Aidaluna Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On May 21, 2026, the cruise ship 'AIDAluna' initiated a search pattern while navigating the eastern entrance of the English Channel, situated between the coasts of England and the Netherlands. This maneuver, which typically signals a man overboard (MOB) situation, happened as the vessel, en route from Hamburg, slowed to just under five knots. Eyewitness accounts reported an orange smoke flare signaling distress over the chilly waters, leading to the deployment of tender boats for a search-and-rescue operation. The Dutch Coastguard responded swiftly, dispatching both an aircraft and a helicopter to assist in the mission. As of now, details regarding the individual who fell overboard remain scarce, including their status and whether they were a crew member or a passenger on the ship. Reports indicate the person was recovered and airlifted to the Netherlands after spending over an hour in the frigid waters. The 'AIDAluna' has since resumed its journey toward Portland, maintaining a swift pace of 16 knots, with an expected arrival on the morning of May 22, 2026. Further updates from the Coastguard are anticipated.

On February 25, 2026, the cruise ship 'AIDAluna' encountered unsafe conditions while docked at Praça CR7 in Funchal. Heavy winds and strong waves caused the vessel to sway dangerously on its fenders, leading the captain and bridge crew to make the difficult decision to depart early for safety reasons. Despite exploring the option of using a tender service for passengers currently off the ship, the conditions proved too risky. Since 'AIDAluna' had arrived in Funchal the previous night, not all passengers were aboard, with some enjoying time ashore. The crew attempted to contact these individuals by phone, instructing them to return to the ship as quickly as possible; however, two passengers could not be reached. As the situation on the water deteriorated, 'AIDAluna' left port at approximately 6:15 a.m. local time. AIDA Cruises made arrangements to assist the passengers left behind and facilitated their subsequent travel plans. In stark contrast, other vessels in the harbor such as the 'Mein Schiff Relax' from TUI Cruises and the 'Marella Voyager' from Marella Cruises remained safely moored at their berths, thanks to more sheltered positions from the stormy weather. Guests aboard 'AIDAluna' enjoyed a day at sea with clear skies and pleasant weather. To accommodate for the altered itinerary, AIDA Cruises managed to schedule an additional port stop. On February 26, 'AIDAluna' arrived in Arrecife at 9:00 a.m., providing passengers with the opportunity to explore a new destination not originally planned. A shore excursion program was made available for booking from 11:00 a.m. Following the Lanzarote stop, the ship was set to continue on its scheduled route to Puerto del Rosario on Fuerteventura, thereafter returning to its standard itinerary.

On September 21, 2025, the cruise ship AIDAluna made a rapid return to Kiel shortly after departing from its berth at Ostsee Quay at approximately 5 p.m. The vessel was on its way to Kristiansand and Copenhagen when a medical emergency occurred on board, necessitating an urgent medevac. At around 6:20 p.m., the ship executed a turnaround maneuver, prioritizing the swift disembarkation of the affected passenger for critical medical attention on land. After evaluating several alternatives, the decision was made to return to Kiel since the ship was within a reasonable distance. By 7:30 p.m., AIDAluna was docked back at Ostsee Quay, where the patient was promptly transferred to an ambulance and taken to a local hospital for higher-level medical care. Following the incident, the ship set sail again at approximately 8 p.m., resuming its course towards Kristiansand, where it arrived as scheduled on September 23, efficiently compensating for the delay incurred by the emergency situation.