A few days ago, the Rostock-based shipping company AIDA Cruises announced a change to its check-in process that took effect today.
For months, a mandatory COVID test at the cruise terminal during check-in was standard, and in the case of AIDA, a quick PCR was carried out. As of Thursday, April 28, this step is omitted without replacement.
A new 10-day Mediterranean cruise on AIDAstella set sail from Palma de Mallorca (Majorca Island, Balearic Spain) today while a 4-day cruise on AIDAbella also departs from the same port, so passengers on these 2 voyages will be the first to see the change applied.
However, a certified antigen test for all guests over the age of 3 has to be carried out a day before the start of the trip - self-tests are not sufficient, but proof of a certified test center has to be submitted. Another prerequisite for sailing with you is that all passengers 12+, including those who have recovered, are fully vaccinated.
The omission of the COVID test during the check-in process makes the booking decision easier for many interested in a cruise because people hesitated to book because they feared being tested positive on-site and then, having to go into quarantine abroad.
The AIDA promise also applies, which states that guests can rebook once free of charge if they tested positive for the coronavirus in the period from 14 days to 1 day before the voyage and there is no travel insurance that would cover the cancellation costs.