The Carnival Corporation-owned German brand AIDA Cruises announced it will resume passenger shipping operations in August. Following an industry-wide pause since mid-March 2020, 3 AIDA vessels will restart sailings next month with short roundtrips from Germany.
AIDAperla is the first to set sail on August 5 (out of Hamburg), followed by AIDAmar on August 12 (out of Rostock-Warnemunde) and AIDAblu on August 16 (out of Kiel).
“With certainty the most beautiful vacation”, the cruise company has worked with several global and German health authorities to develop new onboard health and hygiene protocols to help facilitate a phased-in, safe and healthy return to cruises. AIDA will also provide extensive information about the new protocols and procedures against the ongoing pandemic.
AIDA introduced a variety of preventive measures to complement the existing health and hygiene standards. The measures range from the digital health questionnaire before the cruise, to temperature measurements prior to check-in for passengers and crew, to physical distancing guidelines and managing capacities at onboard venues like bars, restaurants, theatres, sports and wellness areas.
The enhanced protocols are now supplemented by additional safety and hygiene measures, such as increased disinfection and cleaning measures, which take place in all public areas and cabins according to a defined protocol, along with additional disinfection dispensers.
Onboard medical care for all crew and passengers is available around the clock. The AIDA ships are equipped with PCR-test-kits and diagnostic devices for the evaluation of suspected Coronavirus cases. The medical team onboard is trained in the test procedures and treatment methods. Extensive processes have been developed to facilitate safe disembarkation, medical care, and safe return home for patients diagnosed with a confirmed COVID-19 case.
AIDA Cruises’ first sailings will take place with an adjusted guest capacity and without visiting another port. The company is working intensively on the next steps and depending on the opening of further European cruise ports, the first foreign destinations could be integrated into the line’s itinerary.
The gradual return to the original itinerary is possible in a third phase, taking into account current developments in the destinations, in compliance with the respective international and national regulations and AIDA’s own high standards.