Costa details Concordia guest reimbursement

Costa Crociere has announced a compensation proposal for guests who have returned home after the Jan. 13 tragic Costa Concordia accident. The proposal is the result of negotiations between Costa Crociere and consumer associations protecting guests’ interests, with the support of multiple tourism and travel industry associations. In Italy, the company has already reached an agreement with the National Council of Consumers and Users, a national organization. The families of the deceased and guests who were injured and required medical treatment on site will be covered under a separate proposal that will take into account their individual circumstances. The compensation package for Costa Concordia guests who have returned home includes: !!! A lump sum of 11,000 euros (US$14,458.07 at today’s exchange rate) p.p. as indemnification, covering all patrimonial and non-patrimonial damages, including loss of baggage and personal effects, psychological distress and loss of enjoyment of the cruise vacation; !!! Reimbursement of the value of the cruise, including harbor taxes; !!! Reimbursement of air and bus transfers included in the cruise package; !!! Full reimbursement of travel expenses to reach the port of embarkation and return home; !!! Reimbursement of any medical expenses resulting from the cruise; !!! Reimbursement of expenses incurred on board during the cruise. According to officials, this compensation package is higher than the current indemnification limits provided for in international conventions and laws currently in force. The 11,000 euro lump-sum payment is offered to all Costa Concordia passengers, including non-paying children, regardless of their age. Costa also has pledged not to deduct from this sum any amount paid by any insurance policy stipulated by guests. In addition, the company will return all goods stored in cabin safes, where retrieval is possible. Costa Crociere also has pledged to provide a program for psychological assistance to any guests that request it. The company has further agreed to offer customers the ability to cancel any upcoming cruise booked before Jan. 13, on any of its routes, without penalty through Feb. 7.