The restart of Costa Smeralda was celebrated on May 01 at the Palacrociere terminal, in the presence of Costa Cruises President Mario Zanetti, together with local authorities.  

"This year, May 01 takes on a special meaning for Costa Cruises as our company is resuming its operation, celebrating the resumption of work, for us and for the entire allied industries," said  Zanetti. "We are delighted to be starting off again from a Ligurian port, from the region that has been our home for over 70 years. The cruise and tourism sector is essential for the recovery of the Italian economy. Suffice it to say that, before the pause due to the Covid-19 emergency, our company generated an economic impact of EUR3,5 billion at national level, with over 17,000 direct and indirect jobs, working with about 5,000 partners. We hope that {this} restart will be a sign of a return to normality, for us, for our guests, whom we are pleased to welcome back onboard, and for all the suppliers working in our sector."

Costa Smeralda is the first of four ships that will operate for Costa in summer of this year, offering cruises in the Mediterranean. On May 16, Costa Luminosa  will restart, offering week-long cruises to Greece. On June 26, Costa Deliziosa will be back on one-week cruises to Greece. On July 04, Cota Firenze,  the new ship inspired by the Florentine Renaissance, will be sailing on a one-week itinerary in Italy. Alongside with the return of the Costa Firenze, from July 03 the Costa Smeralda will be back on international itineraries, with week-long cruises in Italy, France and Spain.