TOP 10 activities on board the AIDAcosma

During our relaxed 23-day Trans Suez voyage from Dubai to Mallorca, we have the opportunity to get to know the AIDAcosma extensively. In addition to the exciting ports we visit, there are some highlights on board that we particularly like. In addition to the culinary highlights on board, there are also exciting activities, great photo spots and fantastic bars. Here are our personal impressions:

1. Edutainment – Fascinating insights into the country and culture

The edutainment lectures during the trip are a special experience. Here we learn a lot about the countries we visit, from their traditions to their history. The Edutainment Compass, our faithful companion on board, guides us to interesting lectures, workshops and readings.

A lecturer brings us closer to the life and culture of the destinations we visit with lively stories and impressive pictures. It’s particularly nice to see how she incorporates her own experiences and anecdotes, which makes it all seem very authentic.

The fascinating world of oriental dance is brought to us by the talented Cologne artist Tatiana Perez. She takes the time to introduce us to the history and significance of belly dancing, and those who wish can even take part in one of her paid belly dancing classes.

The astronomy lectures with Dr. Hartmut Renken are also particularly impressive. Under the clear starry sky of the south, we learn a lot about the constellations and also take a look at the fascinating history of astronomy. The live session on the Ocean Deck is simply breathtaking as the sky above us is lit up by twinkling stars. The deck is darkened especially for this purpose.

There are both shows and edutainment lectures in the theater

2. Sunset with a view of the stern wave in the Ocean Bar

The stern of the ship is one of our favorite places, especially on sea days and when leaving the ports. On the Ocean Deck on deck 16 you will find the Infinity Pool. There are numerous sun loungers on decks 17 and 18, perfect for watching the sun set over the stern wave or enjoying the sunrise early in the morning. A truly wonderful experience!

You can treat yourself to a coffee or cocktail in the Ocean Bar. It opens at 08:00, but from 06:00 to 8:00 there is coffee for early risers and mini croissants. If you like, you can also take a refreshing dip in the small infinity pool at the stern.

Cocktails in the Ocean Bar

Sunset with sea view at the stern

3. Live music in the Rock Box Bar

For rock fans, the Rock Box Bar on deck 7 is an absolute highlight! There is great live music here every evening in an atmosphere that resembles a real hard rock pub. The band has a perfect command of authentically interpreting rock, hard rock and metal classics from the 50s to the 90s. From ACDC to Judas Priest and Metallica to Surviver and Eric Clapton, a broad repertoire can be heard here.

The decent volume of the sound, the fog machine, the lighting technology and the short distance to the stage create an atmosphere like at an unforgettable live concert. The Rock Box Bar opens daily from 9 pm and the atmosphere is always exuberant and full of energy. An absolute must-stop for all rock lovers on board!

Rock Box Bar Concert

4. Relax in the Art Bar

You will find a stylish and cozy bar on deck 6, right next to the Art Gallery – the Art Bar. This bar is almost never crowded, very quiet and offers many cozy seating areas, almost like in a nice living room. Here we can read in peace or play games, especially on sea days when we use the Art Bar for a round of cards.

Even if the bar is not officially open, you can sit down here. From 4 p.m., when the bar is open, in addition to drinks, there are also nachos with salsa and cheese for 4.50 euros or popcorn for 2 euros. You can also try special gin tonics or order cocktails with AIDA gin. An insider tip for anyone looking for a quieter corner on board.

The AIDA Gin

The Art Bar on board the AIDAcosma

5. Photography on the Skywalk

A popular photo spot for beautiful vacation memories is the Skywalk. You will find this glass viewing platform at a dizzying height at the stern on the starboard and port side on deck 16.

Not only can you take pictures with a view of the sea, the sunset or the sides of the ship, but you can also take wonderful pictures of the landscape on the shore in the background. You should be free from giddiness when you enter the glass surface, but the view is worth it.

The Skywalk

Cruise Sister Janice on the Skywalk

6. Outdoor fitness and sports course

The Body & Soul Sport fitness area on deck 8 is available to all sports enthusiasts free of charge. It is open around the clock and offers professional training support every day from 7 am to 9 pm. In addition to numerous sports courses (some for a fee), there is also an attractive outdoor fitness area with training equipment. There you can cycle on the ergometer with a view of the sea, for example.

In addition, free workshops are offered, such as fascia balance, stretch & relax, hula hoop or water gymnastics on the pool deck. The only disadvantage was the compulsory registration for all courses. During our trip, a queue formed early in the morning, usually 40 minutes before the registration desk opened at 7am. As a result, the courses were almost always fully booked. Every now and then you get a place at 9 o’clock, like we did for the flexibar workout, which is great fun.

Outdoor fitness area on board the AIDAcosma

Outdoor weight training area

7. Play mini golf on deck 8

Playing mini golf on deck 8 is a fun way to spend the day with a sea view. From 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. you can hire the right equipment at the fitness and tour counter on deck 8. The mini golf course is also suitable for less experienced golfers, whether young or old. Especially fun for the little ones: The AIDA mascots Alwine, Itzi, Dodo and Achwasachwas can be found on the course. The extra charge for hiring mini-golf clubs is 5 euros per person, which is not exactly cheap, but it makes a nice change on sea days, and on our trip the mini-golf area was usually quite empty.

Dodo on the mini golf course of the AIDAcosma

Itzi on the mini golf course

8. Photo spot: Suspension bridge

A suspension bridge is always a good photo spot. As a rule, suspension bridges offer breathtaking views of landscapes, valleys, rivers or even cities. This is also the case on the AIDAcosma. There is a suspension bridge with a rope construction on deck 19 between the outside sports deck and the Ocean View point. It offers a wonderful view of the sea or the passing landscape. And it is a great photo spot, especially at sunset.

On the suspension bridge at sunset

The suspension bridge as a photo spot

9. A glass of Ahr wine in the vinotheque with a view of the sea

The AIDAcosma wine bar is located in the middle of deck 8 next to the Churrascaria Steakhouse and has an indoor and outdoor area. There is a wide range of wines to choose from, including wines from the Ahr. It is a wonderful experience to drink a glass of regional Ahr wine with a view of the Suez Canal or the Arabian Sea. The unique combination of your favorite wine and the breathtaking view of the majestic expanse of water is unforgettable. That’s why we love the vinotheque’s outdoor seating, which is even illuminated in the evening. You can also read a book here during the day, away from the hustle and bustle.

The bar is open from 17:30. The wines are to be paid for separately. But there are also a few drinks that are included in our all-inclusive package.

10. Suez Canal christening on board the AIDAcosma

The baptism of Neptune on board cruise ships is a maritime tradition that often takes place when crossing the equator or on other special occasions at sea. There is also a Neptune baptism on board the AIDAcosma during our Suez Canal passage. While the ship navigates through the narrow waterways, there is a christening ceremony on the Ocean Deck. During the ceremony, the passengers are symbolically baptized by Neptune, the god of the sea, with a (hopefully unused) toilet brush and water.

However, in order to enjoy the baptism and gain Neptune’s favor, a few tasks and fun activities have to be completed first. You eat Neptune’s hair, get a sailor’s tattoo, throw balls into a bucket and much more. There is a stamp for each completed task and with all stamps you are ready for baptism. All in all, it’s an entertaining experience and a fun memory. There is also a christening certificate with a maritime name.

Neptune certificate after Suez Canal passage