AIDAnova is the name of the first of the 2 Helios-class ships from AIDA Cruises, currently being built at Meyer shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The newbuild will be handed over to the company in autumn 2018.
The steel-cutting ceremony for the first LNG ship for AIDA Cruises took place on February 21, 2017 and started the construction works. The 183,900 GT Helios class ships have a length of 337 m (1106 ft) and a width of 42 m (138 ft). There are a total of 2,500 passenger cabins in 21 categories on 20 decks - from single cabins to penthouse suites. 17 restaurants serve the guests, including the specialty restaurants Casa Nova, French Kiss and Brauhaus, as well as 5 buffet restaurants.
Deck 16 features an activity deck with a water slide, water park, high rope garden and mini golf. The beach club popular by the Hyperion class with AIDAperla and AIDAprima is also available on the Helios-class ships. The pool deck is covered via an openable roof in lightweight construction.
The official launch ceremony is scheduled for September 2017. The 2nd Helios-class ship is to follow in spring 2021.
Trips aboard AIDAnova are now available for booking. From December 2018 onwards, the ship will take 7-night trips around the Canaries and Madeira.