Aida Cruises cancels trips to Dubai and Abu Dhabi due to the security situation

Aida Cruises cancels trips to Dubai and Abu Dhabi due to the security situation

In a remarkable decision, Aida Cruises announced on July 10, 2025 that the shipping company's cruise ships will no longer sail from Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the coming winter season. This particularly affects the Aida Prima, which was originally planned for trips to the Orient. The move is a direct response to the ongoing tense security situation in the Middle East, which has worsened since recent conflicts, particularly since Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023. In this context is loud Travel Reporter The safety of guests and crew is Aida's top priority.

Overall, Aida Cruises has canceled planned transfer trips for autumn and spring 2026 and is instead offering new trips in Northern Europe and the Canary Islands. With this decision, Aida would like to create “reliable clarity as early as possible”. The Aida Prima will depart from Hamburg from October 2025 to destinations in Norway and Western Europe. From the beginning of November, seven-day trips to the metropolises of the Baltic Sea, including Tallinn, Helsinki and Stockholm, as well as a fjord trip to Norway from Kiel are also on offer.

Alternative routes and refunds

For customers who had already booked trips, Aida offers alternative offers and a voucher worth ten percent of the cabin price. This applies to bookings made before the announcements. The Aida Prima's originally planned trips around the Canary Islands will be temporarily taken over by the Aida Bella, which will be modernized in the shipyard in Marseille from January to March 2026.

In addition to Aida Cruises, Tui has also canceled several cruises. A total of 19 cruises have been canceled by various lines, including five by Tui, which is also concentrating on other routes for safety reasons. Tui is offering affected customers discounts of ten percent on new bookings. The “Mein Schiff 5” is now being diverted around Africa and can only arrive in Heraklion later.

Security in the Red Sea

The security situation in the Red Sea remains tense, not least due to attacks by the Yemeni Houthi militia and the events surrounding the Gaza conflict. Attacks on civilian ships with missiles and drones have increased, leading to a significant decline in the movement of goods through the Suez Canal, thereby affecting the global logistics network. International warships, including the Bundeswehr, are trying to repel most attacks, but there have already been serious incidents.

Aida Cruises and other cruise companies are adjusting their schedules in light of these developments to ensure the safety of their guests and employees. The new booking policy and refunds are part of this effort.