AIDA Cruises Announces Youth Basketball Camps for Summer 2027

AIDA Cruises has announced the launch of its updated youth basketball camps scheduled for the summer of 2027. Aimed at children and teenagers aged 9 to 14, the specialized sports programs will take place aboard two separate weeklong cruises utilizing the AIDAperla and AIDAnova vessels. Developed in cooperation with the Rostock Seawolves and the easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga, the initiative is designed to combine professional athletic coaching with traditional family vacation experiences.

The 2027 program features two distinct itineraries departing from German ports. The first camp will run from July 24 to July 31 aboard the AIDAperla during a metropolitan cruise departing from Hamburg. This route includes stops in Southampton, Le Havre, Zeebrügge, and Rotterdam, where participants will visit a local basketball club. The second camp is scheduled from July 31 to August 7 aboard the AIDAnova, departing from Kiel for a Scandinavian voyage that features outdoor training in Kristiansand, Norway, and a visit to the Bakken Bears in Aarhus, Denmark.

To accommodate varying degrees of experience, the curriculum divides participants into two distinct skill levels. Beginners will focus on foundational techniques such as dribbling, passing, and shooting, while more experienced youth players can refine their skills. Professional coaches will lead the sessions alongside a professional player from the Rostock Seawolves, who will offer tips and insights from the professional sport. In addition to daily practice, the program incorporates teambuilding activities, group lunches, and a concluding tournament.

Organizers have structured the schedule to balance structured athletic training with shared family time. Training sessions are planned for either mornings or afternoons, supplemented by designated training-free days. This setup allows families to explore destinations together or take advantage of onboard amenities while younger travelers participate in the camp activities.

Participation in the basketball camp requires an additional fee of 299 euros per child, which is separate from the standard cruise fare. Families must first book the eligible cruise and subsequently reserve the camp through the personal myAIDA portal. Because space is limited, early registration is encouraged by the cruise line.

Concurrently, AIDA has introduced a family promotion applicable to new bookings made between November 5 and November 18, 2026. Under this limited offer, the cruise fare is waived for children up to 15 years old who are accommodated in the third, fourth, or fifth bed of a parent's stateroom on selected departures between March and October 2027, excluding suites and standard camp fees.

Through partnerships with organizations including the Rostock Seawolves, the German Basketball Federation, the easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga, and the Orlando Magic, AIDA continues to expand its sports programming. These collaborations aim to foster youth development and community engagement both on the court and at sea.