Home » CRUISE NEWS » What Makes AIDAperla’s New Middle East-Africa Itinerary the Most Exciting Cruise
Published on
January 12, 2026
AIDA Cruises is set to make a highly anticipated return to the Middle East and Africa for the 2027/28 winter season, marking the revival of the region as a key destination in the company’s global itinerary. This move signals a renewed commitment to the Middle East, with a focus on Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while also introducing longer voyages via Africa and the Indian Ocean, further establishing the region as a prominent stop for international cruise tourism.
The highlight of AIDA’s 2027/28 season will be the deployment of AIDAperla, a 3,250-passenger vessel known for its family-friendly amenities and resort-style atmosphere. Set to launch from Dubai and Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2027, AIDAperla will offer a range of itineraries from seven to fourteen nights, visiting ports in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. After completing its Middle Eastern season in April 2028, the ship will reposition to Europe for the summer months.
Strengthening Middle East Cruise Tourism
The return of AIDA Cruises to the Middle East is a significant development for the regional cruise industry, particularly after a two-year hiatus. The company last operated in the Middle East during the 2024/25 winter season with AIDAprima, before planned cruises for the 2025/26 season were shelved due to regional security concerns. However, the revival of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi routes in 2027/28 indicates a renewed confidence in the region’s stability and its importance as both a source and transit market for international cruise tourism.
With AIDAperla’s resumption of Middle East voyages, the region is expected to experience increased cruise tourism, particularly from markets in Europe. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, known for their world-class infrastructure, shopping, and luxury offerings, are likely to see a continued influx of international travelers, further cementing their status as key cruise hubs in the region.
Exploring the Indian Ocean and Southern Africa
In addition to its Middle East routes, AIDAperla’s 2027/28 itinerary will also feature repositioning cruises that introduce South African ports and the beautiful Vanilla Islands in the Indian Ocean. These new routes reflect the growing interest in southern Africa as a cruise destination, which is gaining prominence on international itineraries. AIDA Cruises’ involvement in the region is expected to raise the visibility of destinations like Cape Town, Durban, and the islands of Mauritius, Seychelles, and Madagascar.
For the African tourism sector, AIDAperla’s introduction of African ports on its route offers exciting opportunities for local tourism boards, port authorities, and shore excursion providers to promote their destinations to a wider, predominantly German-speaking audience. The shift towards including Africa and the Indian Ocean in the global cruise sector’s winter programming is poised to increase tourist arrivals during the traditionally quieter months, extending seasonal tourism and offering new opportunities for collaboration between local businesses and cruise operators.
A Family-Friendly Resort Experience on the High Seas
AIDAperla, designed with families in mind, offers a variety of features aimed at ensuring a comfortable and entertaining cruise for all ages. The ship includes a range of leisure amenities such as a Beach Club with a retractable glass roof, a lazy river, waterslides, a ropes course, mini-golf, and a sports court, making it an ideal choice for multi-generational travelers.
The emphasis on social spaces and flexible living arrangements ensures that families can spend quality time together, while also enjoying personalized service and luxury. The ship’s large spa complex also provides relaxation for adults, while kids enjoy dedicated spaces and activities suited to their interests. Dining on AIDAperla is casual and family-friendly, with multiple buffet and casual dining venues complemented by specialty restaurants catering to a wide range of tastes.
Connecting Africa and Europe via the Middle East
AIDA Cruises’ strategic focus on connecting Africa and Europe via the Middle East is set to boost tourism flows between these regions. Travelers can now more easily embark on longer voyages that offer a blend of urban exploration in places like Dubai, beach relaxation in the Indian Ocean islands, and safari experiences in South Africa. This connectivity also creates new opportunities for cruise travelers to experience both the Middle East and Africa in a seamless journey.
In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, the cruise offers a platform for cross-promotional opportunities. Tourism professionals in southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region can now work more closely with European operators to promote the region’s unique offerings, helping to expand Africa’s cruise market share and drive sustainable tourism growth.
What’s Next for Cruise Tourism in the Region
With AIDAperla’s return to the Middle East and new African itineraries, it’s clear that the demand for regional cruises is growing. This shift is part of a broader trend where more cruise lines are seeking to diversify their itineraries and tap into the rising interest in the Middle East, southern Africa, and the Indian Ocean.
For travel professionals and tourism operators, this change signals an opportunity to expand their offerings and cater to a broader market, especially as the cruise industry continues to innovate and develop new routes that provide unique travel experiences. As the sector continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, cruise lines like AIDA Cruises are helping to lead the charge by offering exciting new routes that connect diverse regions and offer immersive travel experiences.
Conclusion: A New Era for Middle East and African Cruise Tourism
The introduction of AIDAperla to the Middle East and Africa is a significant milestone for the regional cruise industry. By opening up new cruise routes that connect Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and South Africa with Europe, the new service is set to foster greater cultural exchange, enhance tourism development, and provide fresh opportunities for businesses and local communities. As 2026 approaches, cruise tourism in the Middle East and southern Africa is poised for continued growth, with AIDA Cruises playing a key role in this exciting new chapter.
