Working Conditions Aboard the Costa-Favolosa

**Title: Cruise Ship 'Costa Favolosa' Faces Turbulent Night as Storm Hits Southern Brazil** On the evening of February 18, 2026, passengers aboard the 'Costa Favolosa' experienced a harrowing encounter with nature when the vessel sailed directly into the path of an extratropical cyclone hammering southern Brazil. The tumultuous conditions caused the ship to sway dramatically, raising alarms among travelers who were unprepared for the sudden shift. By approximately 10:30 p.m., the ship began to list significantly, igniting a sense of panic among some passengers as they struggled to maintain their balance. The chaos in the dining areas was evident, with shattered plates and glasses littering the floors of the ship’s main restaurants. Fortunately, the 'Costa Favolosa' returned to normal cruising speeds once the tempest subsided, and there were no additional effects on its current or upcoming itineraries. The storm's center was located near Juiz de Fora in southeastern Brazil, which was engulfed by strong winds exceeding 60 miles per hour, leaving a mark across much of southern Brazil and the Río de la Plata region. Thanks to quick action from the crew and the ship's robust design, all passengers were safe, and the voyage continued smoothly after the ordeal.

During the 'Costa Favolosa's last Northern Europe cruise, several guests complained of symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness. The Costa Cruises shipping company responded immediately with a comprehensive hygiene plan and assured that the situation is under control. The seven-dacruise, which departed from Hamburg on May 3, t2025, took the ship to Le Havre and South Queensferry and to Newhaven near Edinburgh. On May 18,, a comprehensive disinfection campaign was launched in the Scottish port after several passengers reported typical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In an official message to guests, the shipping company announced increased cleaning measures. Passengers were asked either to stay in their cabins or to temporarily leave the ship to ensure efficient hygiene procedures. Captain Valentino Savarese appealed to passengers to practice thorough hand hygiene and avoid physical contact as much as possible. Restroom use should also be limited to their own cabin. The exact number of passengers affected remained unclear. Costa Cruises emphasized that the situation is under constant monitoring. The cruise will continue as planned. The full 19-day cruise began on May 3 in Marseille and ended on May 22 in Hamburg.

On Nov 8 the medical evacuation of a passenger from the 'Costa Favolosa' became necessaey. The 'Salvamar Fomalhaut' was tasked by Salvamento Marìtimo to take the patient off and transferred the person, along with a member of the ship's medical team, to Tarragona.

On Oct 24 a medical evacutation of a passenger aboard the 'Costa Favolosa' became necessary, while the ship was in transit from Portugal to Cartagena, 2.8 nautical miles from Cadiz. The CCS Cadiz of Salvamento Marítimo mobilizes the SAR boat 'Salvamar Suhail' to the cruise ship, which embarked the patient and transferred him to Puerto América, where an ambulance was waiting for him for further transport to a hospital.