Ernie

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Originally posted by jeffrossatsea: farcus might have had a say in this?....another carnival brand....right?.....jeff

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Aida is a Carnival brand, but I don't think Farcus had anything to do with it. Besides, it's not his style. Diva looks more European tacky as opposed to American tacky.

Just like the exterior, the interior reminds me of a rather cheesy looking European ferry.

The interior is bright. Looks cheap in many areas. I don't think that I would want to spend much time on a ship that looks like this.

It comes accross like the German equvalant on Ocean Village. It is copied from the regular German all inclusive package holiday with certain life style elements.

However they seem to charge exactly the same fares as a "normal" cruise. One thing what turns me off is having to eat buffet food all the time. (looks like the nightmare future of all cruiselines really)

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Originally posted by Ernst: All that has been said here is correct - BUT this is PRECISELY what the audience of Aida wants - Aida is VERY GOOD in serving this market. These people like this kind of decor - and they at least have no problem with a high density ship - one can maybe go that far to say that they want that. For me features like the theatrium are really interesting. (still no reason for me to book her)

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This is preciously what I have been saying about Carnival all these years. Carnival is the most successful, popular, and largest cruise line in the world for a reason. None the less, it doesn't stop people from dogging Carnival every chance they get.

To be honest, I mostly prefer Carnival's decor over what I see on AIDADiva. It's more original. As others have mentioned, Diva looks like it came from the local IKEA store. Cheap, not very comfortable, and not very original. In a year I bet it starts looking chipped and tattered. In the end I think Carnival is the better bargain when compared to Aida. Carnival has upgraded the experience over the years and for a very low price you still receive great service, entertainment, and a formal 4-course meal served by a professional waiter every night if you desire. Also Carnival ships are not as high density as Aida and have a far better crew/passenger ratio.

Over the years I have really admired AIDA and thought their ships looked interesting and innovative. To me, the AIDAdiva is a step backward.

Ernie

The decor looks like retro-Sci-Fi to me. The interiors are taken straight from a space station in a bad 1970's movie. I really do not like what I see, but I'm a 'traditionalist'.

I like to see the "the atrium" in action. It looks like they built it knowing that everyone will NOT find a seat, so incorporated lots of standing room like our 'tube' train.

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage: It does not mean that this ship will not offer a good cruise experience, I just don't like the decor as I see in the images.

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"Good" is subjective depending on the person. If anyone goes onboard AIDAdiva expecting a traditional more pampered cruise experience, they will be disappointed. You can expect a crowded ship with lines for many services, lots of self service venues like buffets, limited deck space and chairs, no room service, once a day cabin service, and standing room only for many activities. If that is your idea of a good experience then you will be very happy. It sounds more like a Summer camp at sea. Frankly when I'm on vacation I expect a bit of pampering and I don't like crowds everywhere. For these reasons I know Aida is not for me. I have no doubt there are certain aspects of Aida I would really enjoy (like the laser show and entertainment) but the overall experience would probably be disappointing for me. I have a feeling I would come off the ship feeling like I wasted my money. Maybe if I were still in my 20's I might feel differently.