AIDA sounds the alarm: Vario tariff almost disappeared – families in need!

AIDA sounds the alarm: Vario tariff almost disappeared – families in need!

The AIDA Vario tariff, long considered the cheapest booking option for cruises, is becoming increasingly rare. Loud Evening paper This tariff will be eliminated from many cruises, which represents a significant change in AIDA's tariff structure. The decline in the number of Vario cruises on offer is particularly noticeable: in April 2024, 82% of trips could still be booked in the Vario tariff, while this proportion fell to just 53% in April 2025.

One reason for the drastic reduction is the high demand, which means that fewer cabins are available in the Vario tariff. This particularly affects families who only find limited options in the Vario tariff during the holiday season. It should also be noted that the price difference between the Vario and Premium tariffs is often not significant. For example, an offer for the “Scandinavian highlights from Kiel” in the Vario tariff is 1,698 euros, while the premium tariff starts at 2,060 euros (as of June 6, 2025).

Changes in market strategy

In addition, AIDA plans to focus more on customers with higher budgets. This strategic change of course naturally comes in the context of the parent company Carnival, which has announced the end of shareholder benefits for Vario cabins. This could have further implications for booking systems and pricing.

An update on the product range shows that AIDA is modernizing the “AIDAdiva”. Additional suites and an exclusive lounge will be integrated into it. The company has also announced that it will receive two new ships by 2031, which in turn opens up the possibility of perhaps revitalizing the Vario tariff.

Availability of the Vario tariff

Although the Vario tariff appears to be reduced, there are still ways to book this tariff. AIDA cabins may be offered in the Vario tariff, but may then be temporarily unbookable. Reasons for these cabins to be returned to the offer could be customer cancellations that lead to cancellation cabins. AIDA Cruises also offers remaining cabins in the Vario tariff at short notice if departures are not fully booked. These remaining cabins are often made available as last-minute deals closer to departure, encouraging bargain hunters to remain flexible and compare prices carefully.

In summary, the price adjustments and reduced availability of the AIDA Vario tariff reflect a clear trend in the cruise industry. Customers therefore have the task of adapting to the new market conditions and finding the best offers.