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

18. September 2014

AIDA Cruises: Dr. Gregor Brendel appointed new SVP Hotel Operations & Guest Experience

As of October 1, 2014, Dr. Gregor Brendel (46) will be reinforcing the AIDA Cruises leadership team as the new Senior Vice President Hotel Operations & Guest Experience. In his new position with the cruise line Dr. Brendel will be responsible for the entire hotel and service ... [more]

18. September 2014

Art, Cocktails and Night Cruises: New AIDA Excursions in New York

At the start of the cruise season in North America, AIDA is presenting new additions to its excursion program in the Big Apple. Guests on board AIDAluna, AIDAbella and AIDAvita can experience the new offerings as premieres beginning in September.

These exciting excursions are ... [more]

16. September 2014

AIDA Cruises once again honored with prestigious Pegasus Award

For the fourth time in a row, consumers in Germany have named AIDA Cruises as the “Most Trusted Brand” in the “Cruise” category, in one of Europe’s biggest consumer studies.

The study, conducted by the international media company, Reader’s Digest, identifies the most trusted ... [more]

01. September 2014

AIDA is Most Family-Friendly Cruise Company

AIDA Cruises has been voted Germany's most family-friendly cruise company. The family-friendly policies of over 400 corporations from 58 industry sectors were rated in a survey by ServiceValue Ltd., covering all of Germany. Around 405,000 families with one or more children were ... [more]

Pressekontakt

 

Hansjörg Kunze
Vice President Communication & Sustainability

E-Mail: presse@aida.de