Carnival-owned Costa Cruises has announced a temporary shut down of cruise operations around the world.
Costa Cruises Suspends Cruise Operations Worldwide
Costa Cruises has followed several other cruise lines by halting cruise operations around the world due to the growing spread of the coronavirus and the impact on travel. This means voyages until April 3 will be impacted but with the limited travel around the world and strict travel restrictions, it is the right thing to do.
Neil Palomba, President of Costa Cruises, said:
“As an industry leader, we feel it is our responsibility to be ready to make hard choices when times require it”
“In Costa, we always have the health and safety of our guests and crew members at heart. Now that these unprecedented circumstances require unprecedented actions to make sure that people across the world stay healthy, we are ready to play our role”.
“Travelling the world on board a Costa Cruises cruise ship and explore new destinations and cultures is an enriching experience. We have been making this dream come true for millions of people in over 70 years of history, and we will be ready to share these happy experiences with all our guests again soon”
The cruise line has posted an advisory that lists the situation for each Costa cruise ship. It is important to take a look below if anyone is booked on these sailings. Also always check for official updates from the cruise line before sailing:
Costa Smeralda
The ship will arrive on 12/03 in Civitavecchia, on 13/03 in La Spezia, on 14/03 in Savona. In these ports only disembarkation for Italian guests operations are allowed . The ship will subsequently arrive in Marseille on 15/03 where will be disembarked all other guests. Cruises departing on 14/03, 21/03 and 28/03 are canceled. The ship will start again on 04/04 from Savona.
Costa Diadema
Cruise departing on 14/03 will be canceled. The ship will start again on 05/04 from Savona.
Costa Pacifica
The ship will arrive on 21/03 in Barcelona, on 22/03 in Marseille and on 23/03 in Genoa, where all guests will be disembarked. Cruises departing on 23/03, 27/03 and 03/04 will be canceled. The ship will start again on 04/04 from Barcelona.
Costa Fascinosa
Cruises departing from 17/03 will be canceled. The ship will start again on 03/05 from Genoa.
Costa Favolosa
Cruises departing on 14/03, 21/03, 28/03 will be canceled. The ship will start again on 10/04 from Savona.
Costa Magica
Cruises departing on 13/03 and 20/03 will be canceled. The ship will start again on 03/04 from Barcelona.
Costa Fortuna
Cruises departing on 10/03 and 19/03 will be canceled. The ship will start again on 08/04 from Naples.
Costa Luminosa
The ship will arrive on 18/03 in Malaga, where all guests, with the exception of Italian guests, will be disembarked. Italian guests will be disembarked on 19/03 in Savona. Cruise departing on 25/03 will be canceled. The ship will start again on 05/04 from Venice.
Costa Deliziosa
The itinerary of the Around the World will be adapted according to the operability of the ports foreseen in the itinerary. After the Tour of the World, the cruise schedule will resume, without modification, on 26/04 from Venice.
Costa Mediterranea
The ship will operate as per program from 10/04 in Venice.
Costa Victoria
The ship will arrive on 28/03 in Venice or Trieste based on the operability of the ports. Cruises departing on 28/03, 31/03, 10/04 and 14/04 are cancelled. Operations will restart as per program on 25/04 in Venice.
Current Situation
Vessels that have already departed will end their cruises to disembark passengers as normal. Once guests have disembarked operations will be halted until April as by then everyone is hoping the world outlook is looking much brighter. Even during the current cruises, Costa is implementing strict health measures to keep guests and crew safe.
This comes as many cruise lines are now starting to suspend operations including major cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Viking Cruises. The COVID-19 pandemic continunes to impact the world and is spreading with major infections now in Europe and beyond. President Donald Trump has also banned all travel from Europe as a result.
Also Read: Disney Cruise Line Suspends Operations Through End of the Month
Costa Cruises is one of the leading cruise lines in Europe and many ships have also been unable to call in Italy with the country being shut down. According to the Johns Hopkins University Italy has 15,113 confirmed coronavirus cases and the death toll stands at 1,016. The United States has 1,268 cases at the moment.
