Costa restarts cruises but takes ‘responsible’ decision to ban non-Italians
Costa Cruises will resume operations on two of its vessels next month – but only Italians will be allowed on board.
The Italian cruise line revealed that while voyagers on the Costa Deliziosa and Costa Diadema will restart in early September it will not permit any other nationalities to travel.
Voyagers on all other ships have been cancelled until 30 September.
The company said the decision to ban non-Italians is in line with its pledge to restart ‘responsibly’ and ensure ‘maximum safety for guests, crew and the destination communities’.
"The decision was made considering the evolution of the epidemiological scenario and taking in account the regulation issued today by the Italian Ministry of Health regarding mandatory checks for travellers returning from some European and foreign destinations," the cruise line said. "Therefore, this solution will allow Costa guests to better enjoy their holiday, with less worries.
"The company hopes that from October the situation will allow us to welcome on board its ships guests of other nationalities."
Costa Deliziosa will operate cruises from Trieste on September 6, 13, 20 and 27 with Costa Diadema operating a voyager from Genoa on 19 September.
All cruises will be seven days and call only at Italian ports.
Other itineraries will be released ‘as soon as possible’.
By Steve Jones, Contributing Editor
BA pilot dies during layover
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls