The new AIDA flagship, AIDAprima, is a technological marvel and one of the first cruise ships to be produced in a Japanese shipyard (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries). The 124,500 GRT ship is some 300 meters long, 37.60 metres wide, with a draft of 8 metres and 18 decks. AIDAprima sails with 900 crew looking after 3,300 passengers in 1,643 luxury staterooms. The ship will offer 52 x week sailings from its home port of Hamburg and consequently has an innovative Activity Deck to provide an all-season “4 Elements” luxury cruise holiday with passenger comfort and convenience as a priority. The four elements of water, air, earth and fire actually inspired the design of the Activity Deck, with AIDA Racer water slide and lazy river (water), climbing wall (air), ground level sports such as golf and basketball (earth) and the Restaurant Fuego (Spanish for fire).
The 4 Elements
The 4 Elements experience is an integrated Activity Deck. It is located in the aft area of AIDAprima and extending right across Decks 14 to 17. It provides action, sport and fun for the whole family. The area is fully enclosed by a flexible membrane ‘glass’ roof and can therefore be used during all weathers.
The Activities
AIDA Racer
For a wild ride, the AIDA Racer is a water slide starting on Deck 17 and ending two decks below. The chute is actually transparent and allows the rider to see the sea below and be seen by passengers relaxing on the Sun Deck below.
Lazy River
For those passengers who want relaxation in a more sedate manner, the ‘Lazy River’ allows bathers to drift comfortably through a curved channel on an inflatable donut and then relax in one of the adjacent whirlpools.
Climbing
The climbing opportunities on board AIDAprima are very impressive. From small child-sized climbing walls to ropes and ladders that connect one floating platform to the next over the heads of the other passengers, allowing for spectacular views out to sea and across the ship.
LED screen
Sporting events such as The European Cup and tennis or golf can be screened for passengers on the large LED screen in the 4 Elements.
Sports Deck
On Decks 15 and 16 the outside areas of the Activity Decks play host to various sporting activities. In this area guests can jog, practice golf in the state-of-the-art driving-Cage and also play mini golf or basketball. In the winter the sports deck can be transformed into a skating rink where passengers can skate or take part in curling.
Also here you’ll find the Skywalk – a daring glass-floored pathway that overhangs the ocean below. Made of glass, the floor panels of the Skywalk project beyond the edge of the vessel observation deck. At a height of 45 metres you can stand and walk over the sea! Not for the faint-hearted but anyone brave enough to venture round the pathway (there’s another one on the other side of the ship) you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view, because between you and the rippling waves is nothing but air!
Restaurant Fuego
The restaurant on the Activity Deck is the Fuego 4 Elements. Here passengers can enjoy burgers, pizza or pasta dishes. There is also good provision for young children with a special menu and buffet.
For the Children
The 4 Elements is completed by a comprehensive offering for younger passengers. There are kids clubs and a full programme of activities. The 4 Elements is all about family and fun. We will discuss the kids clubs in more detail in separate posts.
Gallery of 4 Elements
