AIDAprima Relocation: Kiel Becomes Year-Round Cruise Hub in 2025/2026

The AIDAprima, with a capacity for 3,400 passengers, is one of the largest vessels in the fleet. Its smooth and immediate start as a winter base port is a strong signal of the high performance capability of the Port of Kiel. All complex operations required for a Turnaround—the simultaneous transfer of thousands of travelers, provisioning, and waste disposal—were executed safely and efficiently right away at the Ostseekai terminal.

This terminal was specifically chosen to handle such large units. It provides the necessary infrastructure to manage this massive logistical challenge, even under the difficult conditions of winter operations. The technical challenge of safely maneuvering a 300-meter ship requires sufficient water depth, sheltered berths, and modern mooring systems to withstand storms or even ice in winter. The cruise line is relying on Kiel's maritime expertise to mobilize nautical aids like pilots and tugs reliably and quickly. The vessel is assumed to dock with its port side (left) to the quay for passenger flow, while supplies are handled on the starboard side (right).

AIDA Cruises' decision in favor of Kiel is primarily rational and logistical. For the North European routes, particularly to Norway, Kiel offers the shortest possible sea route. This significantly reduces transit times, which in turn lowers fuel costs and CO2 emissions. For the cruise line, this means considerable cost savings and increased ecological efficiency. Furthermore, choosing Kiel avoids the long and weather-sensitive Elbe river passage required for calls in Hamburg. This minimizes the risk of delays and increases the nautical safety and punctuality of the voyages.

Another strategic advantage for Kiel is its Multimodal Connectivity, especially the use of rail via the Ostuferhafen for the delivery and collection of containers and provisions. Particularly in the winter season, rail logistics offer a reliable, weather-independent alternative to truck transport, massively increasing operational security for the 3,400 passengers per changeover day.

For Kiel, securing the AIDAprima is a strategic breakthrough. The port solidifies its position as a permanent AIDA homeport, moving away from the traditional seasonality of the Baltic Sea business. The year-round operation ensures a stable revenue base, reduces the need for personnel fluctuations, and justifies greater investment in permanent infrastructure. The constant demand for local services (laundries, food, transport) stabilizes suppliers in the Schleswig-Holstein region and promotes the creation of permanent jobs.

Hamburg, on the other hand, must accept the loss of this high-capacity unit during the off-season, even if smaller vessels of the AIDA fleet remain locally. Hamburg loses the most economically valuable asset of the winter business and must now strategically re-evaluate its approach to compensate for this disproportionate economic capacity loss. The prognosis is clear: the successful first Turnaround of the AIDAprima sustainably reinforces Kiel's role. The port is now a fully-fledged, year-round competitor in the North European cruise homeport market.