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In a first, AIDAnova to be named at Meyer Werft

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Here's a novel setting for a cruise ship christening: in the very yard where it's been built. Moreover, the grounds adjacent to that yard have room for 25,000 spectators at a huge open-air concert.

Before AIDAnova sets off on its first voyage toward the North Sea, AIDA Cruises is inviting the public to one of the biggest events in Northern Germany on Aug. 31. 'AIDA Open Air' presents a christening show and live concert with star DJ David Guetta.

Tickets go on sale March 9.

'We want to share our excitement about the first ship of a new AIDA generation with as many people as possible and are looking forward to an unforgettable AIDA Open Air with 25,000 guests. At the same time, celebrating at the Meyer shipyard in Papenburg the first christening of a cruise ship after more than 20 years is our way of expressing our gratitude to the many thousands of people who have contributed to the construction of AIDAnova, the eighth AIDA cruise ship to be built on the Ems,' AIDA president Felix Eichhorn said. It's also the line's first to be fully LNG-powered.

The festive christening will be topped off by a light show and fireworks. Who is going to christen AIDAnova will be announced later.

In partnership with Hannover Concerts and Four Artists, AIDA will be bringing David Guetta to perform his only open-air solo concert in Germany. The two-time Grammy winner is one of the world's most successful DJs and music producers and has millions of fans for hits like 'I Gotta Feeling,' 'Lovers on the Sun' and 'When Love Takes Over.'

Ticket sales open Friday at www.eventim.de, www.aida.de and www.aida.de/aidanova and, starting on March 12, at www.nordwest-ticket.de and all advance ticket outlets. The price is €35 plus the booking fee.

AIDAnova's Aug. 31 christening will air live on www.aida.de and will be broadcast aboard the 12 AIDA ships.

Shortly after, AIDAnova will embark on its first voyage in the middle of September, bound for Eemshaven in the Netherlands.

Once the ship has received its final fittings and has completed sea trials there, AIDAnova is to be delivered by Meyer Werft on Nov. 15 in Bremerhaven.