Costa Smeralda Drops Tunisia Port Call for Cagliari Amid High Winds
The change underscores how exposed North African harbors can be for today’s largest cruise ships. Mediterranean operators are increasingly planning fallbacks as weather volatility rises.
Costa Cruises has swapped a planned call in La Goulette, Tunisia, for Cagliari, Sardinia, on a seven-night Western Mediterranean sailing aboard Costa Smeralda after weather forecasts raised safety concerns about entering the Tunis-area port.
The roundtrip cruise departed Barcelona on April 13, 2026, with La Goulette originally scheduled as the first port call on April 15. Guests were notified upon boarding that the itinerary would be modified based on updated conditions along Tunisia’s northern coast.
Wind forecast triggers port change for April 15 call
In a letter to passengers, Captain Giovanni Cosini said the decision followed ongoing monitoring of conditions as the ship approached La Goulette, the main cruise gateway for Tunis. “Due to weather conditions expected in the port of La Goulette, it is anticipated that wind speeds could exceed the operational limits required for safe entry into the harbor. For this reason, in line with our commitment to safety and in compliance with current maritime regulations, the itinerary will be modified,” Cosini wrote.
Forecasts for the area called for unsettled weather, including rain and shifting winds. West winds were expected to reach about 20 to 30 miles per hour, with daytime temperatures near 76°F, conditions that can complicate maneuvering in confined harbor approaches.
Cagliari added as replacement stop in Sardinia
Instead of docking in Tunisia from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, Costa Smeralda is now scheduled to call in Cagliari on April 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving guests nine hours ashore.
Costa Smeralda, Costa Cruises’ flagship and part of Carnival Corporation, is a 185,010-gross-ton vessel. The operator noted that itinerary adjustments tied to wind and berth safety are a practical reality for large ships when forecasts indicate conditions may exceed safe limits near breakwaters, turning basins, or narrow entrances.
Shore excursions in Tunisia canceled, refunds issued
The port swap also changes planned shore programs. Costa Cruises told passengers that excursions purchased for La Goulette were automatically canceled, and refunds are being processed back to the original payment method used at the time of purchase.
La Goulette typically serves as the starting point for day trips to Tunis-area landmarks, and tours sold for this call included visits to Carthage, the historic Medina of Tunis, and the seaside village of Sidi Bou Said. With the April 15 call removed, those Tunisia-focused options will not be available on this sailing.
Guests can instead book replacement excursions in Cagliari through onboard channels, including the ship’s excursion desk and booking system. Typical options highlighted for Sardinia include time in the city’s Castello district, visits to archaeological sites and Roman-era ruins, and outings to beaches along the island’s southern coastline.
La Goulette weather disruption follows a similar March diversion
The April change is not the first time Costa Smeralda has altered plans for La Goulette due to wind. On March 4, 2026, the ship also canceled a scheduled visit to the Tunis-area port after strong winds made docking unsafe, diverting instead to Naples, Italy.
The repeated disruptions underscore how quickly conditions can shift in exposed coastal areas and why cruise lines may need to select alternate ports on short notice when forecasts point to winds above safe operational thresholds.
Rest of the seven-night itinerary remains unchanged
Costa Cruises said the remainder of the April 13 sailing will proceed as scheduled after the substitution of Cagliari for La Goulette. Key upcoming calls and the return to Spain remain in place:
- April 18: Savona, Italy.
- April 19: Marseille, France.
- April 20: Return to Barcelona.
For passengers currently aboard, onboard teams are re-accommodating shore plans for the revised routing while processing refunds connected to the canceled Tunisia call.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was the La Goulette call removed from the itinerary?
Costa Cruises cited forecasts indicating west winds of about 20 to 30 miles per hour, with conditions that could push wind speeds beyond the operational limits required for Costa Smeralda to enter La Goulette safely.
How long will Costa Smeralda be in Cagliari on April 15, 2026?
The revised schedule has the ship docked in Cagliari from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing nine hours ashore.
Will Costa automatically refund shore excursions booked for La Goulette?
Yes. Costa told guests that shore excursions purchased for La Goulette were automatically canceled, with refunds being issued to the original payment method used for the booking.
Can passengers book new excursions for Cagliari?
Yes. Replacement tours can be booked via the ship’s shore excursions desk or onboard booking system, with options that typically include Cagliari’s historic districts, archaeological and Roman-era sites, and beaches along Sardinia’s southern coast.
Has Costa Smeralda had to skip La Goulette before due to weather?
Yes. On March 4, 2026, Costa Smeralda also canceled a planned call at La Goulette because of strong winds and diverted to Naples, Italy.
