The grounding of a Carnival Corporation-owned cruise liner off the coast of Italy "will surely strike a blow" to the industry, according to the European Cruiser Association (EUCRAS).

However, EUCRAS and other industry organisations have insisted cruising remains among the safest forms of travel, following the Costa Concordia tragedy on 13 January.

It has been widely reported that the vessel, which entered service in July 2006, ran aground off Isola del Giglio after captain Francesco Schettino appeared to stray from its usual route.

A spokesperson for operator Costa Cruises said: "Preliminary indications are that there may have been significant human error on the part of the ship's master."

EUCRAS and organisations including the European Cruise Council (ECC) and the Cruise Lines International Association, have now moved to underline the industry's safety record.

An ECC spokesperson said: "We would like to reassure other cruise ship passengers that all our member lines are subject to the highest safety standards around the world according to international maritime requirements.

"Accidents such as this one are an extremely rare occurrence in the cruise industry, and cruising continues to be one of safest means of travel among all types of vacationing."

Among the Costa Concordia's facilities was the two-level, 6,000sq m (64,583sq ft) Samsara Spa, which comprised a thalassotherapy pool; a sauna; and a Turkish bath.

A solarium; four swimming pools; a fitness centre; a three-level theatre; a casino; and five restaurants were also included among the ship's amenities, together with a children's area.

Carnival said it expects the vessel will be out of service for "the remainder of the fiscal year, if not longer", with its absence from service impacting annual earnings by up to US$95m (EUR75m, £62m). The group also said other costs caused by the tragedy "are not possible to determine at this time".

Micky Arison, chair and chief executive officer of Carnival, added: "We are deeply saddened by the reports of additional deaths following the grounding of the Costa Concordia. On behalf of the entire Carnival Corporation team, I offer our heartfelt condolences to all of those families affected by this tragedy."

Image: Rvongher

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