When AIDA Cruises celebrated its 30th anniversary the company reflected on three decades of innovation, growth, and unforgettable voyages. But behind every ship and every milestone, there are people whose dedication helped shape the company into what it is today.

If there is one person who embodies the spirit of AIDA Cruises, many crew members would point to Kerstin Buchheim.

Kerstin's journey with AIDA began in 1995, the same year the cruise line launched its very first ship. At the time, few could have imagined that the colorful vessel with the iconic smiling lips would become the foundation of one of Europe's most successful cruise brands.

Over the next three decades, AIDA transformed from a single ship operation into a fleet carrying millions of guests around the world. Through every stage of that growth, Kerstin was there.

From welcoming the first crew members onboard to helping oversee thousands of employees across the fleet today, her career has evolved alongside the company itself. While ships became larger and technology more advanced, one thing remained constant: her focus on people.

Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Kerstin shared a message that resonates deeply throughout the cruise industry:

"30 years of AIDA – a third of my life and almost an entire working life. Today I know for sure: The best part is the people. I thought it would be a job. It turned out to be a chapter of my life."

Those words capture something every seafarer understands. Ships are built from steel, but cruise lines are built by people. The friendships formed during contracts, the challenges overcome together, and the shared memories created at sea become part of a lifelong story.

For many crew members, Kerstin is more than a senior executive. She is a familiar face, a trusted leader, and someone who never lost sight of the human side of the business. Throughout the years, countless crew members have credited her with supporting them, listening to them, and helping create opportunities for growth.

As AIDA celebrates its 30th anniversary, it is also celebrating people like Kerstin Buchheim, whose commitment helped shape the company's culture from the very beginning.

The cruise industry often measures success through passenger numbers, new ships, and financial results. Yet the true legacy of a company is found in the lives it touches and the people who dedicate their careers to making it better.

Happy 30th Anniversary, AIDA Cruises and thank you Kerstin, for being one of the people who helped make the journey possible.