The Costa Cruises flagship, the LNG-powered Costa Smeralda, set sail from the homeport of Savona on 10 October.
The day prior to its historic departure in the Covid pandemic era, a meeting was held at the Palacrociere Terminal between Michael Thamm, CEO Costa Group & Carnival Asia, Francesco Cimmino, Commander of the Port of Savona, Paolo Canavese, Director Territorial Office of Savona of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, Ilaria Caprioglio, Mayor of Savona and Pierangelo Olivieri, President of the Province of Savona to celebrate the revival of cruise activities in Savona and its wide-ranging local economic impact on the port and the city alike.
The Costa crusies are set to resume service in full safety, following the application of the Costa Safety Protocol guidelines elaborated by the cruise line together with the collaboration of a panel of scientific experts, which outlines a set of stringent measures to safeguard passengers and crew from the repercussions of the Covid-19 public health emergency, in strict compliance wth Italian and EU legislation. Provisions include universal Covid-19 tests for all guests and crew prior to boarding, body temperature control, social distancing at all times thanks to a reduction in the number of passengers, a reorganisation of onboard services, protected shore excursions and the provision of enhanced medical care and treatment onboard.
During the meeting, the Italian cruise line announced its plans to donate a children's outdoor play-area to Savona in a site, to be selected togeher with the City and the Superintendence of Architecture, Fine Arts and Landscape, consolidating Costa Cruises' firm commitment to the city of Savona which has been serving the liner's fleet since 1996.
