Costa Cruises drops Tunisia, Egypt and Israel

Costa Cruises has announced it will extend the cancellation of calls in Tunisia, Egypt and Israel through until the end of the year, blaming uncertainty in the region

In a statement the cruise line said "While Costa values and appreciates the great appeal of these three countries as prime tourist destinations, due to recent events, we have decided to change the itineraries of all Mediterranean cruises that included calls to those countries. The changes will enable the company to efficiently plan and execute its complex technical and maritime operations for the entire season."

The line also noted "Costa's highest priority is to ensure for all its guests a relaxing, worry-free experience, and the cruise line is trying to minimize any last-minute itinerary modifications,"

Costa has mentioned all seven day Mediterranean voyages that were scheduled to call at Tunis, Tunisia will be replaced with Malta, Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari. All itineraries scheduled to call at Alexandria, Egypt, Haifa and Ashdod, Israel will now offer calls at Limassol, Rhodes, Marmaris or Alanya and Antalya, Turkey.

The changes will affect a number of the ships in Costa’s fleet including the Costa Serena, Costa Magica and Costa Concordia. Costa Allegra however will continue to operate out of the Red Sea, Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt.

If you are booked on a Costa Cruise you can find further helpful information at the cruise line’s official website. http://www.costacruises.com