Costa Cruises is resuming international cruises from Spanish ports with the arrival of its flagship, the LNG-powered Costa Smeralda, the most innovative ship in the fleet thanks to its sustainable technologies. In fact, the Costa Smeralda is the company's first LNG-powered cruise ship, the most advanced propulsion technology currently available in the maritime sector for reducing emissions.
Following a 7-day international itinerary through the Mediterranean, visiting Italy, France and Spain, the Costa Smeralda entered the port of Barcelona early this morning, where it will return every Monday before arriving in Palma de Mallorca on Tuesdays and proceeding to visit other wonderful destinations such as Sicily, Rome, Savona and Marseille.
Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises, stated: “We have missed Spain and Barcelona very much and are delighted to be returning to the country after a long hiatus. Today marks a very significant step in our responsible and gradual resumption of operations. We are finally bringing back cruising in the Western Mediterranean and giving our guests the opportunity to safely enjoy Spain’s beautiful sights, while also revitalizing the restart of tourism in our destinations. Spain remains a key source market for Costa, and the second largest European inbound market for cruise guests, and we hope that our return will contribute to supporting the relaunch of the tourism and port ecosystem and the local economy after a very difficult period.”.
Luigi Stefanelli, Managing Director for Spain and Portugal at Costa Cruises, stated: “Costa has been preparing to resume its international cruises with greater safety, and today we are very pleased that this day has finally arrived. We will continue working in close collaboration with national, regional, and local institutions.
Health and safety procedures have been strengthened through the adoption of the Costa Safety Protocol, developed by the company in conjunction with scientific experts and relevant authorities, to offer our guests a safe and peaceful vacation.”
Mar Pérez, Head of Cruises at the Port of Barcelona, stated: “Costa’s decision to choose Barcelona to launch its first international cruise and to position its most environmentally sustainable ship in this port reaffirms the commitment this company has always shown to our city.” The Port of Barcelona official is convinced that “Costa’s successful experience implementing its health protocols since
last September ensures the safe restart of this type of tourism for our community, in line with the strategy established by the Port of Barcelona to achieve a sustainable return to activity with guarantees for crews, passengers, port community employees, and the citizens of Barcelona. Therefore, I want to thank Costa for all the work done so far, as well as its willingness to collaborate with the Port of Barcelona
to guarantee the safe return of cruises.”
Costa's Safety Protocol has been successfully implemented since the company resumed operations in Italy in September 2020. The protocol contains operational measures related to all aspects of the cruise experience, both onboard and ashore. These measures include maintaining social distancing onboard; swab tests for all guests before embarkation and mid-cruise; routine testing for crew before embarkation and throughout their time onboard; daily temperature checks; protected excursions; new ways to use onboard services; enhanced health and medical services; and the use of face masks when required.
The onboard product offering has been improved and adapted with a proposal geared towards the Spanish consumer, including a gastronomic offering dedicated to Spain, new and extended lunch/dinner hours adapted to Spanish habits, and a new entertainment offer.
Costa Cruises celebrated its return to Barcelona and the arrival of its first cruise ship since the pandemic with a multi-platform advertising campaign, including city buses, billboards, and even a hot air balloon launched from the Port of Barcelona. This return would not have been possible without the close collaboration between the Barcelona City Council, health authorities, and the Port Authority, with whom the cruise line worked diligently to ensure the resumption of tourism, the safety of cruise operations, and a positive guest experience.
The Costa Smeralda marks the beginning of the resumption of Costa's international operations, which this summer will also include four more ships. The Costa Firenze, the newest ship in the fleet, will sail to Italy's most iconic cities starting July 4th, and from September 17th, a 7-night itinerary visiting Barcelona, Marseille, Savona, Rome, and Naples. The Costa Diadema will begin a 14-night itinerary from Barcelona to Istanbul and Izmir starting September 26th, before changing its itinerary on November 12th and heading closer to Spain with a route that includes Barcelona, Savona, Marseille, Málaga, Cádiz, Lisbon, Gibraltar, and Valencia. Meanwhile, the Costa Luminosa, a stunning tribute to light, offers a fantastic itinerary through the Greek islands, departing from Trieste and visiting Bari, Corfu, Athens, Mykonos, and Katakolon, with flights from Spain. Finally, the Costa Deliziosa, filled with works by young artists and great masters, offers from June 26 another tour of the Greek islands, this time departing from Venice and visiting Mykonos, Katakolon, Corfu and Bari, also with a flight from Spain.
