Sustainability at AIDA does not just include technological innovations. It also means acting in an environmentally friendly manner, both on board and on shore. Whether it is ship furnishings, excursion programs, or product purchasing – the environmental impact is crucial for all of our decisions. Furthermore, we make our employees and guests aware of how to act in a sustainable manner.
Sustainability is firmly anchored in the corporate strategy of AIDA Cruises. Not only do we install modern technology on board our fleet, but we have also taken on the responsibility to make our offerings on board and on land as sustainable as possible and to raise awareness among our guests to make conscious decisions. Over the last two years, we have continually expanded the number of sustainable shoreside excursions. Success proves us right. Our bicycle tours, hiking excursions or trend sports such as stand-up paddle boarding have become increasingly popular among our guests. Those who want to take it easy can dive into the cultures of the travel destinations with AIDA and learn more about the country and people during city walking tours and culinary discovery tours. We are careful to ensure that waste is disposed of or taken back on board during our shoreside excursions. In our diving excursions, we make sure that our guests marvel at but do not touch the underwater world, as this ecosystem in particular is very fragile. For reasons of animal welfare, we do not offer trips to dolphinariums or elephant riding. At AIDA, we like to lead by example and make our guests aware of sustainability.
Our guests can access information on our ecological and social commitments at any time via I-TV in their staterooms. Interested guests can also inform themselves during the nautical hour, in which our Officers and/or Captains answer questions
Our environmental officers are available on board as contact persons to answer any questions about environmental protection at AIDA. They are responsible for ensuring that all legal requirements and the company’s own standards for environmental protection on board are complied with. We base our activities on local, national, and international legislation, such as the provisions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) a special organization of the United Nations. An overview of our important standards can be found in the chapter "Standards" as well as additional detailed descriptions in the sustainability reports of Carnival Corporation. What’s more, the environmental officers are also responsible for waste management and training employees on environmental issues.
The active involvement of all of our employees is essential for the success of our sustainability strategy. From their very first day at AIDA, we sensitize our colleagues to the responsible use of natural resources. Every new crew member is obliged to complete special environmental training program on environmental management and how to correctly deal with resources, waste water, and waste. Our officers also provide job-specific training that specially prepares officers, engineers, and managers on board for the environmental requirements of their daily work on deck or in the engine room. Here, transparency is key: In the event of legal or internal amendments, employees are immediately informed of the changes that are being made to everyday working procedures and the reasons for these. For us it is important not only that our employees are environmentally conscious in accordance with our guidelines but that they also understand why this is necessary.
