AIDAnova is first Helios-class newbuild, set for Madeira-Canaries route

The news was announced Wednesday night during a primetime show aboard the new AIDAperla.

AIDAnova will operate a seven-day itinerary from Gran Canaria and Tenerife starting in December 2018. Apart from these islands, the ship will regularly call at Madeira, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

Bookings open Thursday morning.

AIDA's first LNG-propelled cruise ship is considered a pioneering vessel far beyond its brand and the Carnival Group.

The keel is scheduled to be laid in September, with the float-out in August 2018. A huge banner with the ship's name written graffiti-style has been raised at one of Meyer Werft's covered building halls in Papenburg.

AIDAnova continues the 'club cruise' concept focused on the German market, offering amenities including 17 restaurants and 23 bars.

Twenty-one cabin categories will be available, including 53-square-meter penthouse suites for up to five people. The novel junior suites are designed with a private conservatory (winter garden).