Captain Boris Becker Takes Command of AIDAperla

His name is Boris Becker (36). We're not talking about the German tennis player, but the commander of a cruise ship – soon to be AIDAperla.

On the most recent test trip a few weeks ago, AIDAperla successfully demonstrated its maneuverability. In the following days, the ship will officially be handed over to AIDA Cruises. It will then leave Nagasaki for Palma de Mallorca, where it will be christened by model and moderator Lena Gercke on June 30, 2017.

“It is a great honor and responsibility for a captain to accompany a ship on its first journey. I can barely wait – finally, it's time to set sail! I look forward to joining my crew and taking AIDAperla to the Mediterranean Sea, where we can welcome aboard the first guests,” states captain Boris Becker.

In his career at AIDA Cruises, Boris Becker has already successfully commissioned several new vessels, including AIDAluna and AIDAblu. He has also gained comprehensive experience while supervising the construction of AIDAprima as well as multiple deployments aboard the sister ship.

Born in North-West Germany, Becker relocated to the coast to study nautical science – to the city of Bremen to be exact. After completing his degree in industrial engineering for navigation, he was hired directly by AIDA. Since 2004, he has had a successful career with the cruise operator, beginning as an officer and later becoming staff captain. In 2010, at the age of 30, Boris Becker was named the youngest captain of AIDA Cruises at the time. Today, his home port is Bremen.

The Christening Cruise will last from June 24 until July 1, 2017, leading from Palma de Mallorca to three of the most beautiful Mediterranean metropolises: Rom (Civitavecchia), Florence (Livorno) and Barcelona. Those who cannot join the celebrations in Palma de Mallorca or on board AIDAperla should still note the date of June 30, 2017 in their calendar, though, as the christening will be transmitted live on the internet and various social media channels.

Cruise fans will have the opportunity to get to know the youngest member of the fleet on several introductory trips even before the official start of the christening cruise. From July 1, 2017, the 300 meter long and 37.6 meter wide cruise ship will then travel the Western Mediterranean.

Starting in March 2018, the Hanseatic City of Hamburg will be the start and end port for seven-day round trips to the most beautiful metropolises in Western Europe, such as London (Southampton), Paris (Le Havre), Brussels (Zeebrugge), and Rotterdam.

More information on AIDA Cruises can be found at travel agencies, online at www.aida.de, or with the AIDA Customer Center at +49 (0) 381 / 20 27 07 07.