On Monday, November 23, 2015, the guests and crew of AIDAstella experienced a very special premiere in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. At around 8 p.m. local time, AIDAstella became the first cruise ship of the Costa Group to dock at the newly constructed Cruise Terminal in Mina Zayed.

“AIDA and Costa have developed the United Arab Emirates into one of the most popular cruise destinations for German and European holidaymakers. The new Cruise Terminal in Mina Zayed will further enhance the attraction of Abu Dhabi as important turnaround port in the region. With 60 visits in 2016, 40 of them by AIDA, the Costa Group is by far the most important cruise partner for Abu Dhabi," said AIDA President Felix Eichhorn.

Following the successful change of passengers at Abu Dhabi’s new cruise terminal, AIDAstella set course for its first 7-day voyage of the season to Dubai, Muscat and Bahrain. Another seven visits are still scheduled for this year. In 2016, AIDAstella will call at the new Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal a total of 23 times.

Abu Dhabi is also a fixed part of the program for AIDAaura on her 14-day voyages “Orient & India”. The first visit of this season will be on November 30, 2015.

In 2016, AIDAaura will call to the metropolis nine times on her voyages between the Orient and India.