PORT OF TARANTO, 8 JUNE 2025 – Sunday marked the first call at Taranto for Costa Fascinosa, the elegant vessel of the Costa Crociere fleet inspired by cinematic and theatrical masterpieces, which once again this year recognises Taranto as a key port of call in the Eastern Mediterranean
The 2025 cruise season represents the third consecutive year of Costa Crociere’ presence at the Ionian port: until 21 September, Costa Fascinosa will make 16 calls, offering cruise guests the opportunity to discover the cultural, historical and gastronomic excellences of the Taranto area and neighbouring destinations, within an itinerary that also includes Greece, Malta, and Sicily.
This new season of cooperation between the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea, Taranto Cruise Port Ltd, and Costa Crociere further consolidates the partnership with the Italian company, which today announced the important confirmation of Taranto as a home port for the 2026 season as well. This recognition is a significant testament to the quality of services offered and the hospitality that Taranto has developed over time, the result of a virtuous synergy matured among all stakeholders involved, starting with the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea and Taranto Cruise Port, and including the various public and private actors of the port and city community.
The growth of cruise tourism in Taranto contributes significantly to the diversification of the Ionian port’s activities, fostering not only increased tourist flows but also the emergence of new initiatives involving the entire community. For example, training programmes launched in the city aim to specialise new professionals for the cruise sector, in which Costa Crociere has played a leading role.
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“The confirmation of the partnership with Costa Crociere is a source of pride and an incentive to continue on the growth path we have embarked on,” declared Sergio Prete, the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea. “This translates into ongoing dialogue with all actors in the cruise supply chain and investments aimed at improving infrastructure and services. Together with Taranto Cruise Port, we will continue engaging with Costa Crociere to develop new cultural, social, and economic integration initiatives between the port and the city”.
“We renew our presence in Taranto for the third consecutive year, marking a new chapter in our collaboration with this destination, which has been a regular and highly successful feature of our offer since 2023,” stated Luigi Stefanelli, Vice President Worldwide Sales at Costa Crociere. “Every Sunday until 21 September, Costa Fascinosa will be in port with its new itinerary in the Eastern Mediterranean — an exclusive Sea and Land journey from Taranto to splendid land and sea destinations. Alongside calls at Argostoli/Cephalonia, Mykonos, Athens, Malta, and Catania, guests on Costa Fascinosa will enjoy unique experiences at sea destinations such as the nocturnal Bay of Mykonos with music and light shows, a stop at the darkest and most unspoilt point of the Strait of Sicily where guests can admire an intense night sky, and evenings featuring typical tastings against the backdrop of the Etna skyline,” concluded Luigi Stefanelli. “We have already confirmed our presence in Taranto for summer 2026 with Costa Fascinosa. We sincerely thank all local authorities and operators for their ongoing support and collaboration. Their dedication and professionalism are essential to ensuring a high-quality experience for our guests and to enhancing the area’s resources”.
“The confirmation of Costa Crociere calls,” said Raffaella Del Prete, General Manager of Taranto Cruise Port, “makes us proud as it reflects appreciation for the hospitality and services that Costa and its guests receive in Taranto. This is thanks to the Taranto Cruise Port team, which combines operational efficiency with attention to cruise guests’ needs, and the synergistic work with the Port Network Authority and key players in the port and local area. For Taranto Cruise Port, it is also important to make a positive impact on the territory by promoting a narrative of Taranto and the destination worldwide, highlighting the beauty of the places, cultural richness, hospitality, and gastronomic tradition, actively contributing to the ongoing transformation”.