AIDA Cruises has announced that Kristina Steinle has taken command of the cruise ship AIDAluna. The update was shared on social media, where AIDA highlighted Steinle’s long-standing connection to the vessel. She first joined the company in 2013 as a third officer aboard AIDAluna — the same ship she now commands.

A Return to Where It All Began

For Steinle, taking command of AIDAluna represents a full-circle moment. In a video message, she described the ship as having a “very special connection” to her career, as it was her first assignment at sea with AIDA Cruises.

Over the years, she has served in a variety of roles across the fleet, gaining experience on multiple ships, including involvement in the launch phase of AIDAperla.

Leadership and Responsibility

Now at the helm of AIDAluna, Steinle assumes full responsibility for the vessel, its crew, and its guests. She emphasized the importance of teamwork onboard, highlighting that cooperation across all departments is essential to delivering a successful cruise experience.

“We are one team,” she said, stressing the value of open communication and mutual respect regardless of rank.

Her leadership also reflects the gradual shift toward greater diversity on the bridge, an area traditionally dominated by men, with many social media users praising her appointment as an encouraging sign.

A Dynamic Sailing Season Ahead

AIDAluna’s upcoming itineraries under Steinle’s command will take the ship across a wide range of destinations. The current deployment includes a voyage from the Canary Islands to Hamburg, followed by sailings to Northern Europe, including Norway, Svalbard, and Iceland, as well as routes to the United Kingdom, France, and Spain.

She also expressed enthusiasm for future voyages, particularly those to Japan, pointing to the diverse and evolving nature of the ship’s schedule.

Looking Ahead

As she steps into command of AIDAluna, Steinle said she is looking forward to creating memorable experiences for both guests and crew.

“I am very much looking forward to experiencing many unforgettable journeys together with our crew and our guests,” she said.

Her return to the ship where her journey began adds a personal dimension to her leadership — one that reflects both experience and continuity within AIDA Cruises.