Costa Smeralda returns to Savona in preparation of its return to sea

Costa Smeralda has arrived in Savona to begin preparations for the start of its cruises from Savona in the western Mediterranean. The first departure is set for next 10 October. Meanwhile, Costa Diadema has also arrived in Genoa, from where she will leave on 19 September for its first cruise.

Costa Cruises has returned to the port of Savona with Costa Smeralda, the first ship of the Italian company powered by LNG. The ship, which in recent months has been moored in Marseille, will arrived in the port of Torretta to make the necessary preparations in view of its restart, scheduled for 10 October. Among the planned activities, the main one is the implementation, both on board and at the Palacrociere, of the Costa Safety Protocol.

The protocol was developed by Costa together with a panel of scientific experts, and contains new operational measures adapted to the requirements of the COVID-19 situation and the relevant provisions defined by the Italian and European authorities. Among the novelties introduced by the protocol are swab tests for all guests boarding and visiting destinations only with protected excursions.

Costa Smeralda is not the only Costa ship to arrive in Liguria, she is joined by Costa Diadema, which will leave for its first cruise on Saturday 19 September. Diadema will offer guests a one week itinerary to discover some of the most beautiful Italian destinations in the westen Mediterranean.

About the Costa Safety Protocol

The Costa Safety Protocol, which will also be applied on Costa Diadema and Costa Smeralda, takes every aspect of the cruise experience, from booking to returning home, into consideration. Measures include swab tests for all guests and crew before boarding, temperature checks every time guests and crew leave and return to the ship, visits to destinations only with protected excursions, physical distancing on board and in the terminals (also thanks to the reduction in the number of new passengers), enhancement of sanitation and medical services and the use of protective masks when needed.

Also read: Costa Cruises introduces new health and safety protocol

Starting from 10 October 2020 and for the entire 2020-21 winter season, Costa Smeralda will call in Savona every week on Saturday, offering an itinerary in the western Mediterranean.

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