Costa Cruises has enacted emergency health and safety protocols aboard the Costa Favolosa following reports of gastrointestinal illness among passengers during its current 7-day Northern Europe voyage.
Midway through the cruise, which departed from Hamburg (Germany) and includes calls at several major Northern European ports, multiple guests reported symptoms consistent with gastroenteritis. In response, the cruise line initiated a full-scale sanitation operation on May 18, 2025, while the vessel was in port at Newhaven, near Edinburgh, Scotland.
A formal notice was distributed to passengers, explaining that a comprehensive disinfection of the ship was being undertaken to maintain elevated hygiene standards. Guests were asked to disembark temporarily during the process or remain outside their cabins to facilitate interior cleaning.
Preventive measures have included intensified sanitization of high-contact surfaces throughout the ship, temporary suspension of selected services and public areas, and increased communication of hygiene protocols for both crew and guests. Costa Cruises emphasized that these steps are consistent with its established health standards, though the nature of gastrointestinal viruses makes containment challenging in confined and densely populated environments.
Captain Valentino Savarese informed passengers that while the ship maintains rigorous sanitation procedures, the virus in question can be transmitted via commonly touched surfaces such as door handles, elevator buttons, and railings. He advised all on board to practice strict hand hygiene, using soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, and to minimize physical contact when possible.
Passengers were also instructed to use their in-cabin restroom facilities to limit shared exposure and were encouraged to report any symptoms—such as vomiting or diarrhea—directly to the ship’s medical team. Additionally, guests were cautioned against consuming unsealed water while ashore and were urged to opt for bottled water as a precaution.
While the cruise continues on schedule, Costa Cruises has not provided figures regarding the number of passengers affected. However, company representatives have stated that the situation remains under control and that it is being closely monitored. The health and safety of guests and crew, the company reiterated, continues to be a primary operational focus.
Costa Favolosa's current cruise is а 19-day, one-way from Marseille (France) to Hamburg. The itinerary began on May 3, 2025 and ends on May 22, 2025.
For more Costa Favolosa incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.