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Costa's September cruises for Italians only, to only Italian ports

Costa Cruises' September sailings of Costa Deliziosa from Trieste and Costa Diadema from Genoa will be reserved exclusively for Italians, with weeklong itineraries to Italian ports only. Also, the company may consider testing all travelers.

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Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Costa initially had not specified Italians only and its program had included calls at Malta and Greece.

Evolving scenario

Costa said its plan considered the evolution of the epidemiological scenario and taking into account regulations issued today by Italy's Ministry of Health regarding mandatory checks for travelers returning from some European and foreign destinations, 'which suggests a cautious approach.'

Other nationalities from October?

The company said it hopes that from October, the situation will allow Costa to welcome travelers of other nationalities.

Michael Thamm: Testing may be considered

Testing all travelers was not among Costa's recently announced protocols — unlike MSC Cruises — however, during a news briefing Wednesday, Costa Group and Carnival Asia CEO Michael Thamm said 'It is possible,' an option the company is keeping open. 

MSC starts sailing this weekend and Costa has a few more weeks to assess the situation. 

Costa Firenze slightly delayed

Thamm added Costa's orderbook remains intact, though there will be a slight delivery delay for China-dedicated Costa Firenze. It is now set for handover in December instead of Sept. 30.

Sept. 6 restart confirmed

The departure dates for the two ships are confirmed — Costa Deliziosa on Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Costa Diadema on Sept. 19. Costa said further itinerary details will be announced as soon as possible.

The company reiterated it continues to work in close cooperation with flag-state and regional authorities, local institutions, health officials, harbor master’s offices, ports and terminals and classification society RINA to ensure a 'responsible, smooth and well-organized application of the new regulations and protocols approved by the Italian government for the restart of cruises.'

Other cruises paused through September

Sailings other than those on Costa Deliziosa and Costa Diadema remain suspended through September.

About the Authors

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

Luca Peruzzi

Italy Correspondent

Luca Peruzzi is a freelance correspondent based in Italy for Seatrade Cruise News. 

 

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