Further update to this fire aboard Costa Romantica is that the passengers who were aboard at the time have now been transferred to Buenos Aires so that they can get home. Costa have offered these passengers a partial refund, paid hotel & meals covering the cost of staying overnight in Buenos Aires, the company has also assisted with missed flights as required.

The next cruise which was due to depart from Buenos Aires on the 26th February has now been cancelled to allow repairs to be carried out. Passengers on that cruise were put up in hotels paid for by Costa and in in the process of arranging an alternate vacation at a land-based resort through March 12, when the cruise would have ended. Those who do not want to take the resort option will receive a refund of the amount paid and full assistance with their onward travels, whether they booked their original air arrangements on their own or with Costa, also, all guests on the canceled February 26 sailing -- no matter which option they choose -- will also receive a credit equivalent to 50 percent of the fare paid (for the cruise only) valid toward a future Costa cruise through December 31, 2010.

Romantica's next cruise on March 12th is due to leave as scheduled, however that will be subject to successful completion of repairs.