Makinen has begun refurbishing the AIDAmar in Marseille, kicking off the second phase of its collaboration with AIDA Cruises as part of the Evolution program.

The ship is the first of four in this phase, with the AIDAblu, AIDAsol and AIDAstella to follow in 2027-28.

The first phase was completed this spring with the AIDAbella, following the AIDAdiva and AIDAluna in 2025.

After it emerges from drydock on December 20, the AIDAmar is scheduled to sail a week-long Christmas cruise through the western Mediterranean departing from Palma de Mallorca on that day.

“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,” said 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. We value the long-term cooperation with AIDA Cruises and look forward to the next phase of the program.”

The company’s refurbishment scope is similar across the vessels, including extensive passenger cabin refurbishments, suite conversions and the conversion of the Pier 3 bar area.

Work on the AIDAbella was carried out during its drydock at Chantier Naval de Marseille in January–March 2026.

Makinen’s scope covered the refurbishment of over 1,000 passenger cabins and 18 suites, the conversion of 12 cabins into six new family suites and works in the Pier 3 bar area.

In passenger cabins, upgrades covered furniture, lighting and electrical elements, illuminated mirrors, wall features, curtains and other maintenance works, including in bathrooms.

In suites, new furniture was added, together with new ceilings, layout modifications with new wall linings, wallcoverings, carpet, drapery, lighting and other interior details.

The converted family suites also received new bathrooms with Jacuzzis.

As for the Pier 3 bar, the existing bar area was demolished 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.

This follows the AIDAmar’s short drydock in the Netherlands in the summer with passengers onboard as part of AIDA Cruises’ “shipyard experience” cruise.