nothing to be desired. From theaters and sports facilities to excellent restaurants and relaxing wellness areas - every traveler will find his or her personal paradise on the ship. The friendly crew, consisting of around 609 employees, is dedicated to the well-being of the guests.
Video of AIDA at the start of the season in Rostock
More info about cruises with AIDA and AIDAsol
AIDA is one of the best-known cruise lines in Germany and regularly offers cruises from Hamburg, for example, with the AIDAsol, a premium ship from AIDA Cruises. The fleet includes several ships, including the AIDAsol. Cruises with AIDA offers numerous amenities, such as spacious cabins with balconies, a generous sun deck, stores and many other comfortable facilities.
On board the AIDA ships, such as on a cruise with the AIDAsol, there are many ways to spend the days on the cruise. For example, passengers can visit the sun deck, enjoy refreshing drinks at the bar and enjoy the beautiful weather. Kids are also well catered for on AIDA cruises, as they will find special children's areas and entertaining programs tailored to their needs. AIDA offers various beverage packages on the cruises, making it easier to choose drinks at the bar. Aida sol even brews its own beer.
The premium cabins on AIDA ships are equipped with special extras to make your stay even more luxurious. Here you can feel especially exclusive on AIDA cruises while enjoying the benefits of your cabin with balcony and the relaxed atmosphere on deck. In addition to AIDA Cruises, there are of course other major shipping companies such as MSC Cruises or Tui Cruises, which also offer cruises from Hamburg.
To book your next dream vacation at sea, simply choose from the wide range of AIDA cruises and enjoy the unforgettable days on board these impressive ships. Discover the world of AIDA, AIDAsol and other ships of this renowned shipping company. Let yourself be whisked away from Hamburg on a fantastic cruise and experience unforgettable moments at sea, while you enjoy the time in your cabin and on the deck or during sports to the fullest.
Note on our own behalf: This article was partly supported by tour operators, restaurants, hotels, airlines and/or tourism agencies. We attach great importance to independent and neutral reporting; therefore, the opinions, impressions and experiences of the respective authors correspond to their personal views.
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