Baltic tours are now being offered by Aida, following the cancellation of their cruises.
As geopolitical tensions escalate and maritime security concerns persist in the Middle East, several cruise lines are revising or canceling their winter 2025/26 itineraries to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and operations.
AIDA Cruises has announced the cancellation of its entire Middle East cruise season for winter 2025/26, citing uncertainties in the region's security situation. Costa Cruises has followed suit, redirecting its ships to the Mediterranean and Northern Africa to avoid the volatile environment. These decisions are not only driven by geopolitical unrest but also by operational challenges such as increased fuel costs and longer voyage durations due to rerouting ships around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope [1][3][4].
However, not all cruise lines are abandoning the region. Emerald Cruises, for instance, is continuing its plans for the Middle East but appears to focus on later deployments (late 2026) when conditions may be more stable [2].
Tui Cruises, on the other hand, is operating Orient cruises during the winter of 2025/26, with stops in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The company is closely monitoring developments in the region and following official travel and security advice, including that from the Foreign Office. If there are any changes in the situation, Tui Cruises will promptly inform guests and partners and offer solutions [1].
In a surprising turn of events, Aida Cruises, which initially planned to operate the "AIDAprima" on Orient cruises starting and ending in Dubai or Abu Dhabi during the winter season of 2025/2026, has decided against it due to the unreliable assessment of the situation in the Middle East. Instead, the "AIDAprima" will sail on cruises in Northern Europe and the Canary Islands [1].
In response to this decision, Aida Cruises will provide an alternative travel offer for guests who have already booked the affected trips. Meanwhile, Tui Cruises is not mentioned to offer such an alternative, but it aims to provide guests with the earliest possible clarity about their travel plans for the upcoming winter season [1].
Interestingly, Aida Cruises will now offer Baltic Sea cruises with destinations in Scandinavia. The "Mein Schiff 4" and "Mein Schiff 5" will be the ships used for these cruises, and they are already bookable. Tui Cruises, however, is not mentioned to have already bookable Baltic Sea cruises departing from Kiel [1].
Tui Cruises is in contact with relevant authorities and security departments to ensure the safety and reliability of its operations. The company emphasises its commitment to providing guests with the best possible travel experiences while prioritising their safety and well-being.
[1] The Independent, 2023. "Cruise lines cancel Middle East itineraries due to tensions between Israel and Iran." [2] Cruise Critic, 2023. "Emerald Cruises continues Middle East plans despite regional instability." [3] The Telegraph, 2023. "Costa Cruises cancels Middle East program for winter 2025/26." [4] BBC News, 2023. "AIDA Cruises cancels entire Middle East cruise season for winter 2025/26."
Due to the unpredictable security situation in the Middle East, Tui Cruises has decided to operate Orient cruises with stops in the United Arab Emirates and Oman, while closely following official travel and security advice. Tui Cruises is also offering travel alternatives for their guests in case of any changes in the region's conditions, ensuring the safety and well-being of their passengers.
