Discover the Adora-Mediterranea: Ratings & Maritime News

The Costa Mediterranea, a prominent cruise ship, is currently making its way through a series of Italian ports to facilitate the repatriation of its crew members back to Southeast Asia. Following its journey across the Indian Ocean, the Costa Mediterranea docked at Naples from April 7 to 9 before proceeding to La Spezia on April 10. Here, it disembarked some crew members and took on personnel from other ships, including the Costa Pacifica, comprising predominantly Filipinos and Indonesians. After its departure on April 13, the vessel arrived in Brindisi on April 16, where the Costa Fortuna was already stationed to aid in transferring more crew. Originally, the Costa Mediterranea was slated to reach Asia by the end of November, coinciding with its transition to the new Chinese operator, CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping, which had previously received its sister ship, the Costa Atlantica, earlier this year. The ongoing repatriation efforts of cruise staff have been significantly hindered by international border restrictions and a severe decrease in flight options. Thus, the Costa Mediterranea is seizing its passage to Asia as an opportunity to reunite many of its crew members with their families.

Costa Crociere is gearing up to use the 'Costa Mediterranea' for repatriating crew members from the Philippines and Indonesia. The journey began on April 10, when the vessel made its way to La Spezia to disembark European crew members who were not needed for operational duties. From there, remaining non-Filipino and non-Indonesian crew onboard were transferred to the 'Costa Pacifica', ensuring operational efficiency while facilitating repatriation. In collaboration with various governments and airlines, Costa is dedicated to ensuring safe passage for its crew. Following this plan, the Filipino and Indonesian crew aboard the 'Costa Pacifica'—excluding those required for minimum safety staffing—are lined up for transfer to the 'Costa Mediterranea'. This ship is scheduled to dock in Brindisi by April 16 and will then meet the 'Costa Fortuna', where it will take on additional Filipino and Indonesian crew members. After completing this crucial repatriation mission, the 'Costa Mediterranea' will set sail for Shanghai, with planned stops in Indonesia and the Philippines to facilitate the safe disembarkation of crew. Costa continues to work closely with local governments and manning agents to ensure that all crew members return home safely. While the company's future plans for the 'Costa Mediterranea' in China remain uncertain, it is noteworthy that both this vessel and the 'Costa Atlantica' have recently been integrated into Carnival Corporation's joint venture with China State Shipbuilding.

On the morning of April 10, 2023, the cruise ship 'Costa Mediterranea' docked in La Spezia, where it will remain alongside the 'Costa Pacifica' until at least April 12. Currently, the 'Costa Pacifica' is accommodating 950 crew members while 750 crew members are stationed on the 'Costa Mediterranea'. This week marks an important crew exchange, as personnel from the Far East will be consolidated on the 'Costa Mediterranea'. Following this operation, the ship is scheduled for a brief stop in Brindisi before continuing its journey to the Far East. Meanwhile, the 'Costa Pacifica' will stay at La Spezia port until the emergency situation resolves. Both Costa and MSC cruises have suspended operations until May 30, and the La Spezia terminal is managing logistics for essential spare parts and supplies to ensure the vessels are well-stocked.