Costa Smeralda Drops La Goulette Call, Swaps in Naples

Costa Cruises has dropped La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia, from Costa Smeralda’s March 4, 2026 itinerary because forecast winds are expected to prevent a safe approach and docking. The ship will call instead at Naples, Italy, with Costa framing the decision as an advance safety measure to avoid a late cancellation on arrival.

Safety decision tied to port wind limits and access-channel conditions

In a letter shared with guests onboard and signed by Captain Gianfranco La Fauci, Costa said the forecast for La Goulette included “strong winds and gusts” and that expected conditions would not allow the ship to transit the port’s access channel safely. La Fauci added that the forecast “exceed[s] the wind limits established by the port” for safe operations.

Costa also cited forecast gusts exceeding 40 mph as part of the rationale for removing the call.

Naples replaces Tunisia on March 4 with a full-day visit

Instead of La Goulette, Costa Smeralda is scheduled to arrive in Naples at 08:00 on March 4 for a full-day stay. Costa noted that excursions for Naples are available through onboard channels, including the Costa Cruises app, and via the My Tours Desk (Deck 6).

Costa described Naples as a replacement port rather than a simple sea-day substitution. The port is not typically part of the ship’s standard Western Mediterranean rotations from its regional turnaround ports, according to the itinerary information shared with guests.

Excursions and refunds: how Costa is handling guest bookings

Costa is cancelling shore excursions purchased through the cruise line for La Goulette and issuing automatic refunds without requiring guests to take action. The line said refunds are being processed back to the original form of payment, and may be credited to onboard accounts depending on how tours were purchased and settled onboard.

Costa Smeralda’s current itinerary and ship specifications

Costa Smeralda is operating a seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary that, in its original form, included Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Savona (Italy), Palermo (Italy), Civitavecchia (for Rome, Italy), and La Goulette (Tunisia). The ship’s sailings can begin and end in multiple ports, including Marseille, Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Savona, and Palermo, meaning the cancelled Tunisia call is not tied to embarkation or debarkation logistics for most guests.

One of Costa’s largest vessels, Costa Smeralda entered service in 2021 after being built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The ship is approximately 185,010 gross tons and carries about 5,224 passengers at full capacity.

La Goulette’s recurring winter wind problem and broader cruise impacts

La Goulette’s exposed coastal setting can produce challenging conditions during winter and early spring, and cruise itineraries have faced repeated changes when winds rise above operational limits. Costa’s update to guests specifically referenced port-established wind thresholds used when pilots and port authorities evaluate whether ships can transit narrow channels and berth securely.

More broadly, sustained winds exceeding 34 mph are generally considered too strong for cruise ships to dock safely. Ahead of the March 4 change, local wind gusts were averaging 26.8 mph by March 3, with forecasts calling for stronger gusts the following day.

MSC Splendida also cancelled La Goulette calls earlier in 2026

Costa’s move follows similar disruptions affecting MSC Cruises at the same Tunis-area port. MSC Splendida, a 3,900-passenger ship, cancelled a scheduled La Goulette call on January 8, 2026, and again on February 12, 2026, due to predicted strong winds.

For the February adjustment, MSC anticipated winds up to 50 knots (about 57 mph). The cruise line turned February 12 into a sea day with expanded onboard programming, with onboard activities ranging from a Formula 1 simulator to 4D cinema experiences, before adding Palma de Mallorca, Spain, as a substitute call on February 13 from 09:00 to 21:00 local time. MSC Splendida then continued to Barcelona on February 14.

As with Costa’s handling of excursion bookings, MSC cancelled and refunded La Goulette excursions purchased through the line, allowing guests to rebook tours for Mallorca.

Additional Tunisia calls remain on Costa Smeralda’s March schedule

While the March 4 La Goulette stop has been removed, Costa Smeralda is still scheduled to call at La Goulette later in the month, with visits planned for March 11, March 18, and March 25. Costa said it will continue monitoring weather and local conditions closer to each arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Costa Smeralda cancel La Goulette on March 4, 2026?

Costa said forecast “strong winds and gusts” would prevent a safe transit of the port’s access channel, and that conditions were expected to exceed wind limits established by the port for safe operations.

What happens to shore excursions booked for La Goulette?

Costa is cancelling La Goulette excursions purchased through the cruise line and issuing automatic refunds without requiring guests to submit requests. Costa said refunds will be processed to the original form of payment and may be credited to onboard accounts depending on how the purchase was settled.

Where is Costa Smeralda going instead of La Goulette?

Costa Smeralda will call at Naples, Italy, on March 4, 2026, arriving at 08:00 for a full-day visit, with excursions sold through onboard channels including the Costa Cruises app and the My Tours Desk (Deck 6).

Is Costa Smeralda still scheduled to visit La Goulette later in March 2026?

Yes. Costa said additional La Goulette calls remain planned for March 11, March 18, and March 25, subject to weather and port conditions closer to each date.

Did other cruise lines face similar issues at La Goulette in early 2026?

Yes. MSC Splendida cancelled La Goulette calls on January 8 and February 12, 2026, citing predicted strong winds, and substituted Palma de Mallorca on February 13 after turning February 12 into a sea day with expanded onboard programming.