Ally

Today’s order of an AIDAdiva-class ship for AIDA Cruises from Meyer Werft marks the fourth 68,500gt vessel contracted for the brand in the past 19 months.

The German-speaking market is one of the fastest growing in Europe with one million passengers expected to sail by 2010.

‘To keep pace with this dramatic growth we must continue to build ships and develop unique cruise products such as AIDA that can cater specifically to the preferences of German-speaking clientele,’ said Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and ceo of Costa Crociere.

Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft, expressed appreciation for the continued partnership with AIDA, Costa and Carnival Corp. & plc. He also noted the shipyard’s order books are now full until the next decade.

The German builder is due to deliver Norwegian Pearl to NCL Corp. late this year. In 2007 come sister Norwegian Gem and the first of AIDA’s AIDAdiva class.

2008 brings the second AIDA newbuild and the first in a new 118,000gt series for Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Solstice. A third AIDA ship and Celebrity Equinox follow in 2009.

(BBC)