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Long in coming, AIDAprima prepares to take its first passengers

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Capt. Detlef Harms on the bridge of AIDAprima (Photo: AIDA Cruises)
The newly delivered AIDAprima is currently in Singapore loading 40 containers of equipment on its stopover en route from Japan to Europe. During the transit to Hamburg, the approximately 900 crew on board are busy preparing to receive their first passengers.

The container contents will be used to stock shops in the 2,200 square-meter shopping arcade, AIDA Plaza, and the art gallery. Light and sound settings in the new Theatrium, Beach Club and Four Elements are going to be tested, and the AIDA Show Ensemble has begun rehearsing.

On Tuesday Capt. Detlef Harms is scheduled to give the command to set sail to the next stage. AIDAprima is expected to arrive at Salalah, Oman, on March 29.

Starting April 30, Hamburg will be the homeport for seven-day round-trips to western European capitals.

Before that, AIDA Cruises is offering an additional four-day cruise from Hamburg to Southampton on April 25. The sailing was opened for bookings today, with prices starting at €499 per person in an inside stateroom.

After a lengthy building saga, AIDAprima was handed over to AIDA Cruises by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki earlier this month.