AIDA Cruises announced that the AIDAprima’s first Christmas cruise to the Christmas markets in Northern Europe marked the start of the company’s first winter season sailing from Kiel.

The company will be sailing from the Port of Kiel for the first time during the winter season of 2025-26.

“For the first time in our company’s history, we are in Kiel all year round, significantly expanding our presence in the Schleswig-Holstein state capital. With this decision, we are also strengthening our travel offer to the north,” said Felix Eichhorn, president of AIDA Cruises.

“AIDA Cruises’ decision to sail from Kiel in winter not only strengthens the tourism location but is also a clear signal of the importance of maritime infrastructure and sustainable port development in Schleswig-Holstein,” said State Secretary for Transport and Labor of the State of Schleswig-Holstein, Susanne Henckel.

“Kiel’s location also plays an important role in the area of sustainability. AIDA ships have been using the shore power system in the port of Kiel since 2021,” added Henkel.

“This makes it possible to supply the ships with electricity from renewable sources when they are in port for eight to 10 hours.”

Dr. Dirk Claus, managing director of the Port of Kiel, said: “The expansion of AIDA Cruises’ winter program strengthens Kiel as a cruise location beyond the summer season and provides new impetus for tourism and the economy in the region; we are very pleased about that.”

The company said in a press release that the event was celebrated with Eichhorn and Henckel, as well as the State Secretary for Transport and Labor of Schleswig-Holstein, Managing Director of the Port of Kiel, Dr. Dirk Claus and Captain David Rienecker.