Costa Favolosa Enacts Health Measures Amid Illness Cases

Costa Cruises has implemented emergency health protocols following reports of gastrointestinal illness among several passengers aboard the Costa Favolosa during its ongoing 7-day Northern Europe voyage.

According to a notification sent to guests, cases of gastroenteritis emerged mid-cruise, prompting the cruise operator to activate sanitation measures. On May 18, 2025, while docked in Newhaven near Edinburgh, Scotland, Costa conducted a deep cleaning and disinfection of the ship.

“To ensure the highest level of hygiene on board, a comprehensive ship-wide cleaning will be performed while we are in port,” the letter to guests explained. Passengers were encouraged to go ashore during the process or vacate their staterooms temporarily if they remained onboard.

The enhanced response included intensified cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, temporary suspension of some services and access to shared spaces, and increased hygiene messaging for both guests and crew.

Captain Valentino Savarese addressed the outbreak, emphasizing that despite Costa Cruises' rigorous cleanliness standards, illnesses like gastroenteritis spread easily in enclosed environments.

“Transmission can occur through surfaces like handrails, door handles, and elevator buttons. We ask all guests to adhere to rigorous hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.”

He also urged guests to minimize close contact, use their cabin bathrooms when possible, and promptly report symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea to the onboard medical team.

Additionally, passengers were cautioned against consuming water from unregulated sources while ashore, and advised to rely only on sealed bottled water.

The Costa Favolosa, operated by the Italy-based cruise line, is currently sailing a round-trip route from Hamburg with stops at key Northern European destinations. While the company has not revealed how many passengers have fallen ill, it reassured travelers that the outbreak is being managed effectively.

Costa Cruises reiterated that the health and wellbeing of its passengers and crew remains its foremost priority.