AIDAnova – Sports, Gym & Running Track Reviewed

How good is the fitness and sports offering on the AIDAnova? We took a close look at the running track, gym, courses, swimming and other sports options, and rated them.

⭐ Sport-Ahoi Score: 3.5 / 5 😊

Note on the Sport-Ahoi rating: This rating focuses solely on the sporting opportunities on board and is not an overall review of the ship. Even with a lower rating, a ship can still be a great choice for a sporty holiday when combined with active excursions and exercise ashore.

🏃‍♂️ Running & Cardio – 3/5

Like its sister ship AIDAcosma, the AIDAnova offers a jogging track on Deck 18 with a lap of around 250 meters. It's not a dedicated sports deck, though. The track is marked as such but is relatively narrow. It's best used early in the morning or in the evening, as it can get quite crowded during the day.

The gym on Deck 8 has modern treadmills and cardio equipment – a good alternative when the outdoor deck is too busy. Deck 8 also has an outdoor fitness area with some additional cardio equipment.

👉 Solid running options – best used early morning or late evening.

🏋️‍♂️ Gym & Strength Training – 3/5

The Body & Soul sports area on Deck 8 offers modern strength and cardio equipment. The gym is accessible around the clock. As with the AIDAcosma, the strength training selection is somewhat limited and the free weights area isn't overly spacious. Not exceptional for serious strength training, but sufficient for a solid workout.

👉 Solid gym for general training – accessible 24 hours a day.

🧘 Sports Courses – 4/5

AIDA offers around 30 courses per week on the Nova – from Zumba to Abs-Legs-Bums to Yoga and Stretch & Relax. Some courses require advance registration, and some come at an extra charge. The offering is very good compared to other cruise lines.

👉 One of the best course offerings in the cruise industry.

🏊 Swimming – 2/5

There's no dedicated sports pool on the AIDAnova. The pools are designed for entertainment and relaxation – only suitable for swimming to a limited extent.

👉 Fine for recreational swimming – not suitable for lap swimming.

🏀 Ball Sports – 4/5

The outdoor sports deck on Deck 18 offers football, basketball, and volleyball. There's also the Four Elements – a climbing garden set high up under a glass roof, particularly varied on the AIDAnova. Climbing enthusiasts will get their money's worth here. Using the climbing garden comes at an extra charge.

👉 Strong outdoor sports offering – the climbing garden in particular is a highlight.

🚴 Active Shore Excursions – 4/5

AIDA regularly offers biking tours by bicycle or e-bike, depending on the port and local conditions. The active excursion program is above average compared to other cruise lines.

👉 Good active excursion program – one of AIDA's strengths.

🧖 Recovery & Relaxation – 3/5

The Body & Soul Spa offers wellness and relaxation facilities, including five different saunas and three whirlpools. Access comes at an extra charge, though.

👉 Solid spa offering – chargeable, as with most cruise lines.

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🧠 Overall Conclusion

The AIDAnova particularly impresses with:

✅ Extensive course offering (~30 courses/week)

✅ Varied Four Elements climbing garden

✅ Good active excursion program

✅ Outdoor fitness area on Deck 8

✅ 24-hour gym access

Weaknesses show up in:

❌ No dedicated sports pool

❌ Running track only comfortably usable at off-peak times

❌ Spa comes at an extra charge

👉 Sport-Ahoi Score: 3.5 / 5 😊

As a sister ship of the AIDAcosma, the AIDAnova is set up very similarly — strong on courses, climbing, and active excursions, with drawbacks in swimming and some limitations on the running track. A solid choice for sporty cruisers.

Note: All information reflects the personal opinions of the Sport-Ahoi authors. It is based on our own experience or careful research. Factual details, such as the number of available machines or facilities, are provided without guarantee. If you notice an error, we'd be happy to hear from you via our contact page.