French Kiss Bar & Bistro – AIDA Cruises – AIDAmar

Submitted by: Timo Hogestraat
Lead Designer: Timo Hogestraat
Studio: Partner Ship Design
Outfitter: CM Contract
Shipyard: Chantier Naval de Marseille (CNM)
Completion Date: 30/11/2026

A French Kiss at the Heart of AIDAmar

French Kiss Bar & Bistro marks a milestone within the AIDA Evolution programme aboard AIDAmar. Developed by Partner Ship Design in close collaboration with AIDA Cruises, it transforms the former casino into an open, vibrant and highly connected social and culinary destination.

The central idea went far beyond creating a new restaurant: it was about rethinking the heart of the ship.

Where the casino had previously formed a comparatively enclosed and inward-looking area, French Kiss Bar & Bistro now creates a new spatial and visual connection between the iconic Theatrium and the AIDA Bar. This establishes a seamless transition between two of the ship’s most important public areas. Circulation, sightlines and the overall quality of the guest experience are redefined, turning a previously separated space into an active part of the guest journey.

Inspired by the character of a contemporary French bistro, French Kiss combines dining, social interaction and entertainment within one continuous environment. From French coffee in the morning to baguettes, croissant sandwiches, tartes, macarons and chocolate specialties, through to signature drinks in the evening, the atmosphere evolves naturally throughout the day – from a relaxed bistro to a vibrant social meeting place and atmospheric bar.

Deep berry and magenta tones, warm timber, elegant brass accents, dark surfaces and soft upholstery create a distinctive, contemporary interpretation of French savoir-vivre. Differentiated seating arrangements, graphic elements and a layered lighting concept provide intimacy and a strong sense of identity without compromising openness, sightlines or the connection to the surrounding spaces.

The transformation of the former casino is therefore far more than a refurbishment. It fundamentally changes how guests perceive, move through and experience this central part of AIDAmar.

With French Kiss Bar & Bistro, a new social anchor has been created at the heart of the ship – a place that connects people and spaces, activates its surroundings and at the same time establishes a destination with an identity of its own.

**A contemporary piece of France at sea – open, elegant, vibrant and unmistakably AIDA.**