Malta’s Cruise Industry on Edge as France Locks Down 1,700 on Ship

Imagine, for a moment, being one of the 1,700 passengers and crew aboard the Costa Fascinosa, a towering cruise ship now anchored off the French port of Marseille. The ship, which had set sail from the Maltese port of Valletta just days before, is now a floating quarantine zone, its passengers and crew confined to their cabins after an 80-year-old Italian man tested positive for COVID-19. The man later died, marking the first death from the virus on a cruise ship.

From Mediterranean Cruising to Quarantine

The Costa Fascinosa, operated by the Italian cruise line Costa Cruises, had called at several Mediterranean ports before its ill-fated voyage. Among them was Valletta, Malta’s historic capital, where it docked on February 22nd. Passengers disembarked to explore the city’s narrow streets, visit its ancient sites, and sample local cuisine. Little did they know that their journey would soon be disrupted by a global pandemic.

The ship’s last port of call before the lockdown was Marseille, where it arrived on February 29th. It was here that French authorities, acting on information from Italian health officials, boarded the ship and tested passengers and crew. The results were alarming: 61 people tested positive for COVID-19, including the 80-year-old man who later died.

Malta’s Cruise Industry Braces for Impact

News of the lockdown has Malta’s cruise industry. With over 300 cruise ship calls and nearly 800,000 passengers expected in 2020, the industry is a significant contributor to Malta’s economy and tourism sector. But with the global spread of COVID-19, that figure is now in jeopardy.

Malta’s Minister for Tourism, Julia Farrugia Portelli, has been quick to reassure the public that the situation is under control. “We are closely monitoring the situation,” she said in a statement. “Our priority is the health and safety of our residents and visitors. We are in constant contact with our health authorities and are following their guidance.”

Meanwhile, cruise lines are taking rare measures to protect passengers and crew. Costa Cruises has suspended all its cruises until April 3rd, while other major cruise lines have implemented enhanced screening measures and modified itineraries to avoid affected ports.

What Does This Mean for Malta?

The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Malta’s cruise industry is still uncertain. While no cases have been confirmed on ships calling at Maltese ports, the potential for disruption is high. Cruise lines may choose to avoid Maltese ports, or passengers may choose to stay away, fearing infection.

For now, it’s a waiting game. The Maltese government is working closely with the health authorities to monitor the situation and provide up-to-date information. In the meantime, the Costa Fascinosa remains anchored off Marseille, a stark reminder of the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As one passenger, speaking from their cabin via a video call, put it: “We’re all just hoping this is over soon. We want to go home, to our families, to our lives. But for now, we’re stuck here, waiting, hoping we’re not next.”