Something is going on in the cruise industry. Cruises, which are often criticized by the public as an environmentally harmful form of travel, are the pioneers of sustainable travel more than any other form of tourism. First of all, German shipping company Aida, which commissioned AIDAnova in 2018, the world’s first cruise ship powered entirely by liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG is currently marketed as the most environmentally friendly option of all fossil fuels. Aida calls its sustainable concept “Green Cruise”, which comes after nearly a decade of development work. LNG supplies take place every 14 days at the bunker port in Barcelona and the Canary Islands in Tenerife. The good news: CO using liquefied gas2Emissions are reduced by 20 percent, nitrogen oxides by 80 percent, and soot and sulfur emissions by up to 100 percent.
Footprint measures
Green cruising also includes the use of shore power – this connects the ship to electricity in port so that the ship’s own generators do not need to be run for supply. Aida also reduces its ecological footprint by taking measures to conserve energy overall, reduce food waste and waste, or desalinate seawater that is incidentally used to make its own beer. Well, how about the comfort of the Bavarian beer garden at the “Brauhaus” with a beer from the sea water you pass through?
Despite the focus on sustainability, passengers on AIDAnova don’t have to give up on luxury and comfort. The floating resort features, for example, 17 restaurants and 18 bars, a shopping street, a spa of over 3000 square meters, a fitness and pool area with adventurous slides, a climbing ropes track and a large playground for the little ones. At 337 metres, AIDAnova is taller than three football fields in a row – enough room to find a place to slow down and relax on days at sea despite over 6,000 passengers (when fully loaded). Where to go this time?
escape from winter
In addition to the Mediterranean, AIDAnova takes an eight-day tour to the Canary Islands and the island of Madeira during the winter – ideal winter getaways. It is not for nothing that the islands are called the “Islands of Eternal Spring”, thanks to their year-round mild climate. Evenings begin in Tenerife – typically Aida with a glass of champagne or a cocktail on the panorama deck to the tune of “Sail Away” by Enya. The first stop on this sunny cruise is the island of Fuerteventura, which boasts the most beautiful beaches in the Spanish archipelago, partly due to its desert appearance – so your swimsuit is a must-have on this trip. And the camera.
Photo motifs can be found almost everywhere on different islands, all of which radiate their own character. For example, in Lanzarote, with its black volcanic beaches, some of which look like lunar landscapes and therefore provide great spots for Instagram, Facebook and Co. Another thing to pack in your suitcase: outdoor gear – Islas Canarias is an Eldorado for hikers, bikers and mountain bikers. AIDAnova’s docking times are calculated so that there is enough time for long walks or cultural, culinary or historical explorations, for example, on the island of Gran Canaria. Either individually or with one of the many guided tours that can be booked at each stop.
Or do you want some city vibes?
The capital of the island, Las Palmas, with a population of approximately 380,000, offers a typical Spanish lifestyle, museums and historical sites. Christopher Columbus stopped here before sailing to America. AIDAnova doesn’t go that far on this journey – there are still new worlds to explore. Like Madeira, the Portuguese flower island where everything sprouts and blooms. On it, well-known specialties such as the highly durable Madeira wine are produced. Be sure to try it! For example, in Blandy next to the small city park in the capital Funchal. For garden lovers, visiting the botanical gardens in the suburb of Monte offers stunning views of the city where Cristiano Ronaldo learned to play football. Back in Funchal, the basket sleigh descends the mountain at high speed with muscle power and gravity. It’s also a sustainable idea.