Costa Cruises has announced plans to restart operations from Italian ports gradually on 6 September 2020.

This announcement comes following the approval yesterday (10 August) by the Italian Government of the resumption of cruises and new health protocols developed in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

The cruise line has said that the return to cruising will be “progressive, involving an increasing number of ships”.

The first ship to set sail will be Costa Deliziosa on 6 September, offering every week cruises from Trieste. Costa Diadema will follow on 19 September, operating on seven-day cruises in the western Mediterranean from Genoa.

In a statement, the cruise line said: “From the entry into force of the new decree by the Italian Government, Costa Cruises is working with Flag State authorities and the destinations to ensure a responsible, smooth and well-organised application of the new regulations and protocols, in close cooperation with the local institutions, health authorities, harbor master’s offices, ports and terminals and RINA.

“Consequently, further details on the Costa Deliziosa and Costa Diadema itineraries will be announced in the coming days.

“As the gradual implementation of these protocols is completed on board and ashore, the company must extend the pause of its cruise season until September 30, 2020, except for the above-mentioned departures of Costa Deliziosa (September 6, 13, 20, 27) and Costa Diadema (September 19).

“Costa is informing the impacted Guests and travel agents. They will be guaranteed a reprotection in accordance with the applicable legislation.”

Costa Cruises has developed the Costa Safety Protocol for its fleet.

This is supported by a panel of independent scientific experts in Public Health coordinated by V.I.H.T.A.L.I. (Value in Health Technology and Academy for Leadership and Innovation), the Costa Safety Protocol is consistent with the health protocols defined by the Italian Government and European (EU Healthy Gateways) authorities.

Visit costacruises.co.uk for more information.