Costa Cruises is finalizing preparations for its return to operations, scheduled for the end of this month. The cruise line plans for its flagship, the Costa Smeralda, to resume sailing to Italian ports starting March 27, visiting iconic destinations such as Savona, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Naples, Messina, and Cagliari.
Coinciding with the resumption of its operations, Costa Cruises' latest initiative is the implementation of onboard PCR testing for passengers, such as Spanish citizens, whose countries require a negative result for re-entry. To ensure safety and feasibility, the tests will be conducted within 72 hours prior to disembarkation at the port of origin, at a cost of only €40 per passenger. Results will be delivered in time for disembarkation and according to the destination's specific requirements. This test is in addition to the mandatory and free test that Costa performs on every passenger and crew member just before embarkation.
This initiative is part of Costa's Safety Protocol, which contains operational measures related to all aspects of the cruise experience, both onboard and ashore. Designed specifically to offer the best vacation experience with the highest possible level of safety, it comprises a wide range of measures and procedures that address the safety of crew members and passengers from the booking process to the end of their trip. These include pre-boarding screening, daily life onboard, bubble excursions to protect passengers and destination communities, comprehensive medical care, and many other measures.
The protocol, which has been very well received by guests, has been successfully implemented in Italy since September 6 and is constantly being updated based on the evolving situation and research developments.
This new offer highlights the cruise company's effort not only to allow citizens to travel again more safely, but also to take another step in the reactivation of the international tourism sector.
