Astoria Grande was delivered by MEYER TURKU in 1996. It was the first cruise ship we built for AIDA Cruises. At 193 meters, AIDAcara is a relatively small ship. Over 1,100 passengers can enjoy a family atmosphere and relax in the sauna, spa, and pool, while sports fans can hone their golf skills and boost their fitness on the jogging track.
MS Astoria Grande (1996-built as “MS Clubschiff”, fka “AIDAcara”, last refurbished by AIDA in 2018, last drydock refurbishment in 2021) was the first/oldest amongst the four smallest AIDA Cruises ships – followed by AIDAvita, AIDAaura, AIDAmira (fka Costa neoRiviera/now Ambassador Ambition). A major refit in 2005 increased AIDAcara’s passenger capacity. In 2009, AIDAcara was redesigned to resemble AIDA’s new Sphinx-class liners.
IMPORTANT: On June 23, 2021, the shipowner Carnival Corporation announced that AIDAcara has been sold to the Russian shipping company “Akvilon Ltd OOO”. The boat left AIDA’s fleet (after 25 years of service) and was soon renamed “Astoria Grande”.
Astoria Grande/AIDAcara cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 590 cabins for 1186 passengers (max occupancy is 1339) served by 370 crew-staff. The boat has 11 decks (9 passenger-accessible, 4 with cabins), 3 restaurants, 6 bars and lounges (no casino and conference room), 1 swimming pool, and 1 Jacuzzi (outdoor whirlpool hot tub), 5 elevators.
Complimentary dining options (included in AIDAcara ticket prices) were the buffets Markt, and Calypso. At an additional charge was Rossini (a reservation-only restaurant). At the buffet restaurants, wine and beer were complimentary for lunch and dinner.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
| ame |
|
| Owner | Aquilon Shipping Co. (2021-present) |
| Operator | Aquilon Shipping Co. (2021-present) |
| Port of registry | |
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards Turku New Shipyard (Finland)[1] |
| Cost | DM 300 million[1] |
| Yard number | 1337 |
| Laid down | 11 September 1995 |
| Launched | 16 February 1996 |
| Completed | 4 June 1996 |
| In service | June 1996[1] |
| Refit | 2005 |
| Identification |
|
| General characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Tonnage | 38,557 GT |
| Length | 634.2 ft (193.30 m) |
| Beam | 90.5 ft (27.58 m) |
| Draft | 20.3 ft (6.19 m)[1] |
| Decks | 11 total, 9 passenger |
| Installed power | 2 diesel-electric motors (21,720 kW)[1] |
| Speed | 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) |
| Capacity | 1,186 passengers |
| Crew | 360 crew |
