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

Imagine, for a moment, being one of the 1,700 passengers on the Costa Fascinosa, anchored off the French Riviera, only to find out that you’re not going anywhere anytime soon. This is the reality for thousands of cruise-goers after France locked down the ship following the death of a 90-year-old passenger from COVID-19.

From French Riviera to Floating Quarantine

The Costa Fascinosa, operated by Italian company Costa Cruises, was supposed to dock in Marseille on Sunday. Instead, it’s been anchored off the coast since Saturday, with no sign of disembarkation. The lockdown comes after the death of a 90-year-old French woman who had tested positive for COVID-19. At least 60 others on board have also tested positive.

For Malta, this isn’t just a distant story. Our islands are a popular stop on many cruise itineraries, including those of Costa Cruises. In fact, the Costa Fascinosa was scheduled to make a stop in Valletta on March 15, just a week before the global pandemic led to the suspension of all cruise operations in Malta.

Malta’s Cruise Industry Braces for Impact

Malta’s cruise industry is no stranger to the ups and downs of global events. But the COVID-19 pandemic has brought rare challenges. The industry contributes significantly to Malta’s economy, with an estimated 400,000 cruise passengers visiting annually. The sudden halt in operations has left many local businesses, from tour operators to souvenir shops, feeling the pinch.

Local cruise agent, Mario Vella, told Hot Malta, “We’re bracing for the worst. This situation in France is a stark reminder that the cruise industry is still far from recovering. We’re hoping for a safe and swift resolution so that we can start planning for a safe restart.”

Lessons Learned and

The Costa Fascinosa incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the cruise industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It underscores the need for strong health and safety protocols, not just on board, but also in the ports of call.

Malta, with its successful handling of the pandemic, is well-positioned to lead the way in safe cruising. The Malta Tourism Authority has been working on a comprehensive health and safety protocol for cruise tourism, which could pave the way for a safe restart of the industry.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that the future of cruising will be different. It will be safer, more vigilant, and perhaps, more mindful of the interconnectedness of our world. And Malta, with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, will continue to be a beacon for cruise tourism in the Mediterranean.

For now, our thoughts are with the passengers and crew on board the Costa Fascinosa. We hope that they remain safe and that they can soon disembark and continue their journeys, albeit with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of global travel.