Costa, AIDA, Fred. Olsen, CMV announce temporary halt to cruises

Costa and AIDA intend to resume in early April, and Cruise & Maritime Voyages by April 24, while Fred. Olsen is waiting until May 23. 

For Costa and AIDA, cruises currently underway will call at suitable ports to disembark passengers without making additional port calls.

Travel logistics 'more challenging than ever'

In the past months Costa had further strengthened coronavirus precautions and has followed World Health Organization guidelines, however the company said the logistics of traveling around the world are today 'more challenging than ever and with increased restrictions adopted by several countries, carrying out safe and smooth operations has become significantly complex.'

Follows Italy and China

Costa already had revsed the itineraries of its ships calling at Italian ports up to April 3, while operations in China were suspended Jan. 25. 

Scheduled dates of return to operations follow: Costa Magica, April 3 (from Barcelona), April 4 for Costa Smeralda and Costa Pacifica, April 5 for Costa Luminosa and Costa Diadema, April 8 for Costa Fortuna, April 10 for Costa Favolosa and Costa Mediterranea, and May 3 for Costa Fascinosa.

About 50 AIDA itineraries impacted

For AIDA Cruises, about 50 itineraries will be impacted. Refunds will be provided. Operations are planned to resume April 5. 

AIDA is also offering cancellation-free rebooking until May 31.

Fred. Olsen

Fred. Olsen's cruises will halt once ongoing itineraries end. 

For the time being, river vessel Brabant is not affected and the season is expected to commence on April 6, as planned. 

A full refund or a voucher for a future cruise valued at 125% of the original fare are being offered.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages

Embarkations for Cruise & Maritime Voyages' global voyages were stopping today for a planned six weeks. 

Passengers are offered a full refund or future cruise credit of 125% of the value of their cruise. This credit can be used against the best deal of the day including the line's current 2021 buy one, get one free offers and 2020 late saver deals.

Passengers who transfer will also get a 20% discount on CMV's 'Onboard Additions' beverage packages, plus a 10% shore excursion discount and a one-category cabin upgrade (subject to availability).

The credit may be used for any cruise through 2021 but the sailing must be booked by this July 31.