AIDA Cruises ordered to refund passengers over reduced FKK area

The Rostock District Court has ruled in favor of a couple from Dortmund regarding a legal dispute with AIDA Cruises. The passengers sought a significant refund after the nudist (FKK) area on the AIDAdiva was reduced and relocated during ship modernizations.

The couple had booked a world cruise for 2025/26 based on online deck plans that showed a spacious FKK area equipped with a whirlpool, shower, and sun protection. Following renovations, the original area was converted into a ‘Sky Deck’ exclusive to suite guests, while the general FKK area was moved to a much smaller space lacking the promised amenities.

While the plaintiffs demanded a 22 percent reduction of their 68,600 Euro travel price (approximately 15,000 Euro), the court awarded a 5 percent reduction, totaling 3,430 Euro. The court determined that the cruise line created legitimate expectations through its published deck plans and failed to adequately inform passengers of significant changes before their departure. The ruling is not yet legally binding, and a revision may be sought at the Higher Regional Court of Rostock.