Costa Magica avoids Oslo after bombing

By Donna Tunney

Costa Cruises said its Costa Magica avoided a planned call in Oslo, Norway, on July 23, a day after a deadly bomb rocked central Oslo.

The ship instead called in Kristiansand, Norway.

“The safety of our guests and crewmembers is our highest priority," the line said in a statement. "The company is constantly in contact with the national and international authorities as well as with embassies to guarantee the security of its operations and to carefully monitor the situation on site and its evolution."

MSC Cruises' MSC Orchestra was docked in Oslo at the time of the blast, but the line said the ship was unaffected. The ship continued on its scheduled itinerary. The Orchestra is sailing seven-night cruises from Copenhagen, Denmark, with calls in Denmark, Germany and Norway.

Costa said that this week’s cruise on the Magica is expected to operate normally. The Magica is sailing 10-day “Great Capitals of Europe” cruises from Le Havre, France, which calls in France, Denmark, Germany, Norway and Scotland.

A 32-year-old Norwegian man confessed to being behind the Oslo bombing and a subsequent shooting spree, according to published reports. The attacks have killed at least 93 people, reports said.http://www.CruisEngine.com/BookingEngine/partners/en-GB/Step1a?Key=s281x0pMm 7z19KRAgwCTpw%3d%3d