Costa-Pacifica Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

**Title: Urgent Medevac Operation in Valencia for Costa Pacífica Passenger** On April 29, 2026, a crucial medical evacuation unfolded aboard the cruise ship 'Costa Pacífica' as it was navigating from Valencia to La Spezia. The ship's crew sought immediate assistance for a 42-year-old French passenger in need of urgent medical attention. Promptly reacting to the distress call, the vessel altered its course toward the northern anchorage to facilitate the evacuation process. The Valencia Rescue Coordination Center (CCS Valencia) quickly dispatched the Search and Rescue (SAR) boat 'Salvamar Aldebarán' to assist in the operation. Upon arrival, the medical team successfully transferred the patient to the SAR vessel, which then transported them to shore. There, an ambulance was on standby to ensure swift transport to the hospital for further care. This operation underscores the critical support provided by maritime and emergency services, ensuring passenger safety at sea.

**Title: Costa Smeralda Adjusts Itinerary Amid Regional Turmoil** In light of recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Costa Cruises has announced significant changes to the 'Costa Smeralda's' schedule for the upcoming winter season 2026/27. The luxury cruise ship will pivot from its original Arabian Gulf route and embark on an exciting new journey through the stunning Canary Islands and Madeira. This fresh seven-day itinerary between the two beautiful archipelagos aims to provide travelers with early clarity and assurance regarding their holiday plans. Given the unpredictable situation in the Middle East, Costa Cruises has decided to halt operations in the region for the foreseeable future, prioritizing the safety and comfort of its guests and travel partners. Following a planned drydock, the 'Costa Smeralda' will commence its new program featuring enriching experiences in the Canary Islands, thereby enhancing the cruise line's guest capacity in this picturesque area. The itinerary overhaul also impacts the 'Costa Pacifica,' originally slated to sail in the Canary Islands and Madeira. Following its own scheduled drydock, the ship will now head to the Western Mediterranean. From this new departure point, the 'Costa Pacifica' will offer a blend of seven-day cruises visiting iconic Western Mediterranean locales, alongside longer voyages exploring Southern Europe and North Africa. Additionally, the cruise line has announced plans for new extended itineraries as part of this restructured travel program. With these adjustments, Costa has confirmed that the previously planned repositioning voyages for the 'Costa Smeralda' connecting Europe to the United Arab Emirates will no longer occur. Passengers who were initially booked on these sailings, as well as those affected by the cancellation of Middle Eastern cruises, can easily transfer to alternative Costa sailings. Each guest will also receive €200 in onboard credit per cabin, which translates to €100 per person for double occupancy. Travelers who had opted for the 'Costa Pacifica's' former Canary Islands itineraries will be seamlessly transferred to the new 'Costa Smeralda' schedule under the same generous conditions. Exciting new itineraries for both vessels are anticipated to open for booking by the end of March 2026.

On Oct 31, 2022, a passenger suffered cardiac problems aboard the 'Costa Pacifica', which was en route from Barcelona to Lisbon, in the North Atlantic. Salvamento Marítimo deployed the SAR boat 'Salvamar Spica' to the scene, which medevaced the patient and transported him to the port of Almería, where an ambulance was waiting for the further transport to hospital.Photo: Photo: https://twitter.com/salvamentogob/status/1587127314101444608/photo/1

The 'Costa Mediterranea' arrived in La Spezia in the morning of April 10 and will remain moored alongside the 'Costa Pacifica' until at least April 12. On the 'Coast Pacifica' there were currently 950 crew members, while on the 'Costa Mediterranea' were 750. There will be an exchange of personnel so that people from the Far East will be concentrated on the 'Costa Mediterranea'. After a new stop in Brindisi for a similar operation it will head to the Far East. The 'Costa Pacifica' will continue to remain in the port of La Spezia until the end of the emergency. The Costa and MSC cruises were suspended until May 30. The La Spezia terminal was taking care of the logistics to get spare parts and supplies on board.

-The 'Costa Pacifica' sailed from the port of Civitavecchia to the port of La Spezia on March 26 a,nd berthed at the Mollo Garibaldi on March 27 at 6.40 a.m. On board were only 900 crew members without symptoms of coronavirus, some of whom were waiting of repatriation through special flights or transfers organized by Costa Cruises in coordination with national and international authorities. The ship has completed the disembarkation of passengers at the port of Civitavecchia. Costa Cruises confirmed that the health situation on board the ship did not present any problems and was constantly monitored. According to the provisions issued by the Italian government, crew members will be required to remain on board the ship and disembarkation will be allowed only for repatriation as soon as possible.