Costa Cruises, the Italian subsidiary of Carnival Corp. cruise lines, will offer accommodation to Ukrainian refugees on its ship Costa Magica.
“We have offered one of our ships to the Italian government to be integrated into the National Civil Protection plans as a possible temporary center for Ukrainian refugees should the number of arrivals to Italy increase in the coming weeks,” Costa said in a statement shared Wednesday by Carnival Corp. spokesman Roger Frizzell.
The cruise line said it has been following the events in Ukraine with concern. “Our thoughts are with those affected, including the families of our many Ukrainian employees who are understandably worried about their loved ones,” Costa said, noting that it has already donated and shipped medical supplies and medicines to support the treatment of injuries and illnesses in Ukraine.
Costa Cruises is not the first member of Carnival Corp. to take steps to show its support for Ukraine. The company said in a statement that additional support efforts are underway across its various brands. The foundation of Carnival Corp. Chairman Micky and Madeleine Arison said it would dedicate $3 million to organizations assisting Ukrainian refugees: $1 million each to World Central Kitchen, UNICEF USA, and Direct Relief. Carnival Cruise Line also donated $50,000 to World Central Kitchen in honor of its crew members and employees in Ukraine. And AIDA Cruises, the company's German brand, also donated medical supplies and medicines in addition to Costa's initial donation.
“We stand for peace and our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been disrupted by the invasion of Ukraine,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corp., in a statement. “We deeply feel the human impact of this humanitarian crisis and join many others in supporting relief efforts.”
