AIDA Metropolises 2022
Back at sea after more than two years: a week from Hamburg under coronavirus rules, with Cherbourg, Zeebrugge, lots of spa time – and a frank verdict on AIDA's IT.
- Dates
- 2022
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After more than 2 years' abstinence we finally wanted to go on a cruise again, so at short notice we booked the one-week Metropolises tour from Hamburg. The route runs from Hamburg via Southampton, Le Havre, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam back to Hamburg. Southampton was replaced very early on by Cherbourg in France. We knew in advance that some ports could or would be cancelled because of the coronavirus rules. That wasn't important to us, as for us the ship and its amenities came first. So we booked various massages in advance through the AIDA online portal to sweeten our time out on the ship.
On Saturday morning we drove leisurely from Hanover to Hamburg – less than 2 hours by car. We parked right at the terminal (reserved in advance through AIDA, 7 days = 109 euros). Less than 100 metres further on, AIDA took our suitcases and we could go to check-in.
During the coronavirus period check-in is a bit more involved, but justified in this situation. Beforehand we had to take a certified antigen test (no older than 24 hours) and bring the printed result. Every guest also had to fill in a health questionnaire. With these documents we went past several stations and checks to the PCR test. Every guest had a current PCR test, and only afterwards could we board the ship – and then wait in the cabin for 90 minutes to find out whether there was an infection.
We passed the waiting time in the cabin with sparkling wine and Belgian chocolates. The suitcases arrived very quickly too, and once the time was up we set off to explore the ship.
Our balcony cabin 11121 on the starboard side was very quiet, and we heard no noise from the engines and so on. The cabin has a walk-in wardrobe, which we like very much – a clear recommendation. We quickly adjusted a few appointments in the spa area (facials had to be cancelled because of coronavirus) and then went to the ice rink. Sailing out after almost 3 years without AIDA immediately brought back the familiar tingle and wanderlust. Add the well-known sail-away song by Enya, "Sail Away", and our holiday could begin.