AIDA topic
AIDA captains 2026 – check live assignments by club ship
Many guests want to know who is currently on the bridge. AIDA does not publish a permanent official list – captains usually rotate every two to four months. Here you find the currently reported assignment by ship (editorial snapshot) and known home ships of the fleet.
As of: August 2026 (guidance only, no guarantee – assignments change).
Current captains by ship
The overview summarises publicly reported assignments. Before sailing, the onboard newspaper, myAIDA app and crew announcements help – successors and dates can change at short notice.
AIDA – captain assignments (as of August 2026)
| Ship | Current captain | Note |
|---|---|---|
| AIDAdiva | Lars Seehafer | May–Aug 2026 |
| AIDAbella | Sven Laudan | since July 2026 |
| AIDAluna | Andreas Etzien | since July 2026 |
| AIDAblu | Andrea Buzzi | since Aug 2026 |
| AIDAsol | Nicola Dolfi | since June 2026 |
| AIDAmar | Boris Becker | since July 2026 |
| AIDAstella | Daniel Richter | since July 2026 |
| AIDAprima | David Rienecker | June–Aug 2026 |
| AIDAperla | Pedro Ziegler | since July 2026 |
| AIDAnova | Michael Schmid | since July 2026 |
| AIDAcosma | Tommy Möller | since July 2026 |
Sources: editorial fleet reports and guest notes. Not an official cruise-line guarantee.
Captains and typical home ships
Each ship often has two captains who rotate. Some officers also move to Costa or shore roles (e.g. Fleet Operation Center Hamburg). Kristina Steinle has again been a fleet captain since March 2026; Nicole Langosch was the first AIDA female captain in 2018.
- AIDAbella – Sven Laudan, Carsten Wätge
- AIDAblu – Andrea Buzzi, Nikos Nitschai
- AIDAcosma – Tommy Möller, Vincent Cofalka
- AIDAluna – Andreas Etzien, Kristina Steinle, Marc-Dominique Tidow
- AIDAmar – Boris Becker, Max Reginka
- AIDAnova – Michael Schmid, Jörg Miklitza, Jens Janauschek
- AIDAperla – Pedro Ziegler, Max Reginka
- AIDAprima – David Rienecker
- AIDAsol – Nicola Dolfi, Tönnies Kohrs
- AIDAstella – Daniel Richter, Jan-Peter Lindner
- AIDAdiva – Lars Seehafer (world cruise 2025/26: Michael Schmid)
- Further captains include Moritz Pankau, Felix Rothe, Manuel Pannzek, Matteo Fava
- Ashore / relief – Falk Bleckert, Claas Cramer (pilot)
Role onboard & bridge visits
The captain is responsible for navigation, safety and the overall impression of the cruise. Onboard there are often welcomes, Q&As or bridge visits – but never guaranteed and dependent on weather, manoeuvre plans and safety.
Follow manoeuvres and approaches live via bow cam and position under AIDA position.
Training & uniform
The path to cruise captain is long: nautical internship, multi-year training at a maritime college, time as watch and first officer, then captain’s qualification – including simulations for emergencies and manoeuvres.
Uniform stripes indicate rank: the captain wears four stripes. Extra symbols mark the department (e.g. nautical, technical, hotel, ship’s doctor).
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the bridge?
Often yes, but not guaranteed and dependent on safety, weather and the current programme. Ask onboard for times.
Does the captain change during my cruise?
Rarely mid-cruise on short sailings. Typical changes happen at turnarounds every few months. Exact crew schedules are confirmed onboard.
Are there female captains at AIDA?
Yes. Nicole Langosch was the first AIDA female captain in 2018. Since March 2026, Kristina Steinle has again sailed as captain (first on AIDAluna).
How much does a cruise captain earn?
Guidance only: pay follows the German seafarers’ collective agreement (HTV-See) and depends on career path, ship size and allowances. Publicly quoted ranges are often mid four-figure euros per month; with a degree and experience they can be higher. Current contracts and the employer are decisive.
What do the uniform stripes mean?
More stripes = higher rank. The captain has four stripes. Symbols on the uniform indicate the department (nautical, technical, hotel, medical).