AIDA Cruises has been forced to cancel several cruises aboard AIDAprima at the tailend of her summer season in the Mediterranean, in order to accomodate a longer repositioning voyage around Africa to reach the Middle East before the winter.

The German cruise line confirmed it intends to return to the Middle East for the 2024/25 cruise season out Dubai, starting in December, but due to the longer three week repositioning voyage around Southern Africa, it has had to cancel three cruises out of Hamburg to the Mediterranean.

AIDAprima was meant to reposition from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Gulf in October, 2024, sailing a grand voyage through the Suez Canal and Red Sea to reach Dubai. Instead, she will sail around the tip of Africa, adding a full week to the journey.

Cruise lines have been avoiding the Red Sea since the security crisis there deteriorated earlier this year, with Houthi rebels in Yemen attacking international shipping with drones and missiles.

“In the interests of the safety of our guests and crew, the necessary adjustments to sailing routes are the only responsible option for us. We thank you for your understanding and trust,” the company said in a statement.

The following fall/winter 2024 cruises have been canceled:

AIDAprima: “From Hamburg to Barcelona” on October 26th, 2024

AIDAprima: “From Hamburg to Mallorca 1” on October 26th, 2024

AIDAprima: “From Lisbon to Mallorca” on November 3rd, 2024

Unlike most other cruise lines repositioning ships around Africa to avoid the Red Sea, AIDA Cruises has decided to make the repositioning voyage a paid passenger one as normal, and is offering a full 43-day cruise from Hamburg to Dubai, departing October 26th.

This voyage is also available in shorter legs of 22 days from Hamburg to Cape Town and Cape Town to Dubai. AIDAprima will begin her Dubai cruise season on November 29th, 2024, sailing roundtrip 7-night cruises in the Arabian Gulf.

AIDA Cruises said it will reimburse guests for the previously made payments (except for the travel cancellation insurance) as well as for services already booked on myAIDA in accordance with the payment method originally chosen.

In addition to adjusted itineraries, AIDA also announced new cruises to Africa, bookable from April 29, 2024, with further details to be announced soon.