Last Saturday morning, February 10th, at approximately 6:30 am, the AIDAcara returned to its home port of Hamburg after completing AIDA's first-ever circumnavigation of the globe. The ship had completed a 116-day cruise with approximately 1,100 guests on board, having departed on October 17, 2017.
Many boats carrying family and friends of the passengers accompanied the AIDAcara in the early hours of the morning to greet it on the Elbe and celebrate with fireworks. Before Captain Tommy Möller safely maneuvered the ship into its berth at Steinwerder, the AIDAcara made another turn in front of the Elbe Philharmonie.
The AIDAcara departed Hamburg in October 2017, stopping in Lisbon and Praia (Cape Verde) before heading towards South America. As is tradition, Neptune christened the guests and crew on October 31, 2017, as they crossed the Equator for the first time. Dream destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, and Ushuaia were among the stops before the ship reached San Antonio (Chile) and Easter Island. From there, it continued to Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora in the paradise of French Polynesia. Auckland (New Zealand), Sydney (Australia), the Great Barrier Reef, Bali, and Singapore were other highlights. In total, the AIDAcara visited 40 ports in 23 countries across five continents.
The onboard entertainment program also offered top-notch enjoyment for everyone. Crime novelist Jörg Böhm, author of "Moffenkind" in collaboration with AIDA Cruises, gave several readings. And, as part of the "Celebrities Read" program, Hamburg-born actor Wanja Muesstellte presented his favorite books. Famous trainer Dr. Pedro Gonzalez kept fitness enthusiasts in shape with professional tips and tricks, and renowned artist and showman Terrél Woodbury sang and danced on board.
After its round-the-world cruise, the AIDAcara will head north to offer two different itineraries. Guests will enjoy a true winter fairytale with unforgettable memories of Norway's beauty in February and March 2018, with 14- and 15-day itineraries departing from Hamburg.
