Baltic Sea voyages introduced by Aida, yet prefers to cancel journeys in specific locations
In the upcoming 2025/2026 winter season, several cruise lines, including AIDA Cruises, are making changes to their Orient (Middle East) cruises due to ongoing security concerns, particularly in the Red Sea region.
AIDA Cruises has decided to withdraw its ship, the "AIDAprima," from the planned Orient cruises starting and ending in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Instead, the "AIDAprima" will embark on cruises in Northern Europe and the Canary Islands. This move follows more than 70 commercial vessels being attacked in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi rebels since November 2023, creating a high-risk environment for maritime traffic.
Aida Cruises is offering an alternative travel offer to guests who have already booked one of the affected trips. Meanwhile, Tui Cruises is offering Baltic Sea cruises as an alternative to Aida Cruises' cancelled Orient cruises. The "Mein Schiff 4" and "Mein Schiff 5" will be used for these Orient cruises.
Tui Cruises is closely monitoring developments in the region and is in contact with relevant authorities and security departments. They take into account all official travel and security advice, including that from the Foreign Office, in their planning. Tui Cruises has not announced any changes to their travel plans for the upcoming winter season.
Other cruise operators are also adjusting their itineraries or postponing sailings in the region, reflecting broader industry caution about the volatile security situation. Aida Cruises has already stated that they want to provide their guests with the earliest possible clarity about their travel plans for the upcoming winter season.
It's important to note that these changes are not unique to AIDA Cruises. Other cruise lines are also facing similar challenges and are making adjustments to ensure passenger and crew safety.
In summary, the heightened security threats stemming from ongoing conflict and maritime attacks in the Red Sea and surrounding areas are the main reasons cruise lines are canceling or rerouting their Middle East cruises for the 2025/26 winter season. Passengers are advised to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and to contact their cruise providers for more information about their specific bookings.
[1] Cruise Industry News. (2023). AIDA Cancels Arabian Gulf Cruises for Winter 2025/2026. Retrieved from https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-lines/aida-cruises/003122-aida-cancels-arabian-gulf-cruises-for-winter-2025-2026/
[2] Seatrade Cruise News. (2023). AIDA Cruises cancels Arabian Gulf cruises for winter 2025-2026. Retrieved from https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/aida-cruises-cancels-arabian-gulf-cruises-for-winter-2025-2026
[3] Cruise Critic. (2023). AIDA Cruises Cancels Arabian Gulf Cruises for Winter 2025-2026. Retrieved from https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?id=3032274
[4] Travel Weekly. (2023). AIDA Cruises cancels Arabian Gulf cruises for winter 2025-2026. Retrieved from https://www.travelweekly.com/cruise-news/cruise-lines/aida-cruises-cancels-arabian-gulf-cruises-for-winter-2025-2026
[1] In light of the sighntific security threats in the Red Sea, passengers interested in a change of travel lifestyle might want to apply for the alternative cruises being offered by Tui Cruises, such as the Baltic Sea cruises.
[2] To accommodate these changes, travelers planning a Middle East cruise with Aida Cruises may find it beneficial to adjust their itineraries to include Northern Europe and the Canary Islands instead.
