AIDAprima Withdraws from Middle East, Shifts Winter 2025-26 to Europe

AIDA Cruises has announced significant adjustments to its winter 2025-26 itineraries, redirecting its flagship vessel, AIDAprima, from the Middle East to destinations in Northern Europe and the Atlantic Islands. These changes reflect the company’s commitment to guest and crew safety amid evolving geopolitical circumstances and operational challenges, while introducing an enriched array of culturally and seasonally-tailored itineraries.

Security Concerns Prompt Middle East Withdrawal

The decision to cancel AIDAprima’s Middle East program, originally scheduled between October 3, 2025, and March 25, 2026, stems from security concerns and operational risks in the region. AIDA Cruises cited the unpredictability of the Middle East’s geopolitical situation and potential disruptions to Suez Canal accessibility and transit routes around Africa as key factors influencing the move. In a statement, the company stressed its priority to ensure the safety of guests and crew while offering robust clarity regarding vacation plans.

These cancellations mark the first time in nearly two decades that AIDA Cruises will forego UAE port operations during the winter season, a deployment that began with the inaugural Middle East itineraries aboard AIDAcara in Dubai during the 2006-07 season.

New Northern Europe and Baltic Offerings

Replacing the canceled Middle East program, AIDAprima will operate out of the key German ports of Hamburg and Kiel, presenting itineraries designed for diverse traveler preferences. Highlights include:

• Cultural and scenic routes exploring Norway’s World Heritage sites and classic metropolitan circuits departing from Hamburg.
• Short cruises starting in November 2025, offering regional explorations from Hamburg and Kiel.
• Festive Advent-themed cruises departing from Kiel in late November and early December, featuring an exclusive stop in Riga during the Staro Riga light festival.
• One-week winter holiday itineraries connecting cities such as Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Oslo.

Enriched onboard programming during these Advent cruises will feature festive Christmas treats and seasonally curated activities aimed to elevate the holiday experience for travelers.

23-Day Canary Islands and Atlantic Escape

Responding to demand for warmer winter destinations accessible without air travel, AIDA Cruises has introduced the "Great Winter Break Canary Islands," a comprehensive 23-day roundtrip voyage departing from Kiel. This itinerary offers a blend of natural and cultural exploration, including:

• Calls at Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote, showcasing iconic highlights such as Timanfaya National Park and Pico del Teide.
• A two-day extended stop in Lisbon accompanied by an additional visit to Porto.

Designed for an immersive experience, this longer sailing provides travelers an opportunity to balance leisure, exploration, and relaxation.

Additional late-season cruises will focus on Northern Europe, with March 2026 itineraries aligning with Nordic sporting events such as the Biathlon World Cup and the Holmenkollen Ski Festival in Oslo.

Support Initiatives for Impacted Travelers

AIDA Cruises has rolled out a comprehensive support program for guests affected by the cancellations. Impacted travelers are being offered rebooking options, as well as a Future Cruise Credit equivalent to 10% of the fare paid for their original bookings. The credit can be applied to AIDA’s newly-announced itineraries or future sailings. Sales for the revised programs are slated to open starting July 30, 2025.

The cruise line has assured its commitment to notifying guests through direct communication and travel advisors while providing convenient alternatives, including departures from Hamburg and Kiel to Northern Europe, the Baltic, and the Canary Islands.

Fleet-Wide Adjustments

Beyond AIDAprima, AIDA Cruises has implemented select changes for other vessels in its fleet. Notably, several AIDAbella sailings scheduled for early 2026 have been canceled as part of the broader effort to adapt to evolving market and operational conditions. The redeployment strategy consolidates AIDA’s winter focus around ex-Germany itineraries and longer Atlantic escapes to meet shifting traveler preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did AIDA cancel its Middle East itineraries for 2025-26?

AIDA cited security concerns and the unpredictable regional outlook in the Middle East as the primary drivers for the cancellations. Operational risks related to potential disruptions in the Suez Canal and extended transit routes around Africa were also noted.

What new itineraries will AIDAprima offer instead?

AIDAprima will operate out of Hamburg and Kiel, offering culturally and seasonally diverse routes such as Norway’s World Heritage sites, Advent-themed cruises to Riga during Staro Riga, one-week Northern European city circuits, and a 23-day Canary Islands voyage.

How is AIDA supporting affected travelers?

Guests booked on canceled Middle East cruises are being offered rebooking options and a Future Cruise Credit equal to 10% of the fare paid for their original itineraries. Booking for replacement programs begins on July 30, 2025.

What are the highlights of the Great Winter Break Canary Islands cruise?

This 23-day sailing calls at Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote, including visits to Timanfaya National Park and Pico del Teide. It also features an extended two-day stop in Lisbon and a visit to Porto.

Will AIDA return to the Middle East in the future?

While AIDA has not announced plans to return to the Middle East, the company will likely reassess security conditions and overall operational feasibility before potentially resuming itineraries in the region.

As safety concerns shape itinerary adjustments, AIDA Cruises continues to prioritize resilience in its planning, offering enriched European and Atlantic alternatives to provide secure and memorable travel experiences for its guests worldwide.