AIDA Cruises cuts short two-ship Asia seasonAIDA Cruises cuts short two-ship Asia season

The ships' new deployments are pending.

AIDAbella concluded Asia operations Monday and AIDAvita on Sunday.

The increased travel restrictions due to coronavirus are the reason.

Summer programs as scheduled

AIDAvita and AIDAbella’s summer operations will take place as scheduled, with AIDAvita to start cruises from Dubai April 14 and AIDAbella from Palma de Mallorca April 30.

New itineraries to be announced

The intermediate deployment for both vessels is to be announced.

‘The ships are going to be repositioned to other operational areas. Within the next few days we will communicate an alternative program for the AIDAvita and AIDAbella,’ the company said.

Further details were not available Tuesday morning.

According to AIS transmissions, AIDAvita will set sail from Singapore to Dubai today, and is expected to reach its destination the morning of Feb. 27. It is possible the ship will begin sailing from Dubai earlier than planned, adding cruises during March and April.

AIDAbella is currently on the way from Laem Chabang, Thailand, to Singapore and expected to arrive there late Wednesday. It remains to be seen where AIDAbella goes from Singapore, and if it possibly starts its Mediterranean season early.

Full refunds and assistance

AIDA Cruises is contacting passengers and sales partners. Full refunds will be provided for the canceled cruises, and the line is helping with alternative travel options.

AIDA said no cases or suspected cases of coronavirus have been reported on any of its ships, and no passengers or crew have visited China within the last two weeks.