Route change for AIDAstella: Weather conditions force another course change on South Africa voyage

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On its current voyage along the South African coast, the AIDAstella has had to change its planned route for the second time. A strong low-pressure system with wind speeds of up to force 8 forced the cruise ship to cancel the stop in East London scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024. After an overnight stay in the port of Port Elizabeth, the ship set course directly for Durban.

As the port stop in East London has been canceled, AIDAstella will arrive in Durban earlier than planned. The stay in the coastal metropolis on the Indian Ocean will be extended by three hours and will now begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday. The port pilot will be picked up by helicopter about an hour before arrival, which is rather unusual. Pilots normally come on board by boat, but depending on weather conditions, currents and local circumstances, a helicopter may also be used.

The AIDAstella already had to adjust its course on the previous transatlantic voyage from Palma de Mallorca to Cape Town. The planned stop in Lüderitz, Namibia, was canceled due to unfavorable weather forecasts. Since last weekend, the ship has now been on its second transfer voyage from Cape Town via the South African coast towards Dubai. The low pressure area in which the ship is currently located is expected to subside in the coming days. Passengers can then look forward to sunny weather on the Indian Ocean.

AIDAstella will be sailing this special route south of Africa for the first time this fall. This voyage will include several premieres in African ports and on Indian Ocean islands. The reason for choosing this route is the ongoing tense security situation in the Red Sea. The ship will sail in three legs from Palma de Mallorca to Laem Chabang, near Bangkok in Thailand, with stopovers in Cape Town and Dubai as ports of embarkation and disembarkation.