Costa (Carnival) Cruises, New Safety Procedures

[gerryuk]

Costa have announced their new safety procedures when they get back up and running.

 

ONLINE CHECK IN

Online check in is guaranteed and can be carried out in the total comfort and safety of your home, avoiding gatherings and limiting the interaction with staff at the boarding terminal.

ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE

Prior to boarding, we will monitor the health of our passengers by requiring them to complete a mandatory online questionnaire certifying their state of health.

ONBOARD LIFE DIGITALIZATION

We will offer the possibility to book experiences online before departure on MyCosta; life on board will be easier and more interactive through the utilization of the Costa APP, interactive onboard monitors and QR codes, for a state-of-the-art, safe cruising experience.

 

2. SAFETY PROCEDURES IN THE TERMINAL

During embarkation and disembarkation, we will follow important safety and prevention procedures for all our guests and crew.

BODY TEMPERATURE DETECTION

 

The body temperature of all passengers, crew and visitors will be taken by means of a thermal scanner every time you board the ship.

PROTECTION RULES

 

At the terminal, the use of individual protective equipment will be mandatory for everyone: guests will be required to wear a mask.

 

 

3. SOCIAL DISTANCING

We will follow strict safety protocols to ensure social distancing, so you can socialize in complete safety on board.

REDUCED SHIP OCCUPANCY 

To ensure social distancing with ease, the maximum number of passengers per cruise has been significantly reduced.

REDESIGNED AREAS

 

Reduced occupancy and controlled access of entertainment and relaxation areas: the common areas have been redesigned, in line with the new rules.

 

SAFETY SIGNS
 

Will be present in all areas to remind everyone of the need to maintain a safe distance.

 

4. SANITIZATION OF AREAS

All of our ships will comply with stringent onboard hygiene protocols, based on sanitary standards approved by the World Health Organization.

SANITIZATION OF SURFACES AND COMMON AREAS

 

The internal and external public areas will be sanitized multiple times a day with antiviral disinfectants; common restrooms will be sanitized even more frequently.

SPECIFIC PRODUCTS

We will use sanitization technologies and specific, highly effective disinfectant cleaning products on all surfaces and furnishings.

CABIN DISINFECTION

Cabins will be delivered to guests only after having undergone an antiviral disinfectant treatment. The cabins will also be cleaned and disinfected daily.


 

 

5. SAFETY EQUIPMENT

We will offer safety equipment to all our guests, staff and suppliers during their stay, to be used on board and shore side.

SAFETY AND SANITATION EQUIPMENT FOR ALL GUESTS AND STAFF

 

Numerous hand sanitizer dispensers will be available at the terminal and in all the main areas of the ship at all times. In addition, masks and gloves are available upon request during your stay.

PROTECTION ON BOARD

All crew will be equipped with the necessary protective equipment, in accordance with Italian regulations, to carry out their work with the highest health standards.

PROTECTION DURING EXCURSIONS

Our buses are sanitized after each use and social distancing is guaranteed by a reduced capacity; moreover, the tour guides utilize protective masks to help you discover the most beautiful places safely.

 

6. SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR THE CREW

We have tightened and reinforced the hygiene protocols that our crew must comply with.

DAILY SCREENING

 

Onboard personnel must carry out body temperature screening before and after each shift.

STAFF TRAINING
 

Specific staff training will be performed, relative to the compliance with safety protocols and practices in accordance with current health regulations.
 

 

7. SAFETY IN RESTAURANTS

The Food & Beverage services will be adapted to the current situation, with further strengthening of safety and control measures.

DISTANCING

 

The space between the seats at the tables and among the tables themselves has been designed to dine in total safety; in addition, access to the main restaurants will be predefined and controlled to avoid gatherings.

TABLE SERVICE

Only table service will be available, for both meals and drinks, which will be served exclusively at the table by our restaurant crew. .

FOOD SAFETY

As always, we will apply the strictest safety protocols in the procurement and food handling processes.

 

8. MEDICAL SERVICE ON BOARD AND SHORE SIDE

All Costa ships are equipped with a medical center, consisting of qualified and experienced doctors and healthcare professionals, continuously updated on the protocols and healthcare standards to counter the spread of COVID-19.
The health of our guests and crew is our top priority.

[drsel]

Thanks Jerry that was very useful

[tenpin]

Looks pretty good, was wondering about the life boat drill but now all being held in the bars & theatres I expect, major boarding ports will be most crowded but think they have got most point covered.

Holding on to a September booking for now see how things go, as I am a very vulnerable person to any cough/cold.

[Fredric22]

Not interested in wearing a mask on-board the ship. I guess I'll be waiting...

[maryann2]

5 hours ago, tenpin said:

Looks pretty good, was wondering about the life boat drill but now all being held in the bars & theatres I expect, major boarding ports will be most crowded but think they have got most point covered.

Holding on to a September booking for now see how things go, as I am a very vulnerable person to any cough/cold.

Wait until there's a vaccine! That's what I am doing.

[drsel]

So should we not book any Cruise until the vaccine is easily available all around the world?
But by then The Cruise prices will really shoot up.

also it is expected to take 18 months for the vaccine to be available in the market, so that could be by September 2021

[Scratchrat]

Sounds really good! Good job Costa 🙂

 

I've ordered funky face masks so that not only is it effective against the virus, it's fashionable, fun and an accessory!

 

Exciting.

[ighten]

On 6/17/2020 at 5:22 PM, maryann2 said:

Wait until there's a vaccine! That's what I am doing.

 

Youll be waiting a lot longer than you think if thats the case - The first few vaccines in the next few years will more than likely be only semi useful -   even when the first vaccines are announced as "ready " they will have to undergo several mths of testing phases.

[Dancer Bob]

I'd say there's less here than meets the eye.

Re-certifying a ship from outdoor to indoor mustering is a big deal. If Chengkp75 or Heidi13 are lurking, they would know more.

As far as I know, the only terminal Costa controls is Savona, everywhere else you're at the mercy of Port Authority and local politics. Can non-Schengen citizens have on-line checkin (thats also UK after Brexit, is it not)? Note "limiting" interaction, not "avoiding".

Reduced ship capacity- is this just marketing hype to cover up bookings being way, way down? How long for?

Only table service and reducing public area capacity- how is this going to work? Exactly who are the "restaurant" crew? Sounds pretty unsocial, and a real PITA. Does this mean the shops, spa, and photographers are going to stop marketing in the corridors? No more cruise staff activities? Or what?

One article CC is currently publishing says no more elevators or public washrooms.

I really can't figure out what this does to staffing levels and cost structure, but it doesn't sound good.

[drsel]

The Cruise lines have got plans to separate the tables in the main dining room and allow only people in the same cabin to sit together.
The same goes for the bars.

there are some videos on YouTube, just released, which explain all the rules Cruise ships will be following.
One such video is by Emma Cruises.
Another by Ben and David and a third by Cruise admiral

[Dancer Bob]

Concerning masks: a video was produced by KHQ TV in Spokane WA in cooperation with a local hospital. You can find it "KHQ Mask_NoMask Demo with agar".

Worthwhile viewing, but for those not used to evaluating scientific studies:

 

The experimenters were not infected with COVID-19. It has no direct relevance to COVID-19. It measures total microbial load on standard agar plates, to which you are exposed every day you are out in public. I'll simply point out every politican I've heard moving their lips has avoided admitting this is normal, and leave it at that.

 

There's nothing new here. I performed similar experiments in my microbiology courses 35 years ago. Coronaviruses have been known since the 1960's. I'll simply point out that every politician moving their lips has failed to admit why this hasn't been part of early education and leave it at that.

 

This experiment was about how others are protected from you when you wear a mask. I'll simply point out every politician I've heard moving their lips has been saying the exact opposite and leave it at that.

 

What the experimenters did NOT do was put various kinds of masks on plates and draw air from a COVID-19 source to measure what protection there is, if any. (I have no idea how well COVID-19 grows on a standard plate.)

 

So far I haven't found anything on hand sanitizer. There've been arguments for years whether in the real world, it just provides a false sense of security.

[gerryuk]

Costa have updated their procedures, now its masks in all public areas.

 

THE COSTA SAFETY PROTOCOL, FOR YOU

Our health and safety team along with a group of independent scientific experts are working to make your vacation an unforgettable experience with total peace of mind.

 

 

Here is the Costa Safety Protocol

Actions to further protect your health including new operational procedures adapted in response to the COVID-19 situation and in compliance with national and international health standards.

 

 

 

1. EXTRA ATTENTION FOR EVERY SINGLE PASSENGER

CHECK-IN ONLINE

Check-in is carried out completely online and opens 72 hours before your departure. To receive your cruise ticket, you must fill in a self-certification questionnaire regarding your health status.

STAGGERED BOARDING TIMES

The boarding times are staggered to facilitate compliance with the correct social distancing rules and to ensure safe boarding. This is why punctuality is so important.

CONTROL AT THE TERMINAL

At the boarding terminal, all passengers are subject to a body temperature and health check so as to enable a departure in total safety.

 

 

 

2. A SMART VACATION

MYCOSTA

The best way to ensure your on board safety is to check-in in advance. Visit www.mycosta.com before leaving, save time so you won’t have to check-in at the desks!

COSTA APP

Your smartphone is a fundamental travel companion! Thanks to Costa App and the QR codes you can now enjoy a wonderful vacation with complete digital security and it also means less paper to throw away!

ONBOARD MONITORS

There are other ways you can stay informed about what’s new on board: You’ll find digital screens and interactive monitors in public areas, a dedicated Info TV channel in the cabin and the new Call Me service, plus a convenient personalized assistance via the cabin phone.

 

 

 

3. MORE SPACE FOR YOU

REDUCED OCCUPANCY

The number of passengers onboard has been reduced to make social distancing easier and guarantee a safe and pleasant cruise.

REDESIGNED ENVIRONMENTS

The common areas and relaxation rooms have been remodeled so that they fully meet the safety standards you deserve: this means they are accessible to only a limited number of people at a time.

SAFETY SIGNS

There are signs in all high-traffic areas of the ship and the on-board staff will help you to get around easily and to maintain the correct safety distances.

 

 

 

4. ENJOY THE WHOLE SHIP IN SAFETY

PROTECTIVE MASKS

Just as on land, when in public areas while on board, protective masks must be worn By doing this, you protect your own health and that of your fellow travelers!

HAND SANITIZER

To help you keep your hands clean and sanitized at all times, in all the main areas of the ship you will find numerous sanitizing gel dispensers.

CREW DEVICES

The crew too have the necessary protective equipment to be able to do their job to the highest health standards.

 

 

 

5. BREAKFAST IS SERVED

SPACED OUT TABLES

Our restaurants are set up to welcome you in the best way while respecting social distancing. To ensure the safety of all our guests, we ask you to only sit at the table with the travel companion(s) included in your booking.

EXTENDED MEAL TIMES

Also, to order breakfast and lunch you can access the main restaurants entirely at your leisure, whenever you want, with a longer time slot than usual.

SMARTPHONE MENU

Scan the QR code that you will find at the tables, in the restaurants and bars, to check the daily food and drink menus directly on your smartphone. If you decide to order at the counter, follow the safety signs.

 

 

 

6. NON-STOP FUN

A WHOLE NEW ENTERTAINMENT

Enjoy the new forms of entertainment we have designed, with shows repeated several times during the week, and allow everyone to have fun at the same time, while still respecting social distancing rules.

SAFE FITNESS AND WELLNESS

Keep fit in the fitness room, have fun at the casino or relax at the SPA or in the swimming pool following the instructions given in the safety signs and observing the occupancy limits as indicated at the entrances.

SAFETY FOR CHILDREN TOO

Even children are guaranteed to have fun in complete safety: The Squok Club is sanitized several times a day and open at specific times, accessible to a limited number of persons.

 

 

 

7. EXCLUSIVE TOURS

LIMITED GROUPS

Costa excursions are totally safe: we have set out new procedures to ensure social distancing, thanks to limited group size and the use of disposable headphones to make for a better experience.

SAFETY ON BUSES

Our buses are sanitized after every use. Social distancing is guaranteed by reducing occupancy. In addition, our tour guides always wear protective masks.

COSTA SAFE EXCURSIONS

You can get off the ship independently, but we strongly recommend that you to opt for our safe excursions, so as to safeguard your health and that of the other guests and crew.

 

 

 

8. PURE AIR AND SANITIZED ENVIRONMENTS

SANITIZIED PUBLIC AREAS

The public areas are sanitized several times a day with new disinfection methods including virus-killing nebulizers.

YOUR CABIN DISINFECTED

Your cabin is also subject to a virus-killing disinfection carried out by qualified personnel and is cleaned and sanitized on a daily basis..

NEW FILTERS FOR QUALITY AIR

On board ship, the air you breathe is of high quality thanks to the new high efficiency filters. Our on-board ventilation systems offer optimal filtering of fresh air from outside, minimizing the circulation of internal air.

 

 

 

9. COUNT ON US FOR ANY CONCERNS

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

All members of our crew have completed specific training courses relating to compliance with safety protocols and practices.

INTERVENTION MEASURES

If any guests show signs of health problems, our crew members are trained to respond immediately with set intervention procedures.

CONSTANT MONITORING

All crew members are subject to daily body temperature checks and their state of health is monitored constantly.

 

 

 

10. CONSTANTLY UPDATED EXPERT PROFESSIONALS

EQUIPPED MEDICAL CENTER

All Costa ships have a fully equipped medical center, consisting of professional doctors and qualified and experienced healthcare personnel, continuously updated as to health protocols and standards to combat the spread of COVID-19.

THE HEALTH OF OUR GUESTS AND CREW IS OUR TOP PRIORITY..

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[drsel]

Thanks Gerry, hope to meet you on Costa Diadema

[gerryuk]

6 hours ago, drsel said:

Thanks Gerry, hope to meet you on Costa Diadema

Well i am booked Barcelona to Dubai in mid September this year. Don't think it will sail, however i saw a video on Youtube stating that both Costa and MSC have been given the green light to start sailing again from mid August from the Italian Government. 

Apparently only European nationals will be allowed to sail, not just Italians. 

I booked this with Costa direct whilst i was waiting for my refund for earlier cancelled cruise. I paid for a solo cabin and only had to pay 100 pounds, and pay the difference when i get my refund from them. I received my refund a couple of weeks ago but nobody from Costa has been in touch, to get me to pay the balance. The cruise is still showing up on My Costa so i am assuming they are waiting to find out whether this is going to go or be cancelled. Either way i don't mind, if its cancelled i will just transfer the money to a sailing from Dubai in 2022. If it is going to sail then they need to remember that the vast majority of those who will go, need to book hotels and planes, we need information, like now.

[maryann2]

37 minutes ago, gerryuk said:

Well i am booked Barcelona to Dubai in mid September this year. Don't think it will sail, however i saw a video on Youtube stating that both Costa and MSC have been given the green light to start sailing again from mid August from the Italian Government. 

Apparently only European nationals will be allowed to sail, not just Italians. 

I booked this with Costa direct whilst i was waiting for my refund for earlier cancelled cruise. I paid for a solo cabin and only had to pay 100 pounds, and pay the difference when i get my refund from them. I received my refund a couple of weeks ago but nobody from Costa has been in touch, to get me to pay the balance. The cruise is still showing up on My Costa so i am assuming they are waiting to find out whether this is going to go or be cancelled. Either way i don't mind, if its cancelled i will just transfer the money to a sailing from Dubai in 2022. If it is going to sail then they need to remember that the vast majority of those who will go, need to book hotels and planes, we need information, like now.

I doubt that it will go ahead Gerry. It is different having a cruise in the Med close to land and having sea days going through the Suez canal. Unless they potentially want to unload sick passengers in Egypt.

Looking forward to sailing from Dubai in March 2022.

[Dancer Bob]

There's currently a study about masks from researchers at Duke University running around the Internet. I haven't seen the actual study, only media reports, but the results seem logical.

Only properly fitted N95's are really effective. (That means "hard to breathe" and "irritates skin".) Other masks have varying degrees of false sense of security. The "face coverings" so beloved by politicians and which I see huge numbers, are worse than useless, worse at creating infectious aerosols than regular breathing.

[logan25]

This news article contradicts the protocol on whether passengers may go ashore independent of Costa excursions.  Is the author wrong?  Or did Costa reverse course?

 

https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/ports-destinations/costa-details-restart-itineraries-excursions-available-cruise-line-only

 

Quote from the article:

 

Costa Cruises detailed two itineraries ahead of its return to sailing for Italians only in September, and said travelers will be permitted ashore only via excursions organised by Costa directly.

[drsel]

it should be the same as MSc.
only ship sponsored excursions can leave the ship.

It would be a good revenue generator for the cruise line, if passengers can only do ship sponsored shore excursions

[chipmaster]

I think Costa is sailing into a rising storm,  you can do all you want but you give a good bug a thousand possible hosts, it'll make the jump.  The increasing cases in Italy and across Europe is the wrong time to start cruising.

 

Cruising isn't an essential business.  But if a country or society wants to let this go, then they should also allow sports events, bars, vacation etc. etc. with minimal travel restrictions.   

 

Without a vaccine it seems very strange to be starting these things.  We'll be in lock down again in three months.

 

 

[ouse456]

Has anyone seen a review written by a passenger of the Costa Italian cruises? I've been looking for a passenger discussion  that reports how the experience felt and how distancing worked in the gym, locker areas, running track, happy hour get-togethers, etc.

[drsel]

Has anyone seen a review written by a passenger of the Costa Italian cruises? I've been looking for a passenger discussion  that reports how the experience felt and how distancing worked in the gym, locker areas, running track, happy hour get-togethers, etc.

Only Italians will be on board and I don't think they know about Cruise critic.

[Calnev1]

On 8/13/2020 at 1:29 PM, Dancer Bob said:

There's currently a study about masks from researchers at Duke University running around the Internet. I haven't seen the actual study, only media reports, but the results seem logical.

Only properly fitted N95's are really effective. (That means "hard to breathe" and "irritates skin".) Other masks have varying degrees of false sense of security. The "face coverings" so beloved by politicians and which I see huge numbers, are worse than useless, worse at creating infectious aerosols than regular breathing.

The Duke study was published on August 7. I don't think your summary of it is quite right.  It is true that N95s are the most effective at reducing the water droplet count expelled by the wearer (which is what the study examined).    But many other face coverings, including various homemade cotton masks,  were also effective at reducing the droplet count.   The only face coverings that did not seem effective were bandanas and gaiters.

 

A copy of the study can be viewed at advances.sciencemag.org.  The study includes a chart that neatly summarizes the Duke researcher's findings for each kind of mask.