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The Mirza family from Hesse will christen AIDAnova

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Sonja and Asad Mirza with their two children were selected from hundreds of applicants in a naming AIDAnova competition
AIDA Cruises announced the Mirza family from Hanau in Hesse near Frankfurt will name its newest ship AIDAnova later this month.

Sonja, 31, and Asad, 33, Mirza with their children Sophia, 2, and Adrian, 3, were selected from hundreds of applicants by a jury.

On August 31, the family of four will name the ship during festivities at Meyer Werft in Papenburg

Naming event at Meyer Werft shipyard

Some 25,000 spectators are expected at the AIDA Open Air event, featuring a naming show and a live concert by DJ David Guetta.

Sonja and Asad Mirza celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary on the day of the christening.

An excited Sonja said, ‘We still cannot believe we are the winners of the Christening Family Contest. It will be an unforgettable event for our whole family.’

Family-focussed AIDAnova

AIDAnova is focussed on family cruising with ropes course and giant water slides over three decks for kids and relaxation area for parents in the Beach Club next door. There’s also a water playground and large mini-golf course. The Fuego family restaurant offers a kids’ buffet and a baby bistro. Landside, AIDA features family-friendly excursions and tours specifically for teenagers.

Deluxe veranda family staterooms are also debuting on AIDAnova.