AIDAdiva Donates 4,400+ Furniture Pieces to Charity

As part of its AIDA Evolution sustainability program, AIDA Cruises has donated more than 4,400 pieces of gently used furniture from its cruise ship AIDAdiva to the German nonprofit organization DER HAFEN HILFT! eV. The donation was carried out during the vessel’s refurbishment at the Chantier Naval shipyard in Marseille, which took place between February 3 and March 22, 2025. 

The items donated included armchairs, stools, and chairs previously used in the ship’s restaurants, lounges, and central Theatrium. These pieces, now replaced as part of the renovation, are being repurposed to benefit communities and organizations in need. 

DER HAFEN HILFT! eV, based in Hamburg, works to provide in-kind donations to individuals and nonprofits facing difficult circumstances. While its primary focus is in Hamburg and surrounding areas, the organization also extends its support to other regions, including the Ahr Valley and Ukraine. AIDA Cruises began collaborating with the charity in 2023 and is now expanding its involvement across its entire fleet. 

"Together with DER HAFEN HILFT! eV and Daimler Truck AG, we carefully coordinated the furniture transfer in three phases while AIDAdiva was in dry dock," said Marc Spingler, Director of Hotel Maintenance Dry Docks & Refit at AIDA Cruises. "It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our well-preserved furniture is now helping people in need. We’re excited to continue this collaboration as we roll out more sustainability projects under AIDA Evolution." 

The AIDAdiva crew played a vital role in organizing the donation logistics, ensuring it was completed efficiently within the shipyard’s limited timeframe. The donated furniture has since been distributed to several organizations, including the Ukrainian Civil Defense Force, where there is an ongoing need for basic furnishings. 

Other beneficiaries include the Reso Center for Disadvantaged Animals in Lower Saxony, which used the furniture to establish a cozy donation café and lounge for potential adopters, as well as the German Red Cross in Büchen and SOS Children’s Villages. 

AIDA Cruises has expressed plans to grow its partnership with DER HAFEN HILFT! eV, aligning with its broader mission to promote sustainability by extending the lifespan of shipboard materials and supporting social causes through meaningful reuse.