77 Photo: Alexander Rudolph REVITALISATION MAKINEN makes its mark on AIDA Evolution The Finland-based outfitter played a key role in the refurbishment of AIDA Cruises vessel AIDAbella, as part of its ongoing work on the AIDA Evolution fleet refurbishment programme MAKINEN refurbished over 1,000 passenger cabins and 18 suites, converted 12 cabins, and built a new crew area with 12 cabins onboard AIDAbella AIDA Cruises’ Selection-class vessel AIDAbella spent seven weeks in dry dock at the Chantier Naval de Marseille Shipyard in France in early 2026 as part of the cruise line’s refurbishment programme, AIDA Evolution, the most extensive fleet modernisation project in the company’s history. Around 2,600 specialists were involved in the refit including a team of 375 from turnkey interior outfitter MAKINEN. Onboard AIDAbella, the team refurbished over 1,000 passenger cabins and 18 suites, as well as converting 12 cabins into six new family suites. “In passenger cabins, the refurbishment work included upgrades to furniture, lighting and electrical elements, illuminated mirrors, wall features, curtains and other maintenance works, particularly in wet units,” says Markus Makinen, president of MAKINEN. “In suites, the scope included new furniture, ceilings, layout modifications with new wall linings, wallcoverings, carpet, drapery, lighting elements and other interior details. The converted family suites also received new wet units with Jacuzzis.” The firm also contributed to work on an area previously home to Pier 3, the ship’s coffee bar, which also acts as passenger embarkation/disembarkation area. “Pier 3 was a major scope area,” says Makinen. “Here the existing bar area was demolished – stripped right back to steel – and rebuilt into 12 new crew cabins and an entirely new space, including a crew corridor and lobby area, which features new flooring and artwork installation.” AIDAbella resumed service in March 2026. MAKINEN also contributed to refurbishment work on fellow Selectionclass vessels AIDAdiva and AIDAluna. Later in 2026, AIDAmar will undergo refurbishment in Marseille, and by 2028, all seven AIDA Cruises ships from the Selection class will undergo refurbishment as part of the Evolution programme. MAKINEN will continue its collaboration with AIDA Cruises on these four vessels.
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