AIDAprima Route Change: Storm Forces Cruise Ship Course Correction

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The return journey of AIDAprima from the Canary Islands to Northern Germany is proving more challenging than expected. Due to a massive low-pressure system over the North Atlantic – known in meteorological terms as "bombogenesis" – Captain Felix Rothe has been forced to significantly adjust the ship's itinerary. To ensure the safety of guests and crew, today’s scheduled call at the Portuguese port of Porto (Leixões) has been cancelled.

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An extremely rapid drop in atmospheric pressure across the Atlantic has generated wind speeds of up to 140 km/h and wave heights exceeding seven meters. Under these conditions, docking at the exposed port of Leixões would have been nautically irresponsible.

The ship's command reacted proactively over the weekend: AIDAprima departed Lisbon on Sunday much earlier than planned to take advantage of a favorable meteorological window. Currently, the vessel is heading directly toward La Coruña in Galicia at a speed of approximately 15 knots. The "Prima" is expected to arrive there a day earlier than originally scheduled, seeking shelter from the worst turbulence in the Bay of Biscay.

The presence of the Hyperion-class ship in the wintry North Atlantic is a result of the geopolitical situation in the Red Sea, which rendered the original Orient itineraries impossible. Instead, Kiel is serving as a year-round hub for the first time this year.

Despite the weather-related route changes, operations on board remain steady thanks to advanced stabilizers that minimize rolling motions. The Fleet Operation Center in Hamburg is supporting the bridge crew with real-time, high-precision data to guide the ship safely through the stormy seas. The ultimate goal remains unchanged: a punctual arrival for the passenger turnaround in Kiel on February 1, 2026.