Costa Cruises is taking emergency health precautions after multiple passengers aboard the Costa Favolosa reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness during the current 7-day Northern Europe cruise.
According to letter sent to guests, cases of gastroenteritis were detected mid-voyage, prompting the cruise line to initiate health and safety protocols. As part of its response, Costa carried out a cleaning and disinfection operation on May 18, 2025, while the vessel was docked at Newhaven, near Edinburgh, Scotland.
“To ensure the highest level of hygiene on board, a comprehensive ship-wide cleaning will be performed while we are in port,” the notice stated. Guests were advised to disembark in Newhaven during the cleaning period or temporarily vacate their cabins if staying onboard.
The precautionary measures include enhanced sanitation of high-touch surfaces, temporary closure of some onboard services and common areas, and reinforced hygiene reminders for all passengers and crew.
The ship’s captain, Valentino Savarese, said in his letter that while Costa Cruises maintains strict sanitation protocols, however the nature of gastroenteritis makes it highly transmissible in close environments such as cruise ships.
“Transmission can occur through surfaces like handrails, door handles, and elevator buttons. We ask all guests to adhere to rigorous hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.”
The captain further advised passengers to avoid direct contact with others, use in-cabin restroom facilities whenever possible, and to report any symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea immediately to the ship’s medical center.
The cruise line also warned passengers against drinking water from unverified sources while ashore, recommending sealed bottled water only.
The Costa Favolosa, operated by Italy-based Costa Cruises, is currently on a round-trip itinerary departing from Hamburg and calling at major Northern European ports. The company has not disclosed the number of affected guests but reassured passengers that the situation is under control and being closely monitored.
Costa Cruises said that guest and crew safety remains the company’s top priority.
