Here's the link: http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/news/story/1306301680.html

[ 07-10-2013: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]

the names Aia bishi and AIda mitsu are working names only

best
Joe

[ 07-07-2013: Message edited by: buddhaJoe ]

[ 07-07-2013: Message edited by: buddhaJoe ]

The new Aida ships' bow...long, vertical, and slender comes at a cost. The reason ships' bows are getting shorter and stubbier is to fit more revenue producing cabins onboard. Such a design allows the superstructure to move forward, and therefore more cabins, and that means more money.

With the price of fuel rising, however, there are now other considerations when it comes to profits--namely, how to save money on fuel. We're seeing more ships built with 'duck tails' and others having them retro-fitted just to save 1-2% in fuel.

the bow of the "Aida Mitsu" is not as long and sleek as you would believe. It's actually not much greater than the Carnival Dream class - which the new Japanese ships are based off of.

The inverted bow, or "X Bow" as they are commonly referred to now (Ulstien actually has a copyright on "X Bow") is more efficient and provides sea-keeping abilities that are equal or greater than a traditional bow. It also causes less stress and wear on the vessel as it slices through heavy seas instead of trying to part them and push through them.

Most of the high-end and high-performance yachts are being built with inverted bows as are many work-ships. They are now just gaining notice in the cruise sector and now that MHI is producing two high-profile units, other builders and operators will follow.

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Originally posted by Tim in Fort Lauderdale:
Fairsky,

the inverted bow, or "X Bow" as they are commonly referred to now (Ulstien actually has a copyright on "X Bow") is more efficient and provides sea-keeping abilities that are equal or greater than a traditional bow. It also causes less stress and wear on the vessel as it slices through heavy seas instead of trying to part them and push through them.
Tim

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I have found on modern cruiseships with the blunt bow, it keeps the forcastle dry in storms since waves are pushed to the side, but make the ride uncomfortable, like an RV that kicks and jiggles on a potholed road. The knife bows of the older classic liners water comes over the forcastle but the ship heaves over the troughs and to me a more comfortable ride.

My take is regardless of the bow architecture, whether is works or not is how well it is optimized. a gajillion compute simulations eliminates the most egregious mistakes, and extensive tank testing does the rest.

I do not believe a modern ship like the Norwegian Epic for example could have been built in the 1920's and have any type of stability with the technology of the time.

[ 07-10-2013: Message edited by: desirod7 ]

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Originally posted by Salaison:
There seem to be a competition going on for worlds most ugliest ship.

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I don't know about that - I find her rather intriguing and imposing looking.

Tim

Larger Version

[ 07-11-2013: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]

If you look closely at the rendering there some interesting things show but it also looks like they are borrowing liberally from around the industry. What's the pile out of the funnel? The Sea Walk sort of bulge, some big suites on the platform above the lifeboats, etc. I wonder if those are hull balconies or some sort of promenade under the boat deck promenade? Also is that the mooring deck or something else under the cover at the bow?

The only thing is height must be an issue because the mast and funnel (a la Norwegian Breakaway) look clipped and way too short.

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Originally posted by SSTRAVELER:
I am with Tim on this one ... I think she looks very interesting. In general I think AIDA is the most creative and innovative in the industry and thankfully (so far) they have not been saddled with the Carnival corporate designs.

If you look closely at the rendering there some interesting things show but it also looks like they are borrowing liberally from around the industry. What's the pile out of the funnel? The Sea Walk sort of bulge, some big suites on the platform above the lifeboats, etc. I wonder if those are hull balconies or some sort of promenade under the boat deck promenade? Also is that the mooring deck or something else under the cover at the bow?

The only thing is height must be an issue because the mast and funnel (a la Norwegian Breakaway) look clipped and way too short.

AIDA is the only one willing to/able to do anything outside the box in the industry today. I am sorry that it is not available to Americans and I really hope they do not get homogenized into the industry.

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Allan,

the forward promenade areas above the lifeboats are attached to the sport/fitness/wellness/spa area of the vessel. Aft of that is the "Theatrium" and aft of that, the promenade areas are attached to lounges bars and restaurants.

Below the lifeboat deck, those are enclosed hull balconies a la the Carnival Dream and QM2.

The GA of the pax areas follows a close parity to the Carnival Dream class with:

2 deck of pax accommodation (1 with hull balconies)
3 decks of public rooms
5 decks of pax accommodations with balconies
2 decks with a mixture of public spaces, pool decks and more pax accommodations

the "Lanai Cabins" occupy the very top deck forward and that is a waterslide you see coming out of the funnel.

That's a lot of money to just "try something new".

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Originally posted by Salaison:
creative and innovative doesn't translate to beautiful....I have only seen the renderings from this angle......and that that angle in my opinion she looks ugly.

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Nor does new and different necessarily equate to ugly in my opinion. Frankly, I have never been smitten by many older ships but find many new(er) ships to be marvels and beautiful in new and different ways. And I find them much more interesting than say the Aquitania or Queen Mary - a ship I have always wondered why there is such a fuss over her.

The ship does sound like she has a little "corporate" influence aboard but I still think she will be interesting and likely very innovative on the inside as well.

AIDA has not released her plans/GA yet have they?

And on the discussion of her bow don't forget that is not the only unique feature. She also has an air jet system that provides little bubbles along the hull which reportedly also reduces drag. Be interesting to see how it works. Her theme song might well become "Tiny Bubbles."

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Originally posted by SSTRAVELER:
Thanks Tim.

The ship does sound like she has a little "corporate" influence aboard but I still think she will be interesting and likely very innovative on the inside as well.

AIDA has not released her plans/GA yet have they?

And on the discussion of her bow don't forget that is not the only unique feature. She also has an air jet system that provides little bubbles along the hull which reportedly also reduces drag. Be interesting to see how it works. Her theme song might well become "Tiny Bubbles."

(Yes ships did have songs .... when I was on RV Sun the CD adopted the Beatles 'Here Comes the Sun' along with Louie Armstrong's 'What A Wonderful World' and we played both sailing from ports. )

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Allan,

you're very welcome. And despite the influences drawn from the Dream-class, she will be Aida through and through. From what I have seen, she is proof that given some creativity and thought, a corporate platform can be adapted the provide truly unique brand attributes such as the Aida concept. And I don't believe Carnival Corp will meddle with Aida as they are reportedly one of, if not the strongest performing brand in the portfolio.

Additionally, if everything goes according to plan, I think you will see MHI adapt this vessel platform for other Carnival brands.

If my memory serves me correct, the deck plans will be revealed this summer or early fall once cruises are officially opened for sale.

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Originally posted by goodclicks:
And is that an eye behind the lips as it looks suspiciously like a cartoon sperm to me?!

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