AIDA Luna shines again in Palma after shipyard stay — Stars on board and new routes

AIDA Luna shines again in Palma after shipyard stay — Stars on board and new routes

Renovated ship docks, celebrities come aboard, soon heading for the Canary Islands

Late in the morning, as seagulls circled above the Passeig Marítim and the sounds of the harbour cranes mingled with the clack of pedestrians' shoes, the AIDA Luna berthed in Palma once more. It no longer smelled of fresh metal from a shipyard, but of polish, new upholstery and — almost tangibly — a refreshed interior. For many locals, such a moment is a small event: a large ship returns, workers wave from the quay, tourists hold up their phones, and the city regains a touch of bustle.

The Rostock-based cruise line had the ship overhauled in Marseille; after just over seven weeks in the yard, the AIDA Luna arrived in Mallorca in a new look. There are detailed technical lists of what was modernised — but what you notice immediately are the altered areas, the brighter public zones and the small details only regular guests usually spot: new lounge upholstery, changed circulation routes, and additional leisure options. All of this ensures that the Luna will be competitive again for upcoming sailings.

Several familiar faces joined the inaugural sailing from Palma. The presence of guests from the entertainment industry always creates a little excitement on the pier: photographers look for the right angles, and people on the waterfront promenade speculate about possible onboard events. For the island this means more than a pretty picture: onboard events and longer calls bring extra income for service providers in Palma — from taxi drivers to caterers and the small shops in the old town.

In the coming weeks the itinerary will remain Mediterranean: ports such as Marseille, Palamós and Barcelona are on the schedule before, over Christmas and New Year, the route continues towards Spain, Italy and Gibraltar. From 5 January 2026 the ship will then set course for the Canary Islands and take over the winter routes there. This is welcome news for the port of Palma, as such redeployments help extend the season: when ships dock and depart in winter, logisticians, dockworkers and service companies remain busy.

The renewal now visible is part of a larger programme: several ships of this class are due to be modernised in the coming years. The work follows a schedule that runs into spring 2028. The AIDA Bella is next, followed by other units of the fleet. This is relevant for Mallorca because the island regularly serves as a stopover in the western Mediterranean — and the more modern the ships, the more likely longer or new routes become.

On Paseo Mallorca, where cafés switched on their heaters and waiters took orders with practiced ease, residents and visitors discussed whether more cruise ships bring valuable income to the city or whether too many calls overcrowd the promenade. Both are true: a full ship means work for many, while at the same time it requires coordinated organisation by the port, the city and tourism businesses. In recent years Palma has learned to handle such peaks — and introduced small, pragmatic solutions, such as staggered shuttle buses or staggered berthing slots so that not all guests flood the old town at once.

For Mallorca's winter economy the launch of the renovated AIDA Luna is a positive sign. It shows that cruise lines continue to invest in their fleets and value the island as an important hub. That opens up opportunities for restaurants, cultural organisers and day-trip providers who specifically hope for steadier income in the low season. Those standing on the quay noticed not only the ship, but also familiar faces: dockworkers who have worked here for decades and young service staff who have only joined the operation in recent years.

Outlook: The next months will bring more activity on the water. For travellers this means varied short trips in the Mediterranean during the pre-Christmas period and then more exotic winter routes toward the Canary Islands. For the island it means staying prepared — with flexible offers, short transfer options and attention to how onboard events can be linked with local offerings. A small tip: near the end of the season locals often find good deals on theatre or concert tickets onboard — if you're spontaneous, you might still catch a glimpse of the show programmes.

Conclusion: The AIDA Luna is back, shinier than before and a pragmatic win for Palma in the colder season. Harbour activity remains lively; the city benefits when planning and practice go hand in hand. And if you stand on a winter afternoon at the Passeig Marítim, you may notice: such ships always tell stories — of technology, work and the continual shaping of a form of travel that both endures and changes.