Pressekontakt
Hansjörg Kunze
Vice President Communication & Sustainability
E-Mail: presse@aida.de
Main content
First guide dog goes on an AIDA cruise
AIDA expands barrier-free travel options
Rostock, 19. June 2014
Barrier-free accessibility is a high priority with AIDA Cruises. In May 2014, a certified guide dog accompanied a couple on an AIDA Cruise for the first time. Nine-year-old Alfa helped her blind owner, Frank Kähms, make his way around the ship. This was a first for him and also for his wife Annelore and their Labrador Retriever Alfa. "Except for a ferry ride, we had never experienced traveling on a ship. Thanks to the competent advice provided by the AIDA barrier-free team in advance and their helpful support throughout the trip, we always felt right at home with AIDA," said Annelore Kähms.
The fact that Frank Kähms' faithful companion Alfa was also able to be by his side every day on board was a great help for the couple. Pets are not normally allowed on AIDA ships. However, in order to ensure that guests with limited vision can navigate without any barriers even when they are vacationing at sea, the cruise line has allowed guests to bring certified guide dogs on board.
AIDA Cruises has been offering guests with physical or health-related restrictions a comprehensive overview of barrier-free travel matters on its website since 2013. In addition to information for guests with limited mobility, vision, or hearing, there is a special area of AIDA's website that has a frequently asked questions section about barrier-free accessibility. The website also provides information for guests with allergies as well as onboard medical treatment information.
In advance of the booking, specially trained AIDA staff members are more than happy to provide travel consultation over the phone or via email with guests who have any disability concerns.
Nearly all public areas on AIDA ships, such as bars, restaurants, elevators, outdoor decks, public restrooms, and staterooms have barrier-free accessibility and are equipped with signage in raised lettering and braille. A barrier-free meeting that is held on the first day of travel helps guests navigate the ship without any issues. AIDA's shore excursion options also include excursions that are particularly suited for guests with limited mobility.
Rostock, June 19, 2014
11. July 2014
Press statement on Ashdod (Israel)
For the rest of the season (up to October 2014), the cruise line AIDA Cruises has decided to discontinue stops at any ports in Israel. “We have taken immediate action and decided to not stop at any Israel ports in this season,” says Hansjörg Kunze, Vice President Communication ... [more]
04. July 2014
Dance on the Atlantic – crossing the big pond with AIDA
When the famous seafarer Christopher Columbus sailed across the Atlantic in 1492 he didn’t know where the voyage would end. In America. Five centuries after his discovery of the new continent, crossing the Atlantic Ocean by ship has lost none of its fascination and allure. In ... [more]
01. July 2014
750,000 Facebook fans on board
On June 28, 2014, AIDA Cruises welcomed its 750,000th fan on the AIDA Facebook page. This places the cruise line in a top position for tourism in Germany. AIDA joined the social network in July 2009. Since then, the fan community has continuously grown.“Direct contact with our ... [more]
30. May 2014
Excellent conferencing at sea: AIDA vessels recognized as “Certified Conference Ships”
AIDAaura and AIDAvita are the first cruise ships to receive the accolade of “Certified Conference Ship.” The ships were audited in mid-May and certified with the quality check of the VDR (German Business Travel Association).This means that the ships meet all quality criteria ... [more]