Costa Cruises Clarifies Refund Policy for Concordia Passengers

Costa Cruises will refund the full cost of the cruise and travel expenses for all guests who were on the Costa Concordia when it ran aground Jan. 13.

The company said it will reimburse all travel expenses incurred both reaching the port of embarkation and on the homeward journey, including any independent arrangements made for transfers. Any onboard expenses also will be refunded, any credit card charges will be credited to the account and any cash deposits will be refunded. Costa also will reimburse any medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident.

“Every effort will be made to return the valuables left in the cabin safe,” the cruise line said. “Information on the return of personal belongings and other forms of compensation will be communicated.”

Costa issued the statement on Jan. 23 after some media outlets reported that the line was only offering 30 percent off future cruise coupons to those on the ship.

In fact, the 30 percent future cruise discount, in addition to a full refund, was for people scheduled to sail on Costa Concordia from Jan. 14 onward.