Costa Cruises requests relaxation of pandemic restrictions
In a strongly-worded letter to the German government, Michael Thamm, CEO of Costa Crociere (AIDA, Costa), has called for the blanket warnings against cruises to be lifted. The letter, addressed to Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU), Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD), and Chancellor's Office Minister Helge Braun (CDU), expresses concerns about the consequences the cruise industry is facing due to state regulations.
Thamm's letter comes as Costa Crociere has already incurred losses of 1.5 billion euros due to the complete cessation of business operations in the past six months. The CEO urged the German government to ease pandemic restrictions on cruises and expedite the removal of the Canary Islands from the list of risk areas at the earliest opportunity.
However, the letter does not provide details about the impact of the pandemic on the overall cruise industry beyond the losses suffered by Costa Crociere. Nor does it mention any specific plans or strategies for addressing these losses.
It is important to note that, as of mid-2025, there is no confirmed data on current German COVID-19 cruise restrictions nor public calls from Costa Crociere’s CEO to ease them. For the most accurate and updated details, checking official German government sources or industry announcements directly would be advisable.
The cruise industry has been facing challenges globally due to the pandemic, with many countries imposing restrictions on cruises. In other parts of Europe, such as Cannes and Nice in France, new rules limit ship sizes and passenger disembarkations starting in 2026 to tackle overtourism and pollution. These measures are driving changes in cruise operations and have sparked some industry pushback, but nothing directly linked to Germany or the German cruise sector.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has highlighted ongoing industry efforts toward sustainability with reduced emissions and improved environmental technologies, but this does not mention specific COVID-19 restrictions or calls for easements in Germany.
Thamm's letter serves as a reminder of the struggles the cruise industry is facing and the need for governments to reconsider and ease pandemic restrictions where possible. As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, the cruise industry will undoubtedly remain a key player in international tourism and travel.
Other parts of the global finance and lifestyle sector, like the business community in Cannes and Nice, France, are also implementing changes due to the pandemic. New rules limiting ship sizes and passenger disembarkations, aimed at tackling overtourism and pollution, have been introduced, affecting the travel and cruise industry.
