Costa Cruises has revised the Norwegian itinerary of Costa Favolosa, canceling scheduled calls at Leknes and Bodø due to forecasts of strong winds and very rough seas.
The decision was communicated to passengers on October 12th, in a letter from the ship’s Master (Captain Valentino Savarese), who explained that the vessel would begin its southbound passage earlier than originally planned to safeguard passengers and crew.
According to the notice, the Navigation Bridge team had been monitoring weather forecasts and expected sea conditions in coordination with Costa’s fleet operations centre. Strong southerly winds were forecast in the areas around Leknes and Bodø, with potentially adverse conditions also affecting the approach to Leknes. Following an assessment of the forecasts and available alternatives, the company decided to modify the itinerary. The captain noted that weather and sea conditions in Northern Europe can change rapidly, particularly during the autumn season.
Under the revised schedule, Costa Favolosa will make an overnight call in Trondheim, arriving at 9:00 p.m. on October 13th and departing at 11:00 p.m. on October 14th. The ship will then spend October 15th at sea before calling at Haugesund on October 16th, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Kristiansand on October 17th, from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The schedule for October 18th remains unchanged, although all arrival and departure times remain subject to weather, sea and port conditions.
To compensate passengers for the itinerary changes, Costa is offering EUR 100 in onboard credit per guest, limited to two guests per cabin. The credit can be used for onboard purchases and services, including shopping, spa treatments, specialty restaurants and the hotel service charge. Any applicable credit will be deducted from the final onboard account, with unused amounts refunded.
Excursions booked through Costa for Leknes and Bodø will be canceled automatically, and passengers will receive refunds through their original payment method. The ship’s My Tours Office on Deck 3 will assist guests in exploring alternative excursion options in Trondheim, Haugesund and Kristiansand.
Captain Savarese thanked passengers for their understanding and explained that the revised route was intended to maintain safe operations while preserving opportunities to visit Norwegian destinations.
For more Costa Favolosa incidents and accidents, see the ship's CruiseMinus page.