Itinerary change Middle East Middle East (Orient programme) · 13 March 2026
Cruise programme cancellation on AIDAprima – Middle East (Orient programme) – 13 March 2026
Key facts
- Vessel
- AIDAprima
- Deaths
- None reported
What happened
AIDA Cruises confirmed the cancellation of all voyages in its Orient programme for the winter 2026–2027 season that were scheduled to operate in the Middle East. The decision applies to sailings planned for AIDAprima between 19 October 2026 and 20 May 2027.
The cruise line stated the cancellation also withdraws the repositioning voyages that had been scheduled to route AIDAprima around the coast of Africa in both autumn and spring.
AIDA Cruises stated the only sailing proceeding as originally scheduled is “Western Europe Highlights from Hamburg 1”, planned to depart Hamburg and sail to Las Palmas between 19 October and 1 November 2026.
The company advised affected passengers would be offered the opportunity to transfer bookings to alternative voyages within the AIDA Cruises fleet, including winter itineraries such as the Caribbean and the Canary Islands. AIDA Cruises also stated passengers selecting a replacement cruise by 10 May 2026 would receive onboard credit of EUR 200 per cabin, or EUR 100 for single-occupancy bookings.
Injuries and casualties
- Fatalities: None reported
- Injuries: None reported
- Passengers Affected: Passengers booked on AIDAprima Orient programme voyages scheduled between 19 October 2026 and 20 May 2027 (numbers not specified)
Emergency response
- Not specified
- Not specified
- Not specified
Investigation
Not specified
- Not specified
- Not specified
Operator response
AIDA Cruises stated the programme adjustment was made due to continuing uncertainty in the region and difficulty assessing future security conditions for cruise operations, and that decisions were guided primarily by the need to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The company also stated it is preparing a revised winter deployment plan for AIDAprima, with new itineraries expected to be released for booking in mid-April.
Conclusion
AIDA Cruises has withdrawn AIDAprima’s Middle East Orient programme sailings for winter 2026–2027, including associated Africa repositioning voyages, while one Western Europe sailing remains scheduled. Affected passengers were advised they can transfer to alternative AIDA Cruises voyages, and the operator stated updated itineraries for AIDAprima are expected to be released for booking in mid-April.
If you were on board
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General information only, not legal advice.