AIDA Cancels 2025-2026 Middle East Season: AIDAprima Set to Return to Europe

AIDA Cruises has announced the cancellation of its Middle East season for 2025-2026, a decision driven by escalating security concerns. This marks the first time since 2006 that the cruise line will not operate in the region.

Originally, the AIDAprima was set to sail from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to various ports in Oman, Bahrain, and the UAE during the winter months of October 2025 to March 2026. However, due to regional instability and worries over the safe navigation of significant routes like the Suez Canal and Red Sea, AIDA has decided to reroute.

The AIDAprima will now operate in Northern Europe and the Atlantic Islands, departing from Kiel and Hamburg. The new itineraries will include destinations such as Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, and the Canary Islands, providing travelers with alternative scenic coastal experiences.

AIDA places the utmost importance on the safety of its guests and crew and acted quickly to communicate travel updates. Affected passengers have been given several options: booking on the new European itineraries or receiving a 10% Future Cruise Credit for future trips. Passengers who cannot travel have the option of a full refund.

In addition to the changes for AIDAprima, AIDA also canceled early 2026 sailings of the AIDAbella to accommodate these adjustments. Among the new offerings for AIDAprima are holiday-themed cruises, including Christmas market trips from Kiel to Gdansk and Riga, as well as a 23-night roundtrip to the Canary Islands in January 2026.

Despite this shift away from the Middle East, AIDA remains hopeful for a return to the region in the future as security conditions improve.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.