AIDA Gibraltar 2025

AIDA Mediterranean tour – Gibraltar

Our Mediterranean cruise on AIDAluna began unusually early. We set off from Hanover for Mallorca at 5 a.m. But the early start had a clear advantage: we were at the port very early and were among the first guests on board. There was something special about stepping onto a ship that was still almost quiet.

This was the ship's first voyage after her time in dry dock. As soon as we came aboard, you could tell that a lot had been refreshed and modernised. Everything looked bright, well thought out and very well kept – without losing the ship's familiar character.

We had deliberately chosen a special cabin at the bow, and that choice more than paid off. The view forwards, straight out over the bow to the open sea, was impressive. Especially in quiet moments, you had the feeling of standing at the very front of the journey – with a clear view of the horizon and the waves.

A real highlight was the Theatrium. After the refit it looked open, modern and inviting. The combination of stage, bars and seating felt spacious and lively. The ship's furnishings as a whole were convincing too: tasteful materials, clean lines and lots of small details showing how much importance had been placed on atmosphere and comfort.

In the evening the welcome dinner at Rossini was on the programme – a perfect start to the trip. The food was excellent, finely balanced and served with great attention to detail. Add a very stylish ambience and attentive service – an evening that immediately brought on the holiday feeling.

Later in the evening the time had come: AIDAluna cast off, slowly and majestically, heading for Gibraltar. Leaving the port of Mallorca behind from the deck, as the lights grew smaller and the sea lay ahead of us, was a quiet, almost magical moment. By now at the latest it was clear: the journey had begun.

Day 2 – Sea day towards Gibraltar

The second day was all about slowing down – a classic sea day, just as you'd wish for. AIDAluna glided calmly through the Mediterranean, the sea was as smooth as glass and the weather pleasantly warm – just the right mix of sun and fresh breeze.

The day began with a leisurely breakfast at Rossini. In a quiet atmosphere with a view of the sea, it was a glorious way to start the day. No time pressure, no appointments – simply settling into holiday mode.

Afterwards we made use of the varied offerings on board: a bit of sport to balance things out, followed by pure relaxation with the massages we had booked in advance. The combination of exercise and wellness was perfectly balanced and felt like a little reset. In between, again and again, a look out at the open sea – this feeling of space and calm is simply something special at sea.

An all-round successful sea day that whetted our appetite for the next destination.

Day 3 – Gibraltar

On the third day we reached Gibraltar. As you sail in, you're struck by the distinctive Rock of Gibraltar, towering majestically over the town and harbour – an unmistakable landmark and an instant eye-catcher.

After docking we went straight from the ship into town. Unfortunately the planned cable car ride up the Rock had to be dropped, as it is closed until 2027 for extensive renovation work. But even without the cable car, Gibraltar had plenty to offer.

We explored the town on foot. Gibraltar is a fascinating mix of British flair and Mediterranean way of life. Red telephone boxes, English pubs and street names meet Spanish lifestyle, palm trees and narrow, lively lanes. Main Street in particular, with its many shops, cafés and small stores, invites you to stroll.

Everywhere you can feel the special history of this place: a British overseas territory, strategically important and culturally unique. The view of the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean and the Atlantic meet, is impressive – on clear days you can even make out the coast of Africa.

In the afternoon we returned on board. AIDAluna finally sailed out again, heading for Málaga, while the lights of Gibraltar slowly disappeared behind us. An atmospheric end to an eventful day was the suite guests' meeting in the new Panorama Bar on AIDAluna.

Travel diary – Day 4: Málaga

The morning greeted us with real winter luxury: 16 degrees, brilliant sunshine and that special, relaxed atmosphere that Andalusia exudes even in December. Today Málaga was on the plan, with an excursion booked through AIDA in advance to the Bioparc near the city. The price of 59 euros quickly proved fair, as the regular admission alone is around 30 euros.

At 9.30 a.m. sharp we set off by bus from the port. The ride took about 45 minutes and led us through the gentle countryside around Málaga until we reached the Bioparc – a zoo that stands out pleasantly from classic animal parks.

What struck us immediately: no classic cages, no visible bars. Instead, near-natural habitats cleverly separated by watercourses, rocks and plants. You feel less like a visitor and more like a quiet guest in the middle of the animals' habitat. Particularly impressive were the African areas with giraffes, rhinos and hippos, which you could watch up close. The large aviaries with exotic birds and the playful lemurs also amazed us again and again. The park is lovingly designed, quiet and clean, with lots of shady paths – ideal for a relaxed tour.

After an eventful morning we went back to the ship in the early afternoon. We deliberately used the rest of the day to switch off: a bit of sport, a visit to the wellness area and simply enjoying our time on board.

In the evening came another highlight: an excellent dinner at the East Fusion restaurant. Asian-inspired cuisine, perfectly balanced, in a stylish ambience – a wonderful end to the day.

When AIDAluna finally left Málaga and set course for Cartagena, we had a sunny excursion, lots of special impressions and a thoroughly successful day behind us.

Travel diary – Day 5: Cartagena

In the morning AIDAluna docked gently in the port of Cartagena. 17 degrees, mild winter sunshine and that clear Mediterranean light that makes everything look a little friendlier. After a relaxed and, as always, excellent breakfast at Rossini, we went ashore. No excursion, no bus, no time pressure – the city begins practically right behind the port gate, less than five minutes on foot. Luxury in its most understated form.

Cartagena is a surprise. At first glance the city seems quiet and manageable, but it's a layered model of history: Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, Spaniards – all have left their mark here. Our first big stop was the Roman theatre, one of the most important in Spain. It's nestled between modern buildings and reveals itself only step by step. That's exactly what makes the impression so strong: you walk through a museum, through corridors and exhibition rooms, and suddenly the view opens up onto the enormous stone tiers. Over 2,000 years old, astonishingly well preserved, and with acoustics that still inspire awe today. History that isn't behind glass but takes up space.

Straight afterwards we visited the Museo Naval, the city's maritime museum. Cartagena is still an important base of the Spanish navy, and you can tell. Models of warships, historic navigation instruments, uniforms and maps tell of seafaring, discoveries and military strategy. The contrast is particularly exciting: outside, modern harbour life; inside, centuries of maritime history. For a port city, this museum isn't an extra – it's identity.

In between there was time to simply stroll through the streets: palm trees, small squares, cafés, Spanish composure. Cartagena doesn't feel overcrowded, rather pleasantly unhurried – a city that has nothing to prove.

In the evening we returned on board. The sun slowly sank over the harbour, the lights of the city were reflected in the water, and shortly afterwards it was cast off again. Cartagena stayed behind, and AIDAluna set course for Valencia. A quiet, lovely day – exactly the kind of stage that makes a Mediterranean cruise so special.