AIDA Cruises Revives Middle East and Africa Voyages for 2027/28, Strengthening Regional Cruise Links
AIDA Cruises has announced a high-profile return to the Middle East and Arabian Gulf for the 2027/28 winter season, marking a significant comeback for Dubai and Abu Dhabi within its global deployment strategy. This move not only repositions the Middle East as a central hub in AIDA’s winter programming but also introduces a series of extended voyages via Africa and South Africa, highlighting southern Africa and the Indian Ocean as pivotal regions in long-haul cruise itineraries.
The German cruise line has opened bookings for this much-anticipated season, which will be operated by the 3,250-passenger AIDAperla. The vessel, delivered in 2017 and boasting a gross tonnage of 125,500, will commence her Middle East deployment on December 16th, 2027. AIDAperla’s itineraries will span seven to fourteen nights, departing from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi and calling at popular regional ports such as Sir Bani Yas (UAE), Khalifa Bin Salman (Bahrain), Muscat (Oman), and Doha (Qatar). The season will run through early April 2028, after which the ship will reposition to Europe.
Crucially for the African market, AIDA’s winter programme includes repositioning cruises featuring South African ports as well as destinations in the Vanilla Islands and Canary Islands. This reinforces the growing importance of southern Africa and the Indian Ocean corridor as a strategic transit and holiday region for global cruise operators. These long-distance sailings offer African tourism professionals a unique opportunity to tap into international cruise passenger flows and to showcase their destinations to a broad, predominantly German-speaking audience.
The resumption of Middle East cruises by AIDA follows a two-year hiatus. The company last operated in the region during the 2024/25 winter season with AIDAprima. Planned deployments for 2025/26 were shelved due to security concerns, but the renewed presence in 2027/28 signals confidence in the region’s stability and its value as both a source and transit market for cruise tourism.
AIDAperla is purpose-built for family and multi-generational travel, embodying the line’s signature informal, resort-style atmosphere. The ship is equipped with extensive leisure and recreation features, including a Beach Club with a retractable glass roof, a lazy river, waterslides, a ropes course, mini-golf, a sports court, and one of the fleet’s largest spa complexes. Its accommodation offering is equally versatile, spanning from cozy inside cabins to expansive suites designed for groups and families, with a strong focus on social interaction and flexible living spaces.
Dining options on board centre around multiple buffet and casual venues, complemented by specialty restaurants that cater to a wide range of tastes. This family-oriented resort model has previously resonated with the Middle East cruise market, and its reinstatement is expected to draw both returning and new passengers seeking a relaxed, all-ages experience.
The inclusion of Africa and South Africa in AIDAperla’s repositioning itineraries is especially significant for the sub-Saharan Africa travel trade. It not only enhances the region’s visibility on international cruise maps but also presents a valuable platform for cross-promotional partnerships with local tourism boards, port authorities, and shore excursion providers. With more European cruise brands integrating Africa and the Indian Ocean into their winter deployment strategies, African destinations are poised to benefit from increased visitor arrivals and extended seasonal tourism beyond traditional high periods.
For travel professionals across sub-Saharan Africa, AIDA Cruises’ renewed investment highlights the evolving dynamics of the global cruise market. As regional connectivity strengthens, now is the time to prepare for the influx of cruise travellers, develop shore-side experiences that cater to diverse audiences, and forge new collaborations that can sustain long-term growth in cruise tourism throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean.
