Aida Cruises has welcomed the new AIDAnova into its fleet at a celebration in Bremerhaven, Germany.

The ship becomes the world’s first cruise vessel to be powered at sea and in port by liquefied natural gas and is Carnival Corporation’s fourth new ship of 2018.

“AIDAnova is a milestone for our company and the entire cruise industry,” said Michael Thamm, group chief executive of Carnival Corporation’s Costa Group – which includes Aida Cruises and Costa Cruises – and Carnival Asia.

“With Carnival Corporation pioneering LNG technology, we start a new era of environmentally friendly cruising.

“It’s important now that the respective infrastructure will be further developed as more and more cruise lines are following our example.”

The largest cruise ship ever built at a German shipyard, AIDAnova also marks an exciting new generation of ships for Aida Cruises, Germany’s leading cruise line.

The new vessel combines innovative design,  state-of-the-art technology and inspiring on-board features to enhance the vacation experience – including a domed adventure deck, theatre with a 360-degree stage, TV studio, more than 20 different stateroom types and 40 different restaurants and bars, giving guests plenty of options for playing, relaxing and enjoying world-class dining.

AIDAnova set sail for the Canary Islands to welcome its inaugural guests at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, embarking on December 19th for a seven-day holiday cruise around the Canary Islands and Madeira.

The 40 onboard restaurants and bars include the new Time Machine restaurant, a new seafood restaurant named Ocean’s, the Teppanyaki Asia Grill, the Rock Box Bar and more.

The Beach Club and Four Elements adventure deck boasts three water slides and a climbing garden under the dome of a retractable glass roof.

The Mystery Room brings the thrilling escape room experience to the high seas.