Couple Sues AIDA Cruises Over Nudist Area Changes

A German couple is taking legal action against AIDA Cruises, seeking around €15,400 in compensation after claiming extensive changes made to *AIDAdiva *before their world cruise significantly altered the onboard experience they had originally booked.

According to German newspaper Bild, the case is currently being heard at the Rostock Regional Court.

The couple, both aged 71, booked the four-month world cruise in February 2024 for a voyage that ran from November 2025 to March 2026. They say that when they made their reservation, AIDA’s published deck plans featured a large nudist (FKK) area equipped with numerous sun loungers, shaded seating, showers and whirlpools that were available to all passengers.

Before the sailing began, however, *AIDAdiva *underwent the AIDA Evolution modernization program, which was completed in early 2025. As part of the refurbishment, the ship’s upper decks were redesigned to include new public areas and an exclusive Sky Deck reserved for suite guests. The original FKK area was relocated and replaced with a smaller nudist section elsewhere on the vessel.

The couple argues that the new area did not meet their expectations. They claim it offers far fewer loungers, limited shade, no whirlpool or shower facilities and less privacy than the previous layout. They also allege they were not properly informed before departure that the original FKK deck would no longer be accessible to all guests.

During the voyage, the husband, a former tax judge who now works as a lawyer, reportedly filed a formal complaint with AIDA Cruises, asking the company to address what he considered significant shortcomings during the trip. The couple also discussed the matter with the ship’s hotel director, who they say acknowledged their concerns but explained that the suite-exclusive Sky Deck could not be opened to other passengers.

Having paid approximately €70,000 for the world cruise, the couple is seeking a 22% reduction in the cruise fare, amounting to roughly €15,400.

According to the plaintiff, the Rostock Regional Court suggested during oral proceedings that, if the claim is successful, a fare reduction of around 5% may be a more appropriate level of compensation. AIDA Cruises has asked the court to reject the lawsuit and has declined to comment publicly while the case remains before the courts.

The legal dispute follows the extensive refurbishment of AIDAdiva, which included relocating the ship’s FKK area as part of a wider redesign that introduced new family attractions and exclusive facilities for suite guests. While AIDA Cruises has not stated that the nudist area was reduced in size, some passengers have commented that the new space appears smaller than the original.