Costa will not operate a 2020/21 South America season

The cancellation for this year and early next applies to all cruises aboard Costa Fascinosa, Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica with South America embarkations scheduled from November to April.

South America sailings for 72 years — until now

'Costa Cruises has been sailing in South America uninterrupted for 72 years and we are committed to continue operating here,' said Dario Rustico, EVP Costa Cruises for Central and South America. He added the company looks forward to resuming operations in the region for the 2021/22 season, with two ships.

Booked passengers may transfer the amount paid, or a portion of it, for cruises that were scheduled up to Dec. 31, 2021, to any other sailing departing until June 30, 2022, under the terms of Law No. 14,046 of Aug. 24, 2020.

Bonus on-board credit for rebooking

When booking a new cruise by March 31, 2021, passengers will also receive a bonus on-board credit of R$400 per cabin for canceled cruises of one to five nights, R$800 per cabin for canceled cruises of six to nine nights or R$1,200 per cabin for canceled cruises of longer than 10 nights. This additional credit may not be combined with a similar bonus that has already been given in connection with any previous cancellation.

Costa said it is not required by law to give refunds but will process refund requests within the period defined by Law 14,046 of 2020, that is, up to 12 months from the closing date of the state of public emergency recognized by Legislative Decree No. 6 of 2020. The amount to be refunded will be money paid for the canceled cruise, minus the travel agent commission.

Sales to open for two-ship 2021/22 season

Costa also plans to open sales for the 2021/22 South America season on Sept. 8. Costa Favolosa and Costa Pacifica are to operate in the region between December 2021 and April 2022.

Costa Favolosa from Santos

Sailing from Santos, Costa Favolosa will first depart Dec. 5, 2021, on 17 itineraries of six to seven nights dedicated to Brazil's northeast region. Travelers from that area will also be able to embark at Salvador.

Costa Favolosa also will offer three mini-cruises, from three to four nights, spending Christmas, New Year's Eve and Carnival off Copacabana Beach.

Costa Pacifica from Rio, Buenos Aires, Montevideo

Costa Pacifica will offer cruises of seven and eight nights through the Prata region, with embarkations from Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Montevideo. On Dec. 31, 2021, the ship will be off Copacabana Beach for New Year's Eve.

Repositioning voyages between Italy and Brazil will bookend the 2021/22 season.