Aida Cruises prohibited from using unfair terms by German court

The Higher Regional Court of Rostock has prohibited Aida Cruises from using several clauses in its general terms and conditions following a lawsuit by the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv).

The court ruled against three specific provisions: a flat-rate cancellation fee for partial cancellations, the requirement for passengers to bear additional costs resulting from quarantine, and the captain's authority to dismiss guests without compensation.

Regarding partial cancellations, the court found that Aida's policy of charging a flat 80 percent compensation fee unfairly disadvantaged customers, particularly as it applied regardless of when the cancellation occurred, potentially preventing the company from re-selling the vacated space. Aida Cruises stated that it has already addressed and implemented changes to its travel conditions regarding these points prior to the final legal force of the judgment.