Two AIDA Cruise Ships Are Getting Major Makeovers, From Korean Barbecue to New Oceanview Lounges

AIDAperla will enter the shipyard in April 2027, followed by AIDAprima in 2028, with new dining concepts, cabin upgrades and expanded family attractions.

A space you might have passed on your way to dinner will become somewhere to linger over coffee or a cocktail. On AIDAperla and AIDAprima, the current Deck 7 photo area is being turned into an Art Bar — one of several changes that will give returning passengers new places to spend their days at sea.

AIDA Cruises is extending its AIDA Evolution modernization program to the two ships, with renovations spanning restaurants, lounges, cabins and family attractions. The company calls it the largest modernization program in its history.

AIDAperla will undergo its refit from April 3 through May 2, 2027, at Chantier Naval de Marseille in France. AIDAprima’s shipyard stay will follow from April 22 through May 21, 2028, with both ships beginning Mediterranean sailings immediately afterward.

Dinner Is Getting More Interactive

The new East Fusion restaurant on Deck 7 will bring together Asian dishes, sushi and hot pot, along with Korean barbecue you can enjoy right at the table. The concept first appeared aboard AIDAdiva in March 2025, with this next version expanding the dining options.

Teppanyaki Asia Grill will also debut on both ships, putting the preparation in front of you as chefs cook your meal. These additions give passengers more choices for dinners where the cooking is part of the experience.

Best Burger @ Sea will make its first appearance on AIDAperla and AIDAprima, adding another casual dining option. The new Chilli Out Bar on Deck 8 will serve Mexican tacos, spicy snacks and fruity drinks.

New Places for Coffee, Cocktails and Afternoon Tea

The Art Bar will combine an art-gallery setting with custom-designed seating, cocktails and coffee prepared with a traditional espresso machine. Its location replaces the ships’ existing spacious photo area, changing how passengers can use that part of Deck 7.

On Deck 8, the new Panorama Lounge & Bar will offer signature cocktails and an afternoon tea experience with views of the sea. It adds another place to settle in between activities or spend part of a sea day.

The Spray Bar at the bow will receive a redesigned interior and a large interactive LED video wall. A new entrance through the D6 nightclub will allow the space to accommodate a wider range of events and group gatherings.

A Different Feel in the Shared Spaces

The Theatrium will receive new lounge furniture and seating, giving the ships’ central gathering space more places to relax. AIDA Plaza will also gain additional seating and an expanded offering, with currywurst, tapas and ice cream among the food choices.

Inside the cabins, the updates are practical: USB outlets beside the beds and bathroom mirrors with a night-light function. Suites will receive a new color scheme, while the reconfiguration of existing spaces will allow additional inside, outside and balcony cabins.

More Room to Play

The Four Elements activity deck will get one of the most substantial changes. A new net structure will span the upper level, creating an area for climbing, exploring and relaxing, while Fun Park Air replaces the existing climbing course.

A mini-golf course on Deck 16 will add another outdoor activity, with obstacles to challenge your putting. The Kids Club will gain its first outdoor area on these ships, and a mini play area for the youngest passengers will be added to the Beach Club.

Teenagers will have an expanded daytime hangout in the D6 nightclub, with an updated music setup. A Game Center on Deck 15 will round out the new leisure options.

When You Can Experience the Changes

We have previously covered AIDA’s calls in St. Maarten, part of the line’s Caribbean presence. The first cruises following these renovations will depart from Mallorca.

AIDAperla’s first sailing leaves May 2, 2027, for a 10-day round trip visiting Corsica, Sardinia, Naples, La Spezia, Civitavecchia for Rome, and Barcelona.

AIDAprima returns on May 21, 2028, with a seven-day round trip calling at Marseille, Civitavecchia, La Spezia and Barcelona. If you want to experience the new venues, those departures mark the start of each ship’s next chapter.