Germany-based leisure cruise specialist AIDA Cruises has launched an extraordinary expedition aboard the ship AIDAdiva, marking a milestone in its fleet by embarking on a comprehensive world-cruise itinerary that spans five continents, dozens of countries and tens of thousands of nautical miles. Departing from Hamburg on November 10, 2025, the vessel begins a 133-night voyage that will return in late March 2026, treating guests to an immersive global adventure that blends luxury, culture and exploration.
This landmark journey is both historic and ambitious for AIDA. The AIDAdiva is the first ship in the fleet configured and scheduled for such an extended world-tour voyage. Guests will traverse more than 35,000 nautical miles, calling at 54 different destinations across five continents and exploring 27 countries in total. The route includes significant “firsts” for the brand — such as visits to Japan, Hawaii, and the eastern and western seaboards of North America — offering cruisers rare access to iconic metropolises and remote scenic stops alike.
Unfolding a Unique Voyage of Discovery
The itinerary begins in the iconic German port of Hamburg, then immediately sets out on a sweeping course across the Atlantic and beyond. Highlights include a transit through the legendary Panama Canal, a first for the AIDA fleet, opening up access to the Pacific side of Central America and the islands of the Pacific. The voyage continues to the U.S. West Coast, then onward to the tropical splendour of Hawaii, where New Year’s Eve in Honolulu promises a memory to last a lifetime.
In addition to these major gateways, passengers will call at island nations in the Caribbean, Northern Europe, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, Africa’s coastal reaches, and remote Atlantic archipelagos. After weeks on the ocean, the itinerary returns to the global north with a reappearance in New York City — the first time in six years that AIDA Cruises has operated a world-cruise call there — before finally sailing back toward Hamburg.
Refreshed Ship, Enhanced Experience
The AIDAdiva itself has been refurbished ahead of this epic voyage. Built in 2007 and part of the Sphinx-class of ships, it has a capacity of around 2,050 passengers and underwent a major “Evolution” programme during spring 2025. All passenger cabins were revamped, new restaurants and bars were added, and public areas were redesigned to heighten comfort and entertainment. The ship’s interior and exterior have been updated to suit the demands of a long-haul world cruise, giving guests a home-away-from-home across seas and time zones.
From family-friendly facilities and a broad sports, wellness and spa offering, to a mix of relaxed buffet dining and themed à-la-carte venues, the onboard experience is designed to suit a wide range of tastes. With upgraded technology, entertainment zones and leisure amenities, passengers can expect elevated comfort through every phase of the journey.
Cultural Immersion and True Exploration
What sets this cruise apart is not just the distance covered, but the depth of experience offered. This world tour invites guests to immerse themselves in a rich array of cultures, landscapes and traditions. From the urban buzz of major cities to tropical island calm, from historic landmarks to open-sea vistas, the AIDAdiva voyage is as much about personal enrichment as it is about travel.
On board, the crew play more than a service role — they become co-explorers, engaging guests in an onboard environment that cultivates curiosity and discovery. The voyage transforms from “just a cruise” into a series of micro-adventures, each shore call offering new insights into geography, history and local life, and each sea day offering luxury-scale relaxation.
What’s Next for the Line?
As this epic 2025-26 world cruise unfolds, AIDA Cruises is already looking ahead. The operator has announced ambitious plans for another global circuit in 2026, this time deploying the ship AIDAsol to concentrate on the southern hemisphere. Destinations under consideration include the Amazon, Australia and South Africa — signalling that the line intends to deepen its world-cruise offering and open up increasingly remote landscapes for its guests.
Conclusion
The AIDAdiva’s 133-night voyage is a bold chapter in world cruising — combining long-haul reach, diversified destinations, modern onboard comfort and immersive cultural travel. Departing from Hamburg on November 10, 2025, the ship charts a course through five continents and 54 stunning destinations, bringing together the thrill of global exploration with a refined cruise lifestyle. For today’s voyager seeking a comprehensive, luxurious and adventurous seafaring experience, this journey stands out as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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