AIDA Cruises is pushing its biggest refit programme ever onto a new class of ships. The Hyperion-class sisters AIDAperla and AIDAprima are the latest vessels added to the Evolution modernisation scheme, joining the Selection-class ships already being refreshed through 2028.

AIDAperla goes first: drydock at Chantier Naval de Marseille from 2 April to 2 May 2027, then straight back to work on a 10-day Mediterranean Highlights cruise roundtrip from Mallorca, calling at Corsica, Sardinia, Naples, La Spezia, Rome/Civitavecchia and Barcelona. AIDAprima follows a year later, in drydock 21 April to 21 May 2028, debuting on the seven-day Pearls of the Mediterranean route from Mallorca to Marseille, Rome, La Spezia and Barcelona.

Food is a big part of the overhaul. New venues include Best Burger @ Sea, an East Fusion spot on deck 7 serving sushi plus table-side hotpot and Korean barbecue, and a Teppanyaki Asia Grill where cooking happens in front of diners. Drinks get attention too: an Art Bar pairing a gallery with cocktails and barista coffee, a Panorama Lounge with signature cocktails and a proper teatime, and a Chilli Out Bar dishing up Mexican tacos and Latin American snacks. The bow-top Spray Bar is being redone with a large interactive LED wall and a new entrance via the D6 disco.

Cabins and communal spaces are also on the list. Staterooms get a new look, USB ports by the beds and bathroom mirrors with night-lighting, and clever re-planning of public areas means extra interior, sea view and balcony cabins overall. The central Theatrium picks up lounge-style furniture for a living-room feel, while AIDA Plaza gains seating and an expanded offer.

Families arguably benefit most. The Four Elements Activity Deck gets a new upper-level net structure for climbing, the old climbing garden becomes an all-ages Fun Park Air, and deck 16 gains a minigolf course with obstacles. Younger kids get an outdoor area at the Kids Club and a mini play corner in the Beach Club, while teenagers get an expanded Teens Lounge in the D6 disco linked to the deck 15 Game Center.

Why care? If you've been eyeing a Mediterranean cruise on these ships, 2027-28 is the sweet spot: you'll sail on essentially upgraded vessels with more dining choice and much better family facilities, often at the price of an older product. Book the debut sailings if you like being first aboard a refitted ship; wait a season if you'd rather avoid teething troubles. Either way, Mallorca-based Med itineraries covering Rome, Barcelona, Naples and Corsica remain a solid one-week or 10-day holiday in themselves.

Steffi Heinicke, AIDA's senior vice president of guest experience, framed the programme as evolving the whole holiday experience rather than just renovating ships — which tracks, given the breadth of changes spanning dining, cabins, bars and kids' zones.

Story first reported by Cruise Industry News.