AIDA topic
AIDA restaurants & dining onboard
Food is central on AIDA club ships: large buffets, rotating theme restaurants and specialties against a surcharge. What is included depends on fare and ship – lists on ship pages show typical highlights by class.
As of: August 2026.
Inclusive: buffets & theme restaurants
Full board is part of the cruise fare. The large buffets (incl. Bella Donna, Markt, Fuego, Yachtclub – by ship) cover breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus often inclusive theme formats such as East (Asian), brew house, burger/street food, brasserie or fish restaurant.
On the large Helios ships (Nova, Cosma) the choice is especially broad; older Sphinx and Hyperion ships have slightly leaner but similar concepts.
- Buffet drinks at meals typically included (details under AIDA drinks)
- No fixed table assignment: free seating, wait at peak times
- Kids’ restaurants and high chairs: ask early on family cruises
Specialties against a surcharge
Gourmet and specialty restaurants (e.g. Rossini, churrascaria, sushi, teppanyaki, cooking studio) often cost extra – or are already included in higher fares / covered by onboard credit.
Reserve on site or in the myAIDA app: popular slots (evening, sea days) go quickly. Whether an outlet on your sailing is included or add-on is in the booking confirmation and onboard.
Orientation (Helios class, selection)
| Typically inclusive | Often surcharge |
|---|---|
| Buffets (Bella Donna, Markt, Fuego …) | Rossini / gourmet |
| East, brew house, burger, street food | Sushi / teppanyaki |
| Brasserie, fish, Casa Nova (by ship) | Churrascaria, cooking studio |
Names and inclusion status vary by ship and fare. Binding: deck plan and AIDA documents.
Tips for relaxed dining
Breakfast and dinner buffet are peak times – going a bit earlier or later saves queues. Pre-mark specialties in the app. Tell service about allergies and intolerances; vegan/vegetarian options exist in buffets and on request.
- Dress code: sporty-casual to smart casual, no over-etiquette
- Room service: check availability and cost by fare
- Drinks outside buffets: FUN/ALL IN or bar card
AIDA vs Mein Schiff
AIDA leans on buffet variety, theme kitchens and club-ship atmosphere – more choice, often livelier. Mein Schiff feels calmer and more “hotel-like” culinary-wise, with a higher inclusion share in the cruise fare. Taste and pace decide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to book AIDA restaurants extra?
For everyday dining usually no – buffets and many theme restaurants are included. Specialties can have surcharges; PREMIUM/ALL IN fares sometimes include more outlets. When in doubt check fare and deck plan.
Can I reserve restaurants?
Yes, especially specialties – via myAIDA or onboard. Buffets usually need no reservation.
Are there vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes, typically in the buffets and on request in restaurants. For strict requirements, advance notice to AIDA helps.
Where do I see the restaurants on my ship?
On each ship detail page under onboard offer and in the current deck plan. Lists here and there are editorial orientation – changes onboard are possible.