Lacking flag-state approval, AIDA Cruises cancels short trips Aug. 5-12

AIDAperla and AIDAmar trips through Aug. 12 canceled

This means the short sailings on AIDAperla and AIDAmar with departure dates between Aug. 5 and Aug. 12 are canceled.

'We assume that we will receive the last formal approval by the flag state Italy in a timely manner,' the company said, adding that it had made 'intensive preparations with the support of many national and international authorities and health experts' to develop its COVID-19 protocols.

COVID-19 cases among the crew

As reported 10 days ago, 10 AIDA crew members were quarantined after testing positive on arrival in Germany from flights with about 750 crew landed at Rostock to begin their contracts. At the time, AIDA had said its short cruises from Rostock-Warnemünde, Hamburg and Kiel would still go ahead.

AIDAperla was to resume sailing Aug. 5 from Hamburg, AIDAmar Aug. 12 from Rostock-Warnemünde and AIDAblu Aug. 16 from Kiel.

On-board credit offered

The company expressed regret for the delay and is offering those impacted the ability to rebook on another trip and an on-board credit valued at 50% of the actual travel price.