Genoa, August 11, 2020. Following the approval received yesterday from the Italian Government for the resumption of cruise operations and the new health protocol, Costa Cruises plans to resume operations from Italian ports, gradually, starting on September 6, 2020.
The return of cruises will be gradual, with more ships being added progressively. The first ship to set sail will be the Costa Deliziosa, departing on September 6th and offering weekly cruises from Trieste to the most beautiful destinations in Greece. Following this, the Costa Diadema will begin operating from Genoa on September 19th, offering 7-day itineraries through the Western Mediterranean featuring the best attractions of Italy and Malta.
Since the Italian government's new decree came into effect, Costa Cruises has been working closely with state and destination authorities to ensure the safe, smooth, organized, and responsible implementation of the new measures and protocols, in collaboration with local institutions, health authorities, maritime authorities, ports, terminals, and RINA. Further details regarding the itineraries of the Costa Deliziosa and Costa Diadema will be announced in the coming days.
Once the implementation of these protocols on board and ashore is complete, the company will extend the cruise season pause until September 30, with the exception of the previously mentioned sailings of the Costa Deliziosa (September 6, 13, 20, and 27) and the Costa Diadema (September 19). Costa is informing all affected customers and travel agents of the situation, and they will receive rebooking assistance in accordance with applicable laws.
With the aim of offering the best possible vacation experience, prioritizing the protection of guests, crew, and residents of local communities, Costa Cruises has designed the Costa Safety Protocol , which includes new operating procedures in response to the situation created by COVID-19. Thanks to the collaboration of a panel of independent scientists specializing in Public Health, coordinated by VIHTALI (Value in Health Technology and Academy for Leadership and Innovation), an organization affiliated with the Catholic University of Rome, the Costa Safety Protocol is in accordance with the health protocols defined by the Italian Government and European health authorities.
