The Aidablu: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On August 31, the AIDAblu encountered significant delays while departing from Trieste, due to severe thunderstorms impacting air travel in the region. The vessel, which had been scheduled to leave at 10:00 p.m., ultimately set sail at approximately 2:30 a.m., marking a delay of four and a half hours. The tumultuous weather led to diversions and late arrivals for several flights, including an AIDA charter flight from Düsseldorf, which was redirected to Athens before finally reaching Corfu. Compounding the situation, the Condor flight DE3664 experienced an unexpected stopover and did not land in Corfu until around 11:30 p.m. Crew members worked swiftly to transport arriving guests onto the AIDAblu after their arrival. The thunderstorms not only caused issues for incoming passengers but also affected returning AIDA travelers. Affected guests from the Condor flight DE3665 had to divert to Cologne due to flight restrictions at Düsseldorf Airport. The AIDAblu was operating on the "Greece from Corfu" itinerary from August 23 to August 30 and is scheduled to continue its journey on the "Adriatic from Corfu 2" route from August 30 through September 6. With a modified sailing speed, the cruise line aims to recover some of the time lost during this weather disruption.

On the evening of February 4, the cruise ship 'Aidablu', heading from San Sebastian de la Gomera to Arrecife, called for urgent medical assistance for a passenger in distress. The Spanish maritime rescue organization, Salvamento Marítimo, promptly dispatched the SAR helicopter Helimer 202 to provide aid. The vessel was located approximately 26 nautical miles offshore from Arrecife at the time of the incident. The Helimer 202 successfully hoisted the affected female passenger aboard and transported her to Lanzarote Airport. Upon arrival, a waiting ambulance ensured she received immediate medical attention, facilitating her transfer to a hospital for further treatment.

On January 13, 2025, a critical medical evacuation took place when a female passenger aboard the cruise ship Aidablu, which was sailing from Las Palmas to Funchal, required immediate attention. The incident occurred approximately 79 nautical miles north of Tenerife. The situation prompted a swift response from the Salvamento Marítimo in Tenerife, which deployed the SAR helicopter Helimer 202. The medical team successfully hoisted the distressed passenger on board, accompanied by the ship's doctor. Following the successful operation, the patient was flown to Negrín Hospital in Las Palmas to receive additional medical treatment.

On October 2, 2023, at approximately midday, the cruise ship 'Aidablu' received a distress call from Italian authorities regarding a precariously overloaded yacht carrying around 40 migrants, including women and children. The vessel approached 'Aidablu' from the port side, prompting a quick response from the cruise crew. They immediately provided life jackets, refreshments, and sustenance for the vulnerable individuals aboard. The Aidablu team also secured the migrant boat until the Italian Coast Guard patrol arrived to take the refugees to safety. Following this commendable humanitarian effort, the 'Aidablu' resumed its journey, setting sail for Valletta at around 2:30 PM and making its scheduled arrival on October 3. For more details, including photos and video footage, visit the report at RTL News.