AIDA topic
AIDA fares explained
For bookings from 15 July 2025, the current six-fare model applies. The old Premium/Vario labels (with/without all inclusive) are gone – what matters now is cabin choice, whether ALL IN drinks are included, and how flexible you want to be when changing plans.
As of: August 2026.
The six fares at a glance
Three fares already include the fullest drinks package in the cruise fare (usually from 5 nights): COMFORT ALL IN, PREMIUM ALL IN and CLASSIC ALL IN. PREMIUM, CLASSIC and LIGHT come without a drinks package – you can add FUN/ALL IN later (usually more expensive than in an ALL IN fare).
Short comparison (simplified after aida.de)
| Fare | Drinks package | Cabin choice | Typical for |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMFORT ALL IN | ALL IN incl. | Chosen cabin | Maximum comfort (incl. internet/spa extras) |
| PREMIUM ALL IN | ALL IN incl. | Chosen cabin | Planning + drinks flat |
| PREMIUM | add-on | Chosen cabin | Long-term planning, early bird |
| CLASSIC ALL IN | ALL IN incl. | category only | Price + drinks, selected sailings |
| CLASSIC | add-on | category only | Affordable entry, selected sailings |
| LIGHT | add-on | category only | Spontaneous/short-notice; sometimes gourmet surcharge |
CLASSIC/LIGHT and CLASSIC ALL IN are not available for every sailing. Always check details and current benefits on aida.de / in the booking.
What you should watch
A chosen cabin (deck/location) is mainly available in PREMIUM and the Comfort-/Premium-ALL-IN tiers. With CLASSIC/LIGHT, AIDA assigns the cabin number.
In the LIGHT fare, selected specialty restaurants can charge a gourmet flat (often around €12.90 per person and visit) – food is then included, drinks still extra or via package.
- ALL IN in the fare ≠ automatic alcohol under 25: younger guests often get Kids & Teens ALL IN; upgrade from 18 possible
- Early-bird benefits and longer option windows depend on the fare
- Rail&Fly, internet and spa time are Comfort-/Premium extras – not in every fare
Early bird & last minute
PREMIUM tiers are built for long-term planning. CLASSIC/LIGHT and partly CLASSIC ALL IN target daily prices and selected departures – good for flexible guests, riskier for preferred ship and cabin location.
Frequently asked questions
Which AIDA fare is worth it?
If you want location and planning security: PREMIUM or PREMIUM/COMFORT ALL IN. If you want price plus drinks flat without choosing a cabin number: CLASSIC ALL IN (when available). If spontaneous and thrifty: LIGHT/CLASSIC – calculate drinks and extras separately.
What was Vario / Premium All Inclusive?
Old fare names before the July 2025 redesign. Roughly, CLASSIC ALL IN matches the earlier Vario all-inclusive idea (drinks incl., less cabin choice); PREMIUM ALL IN matches Premium All Inclusive. Always read the current booking description.
Are tips included?
Service is built into the AIDA cruise fare – unlike some international lines with a daily tip surcharge. Extra services (wellness, excursions, extra drinks) stay extra.