AIDA Cruises is a British-American owned German cruise line based in Rostock, Germany. Originally founded as Deutsche Seereederei with a ship called Völkerfreundschaft ("Friendship Between Peoples"), the company entered the cruise industry in the 1960s and was later acquired by P&O Princess Cruises in 2000. In 2003, P&O Princess merged with Carnival Corporation, to form Carnival Corporation & plc, the worlds largest cruise holiday company. Following the merger, executive control of AIDA Cruises transferred to Costa Cruises Group, one of the main operating companies of the Carnival Group, with responsibility for the groups European brands.
AIDA Cruises is now one of eleven brands operated by the Carnival Group accounting for 6.5% of its share of revenue and has its own executive team, led by company President Michael Thamm. AIDA ships cater to the German-speaking market and are renowned for their youthful style and casual service. As seagoing "club resorts", AIDA ships have many on-board amenities and facilities that attract younger, more active vacationers.