MAKINEN completed a refurbishment project onboard AIDAbella as part of the AIDA Evolution program for AIDA Cruises. The works were carried out during the vessel’s drydock at Chantier Naval de Marseille in January–March 2026. AIDAbella is the third vessel completed by MAKINEN in the first phase of the program, following AIDAdiva in spring 2025 and AIDAluna later the same year.
The MAKINEN scope covered refurbishment of over 1,000 passenger cabins, 18 suites, conversion of 12 cabins into six new family suites, and works in the Pier 3 bar area. In addition, selected works were carried out in passenger corridors.
In passenger cabins, the refurbishment included upgrades to furniture, lighting and electrical elements, illuminated mirrors, wall features, curtains, and other maintenance works, particularly in wet units.
In suites, the scope included new furniture, ceilings, layout modifications with new wall linings, wallcoverings, carpet, drapery, lighting, and other interior details. The converted family suites also received new wet units with jacuzzis.
Pier 3 was one of the project’s major scope areas. The existing bar area was demolished down to steel and rebuilt into 12 new crew cabins and a completely new space, including a crew corridor and lobby area. The works also included flooring and artwork installation in the outside passenger area.
The same MAKINEN core team specifically appointed for the AIDA modernization program has worked across all three vessels during the first phase. Working on multiple vessels has allowed the team to build on experience, improving working methods, planning, logistics, and coordination throughout the projects.
“Multi-ship refurbishment programs are very much at the core of MAKINEN’s expertise, so the EVO I projects have naturally been an important part of our recent work,” says Mikko Makinen, CEO of MAKINEN.
“The partnership with AIDA Cruises has been professional, transparent, and above all enjoyable. In refurbishment programs like these, the customer benefits from continuity, cost-efficiency, and consistency when the same experienced teams work from one vessel to the next.”
The modernized interiors have also received industry recognition. At the Cruise Ship Interiors Awards 2025, AIDAdiva’s Premium Suite with Private Sundeck won the Best Cabin category, with MAKINEN listed as outfitter. https://cruiseshipinteriors-awards.com/premium-suite-with-private-sundeck-aida-cruises-aidadiva/
MAKINEN’s work will continue in the EVO II phase with AIDAmar, AIDAblu, AIDAsol, and AIDAstella. AIDAmar is scheduled to enter drydock in Marseille in November 2026.
“We value the long-term cooperation with AIDA Cruises and look forward to the next phase of the program,” Makinen says.
