On World Mental Health Day, Costa Cruises has highlighted its ongoing efforts to support the mental health of its crew, a vital commitment for those who spend months away from home.
Life at sea is both demanding and rewarding. Long hours, shared spaces, and distance from loved ones can take a toll on mental well-being. That’s why Costa’s #CrewExperience Welfare & Wellbeing program is designed to care for crew every day, not just on October 10.
The initiative includes social events like karaoke nights, excursions, and sports tournaments, as well as wellness activities such as creative workshops and access to sea-view gyms. Select guest areas are also open to crew, offering more space to relax and recharge.
Psychological support is central to the program, with confidential counseling, wellness planning, and onboard resources available year-round. Costa also offers practical benefits like medical access, internet connectivity, and a dedicated crew app to ease daily life on board.
“Taking a break is important,” the company says. “But truly connecting? Even more.”
Caring for Crew Every Day
Rather than limiting activity to a single day, Costa Cruises emphasizes year‑round support. Their “Crew Experience” initiatives include:
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Social events such as crew parties, excursions and creative workshops
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Friendly competition through sports tournaments
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Nights of entertainment — karaoke, open mic, games
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Access to recreational and wellness spaces (for example, some guest areas, like the sea‑view gym, are made available to crew for sunset runs or stress‑relief workouts)
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Dedicated welfare and wellness planning to help crew “unplug and recharge”
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Psychological support services — Costa’s “Crew Care Team” is tasked with providing health & wellbeing initiatives and is available during critical times
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Onboard and shoreside mental health programming, including yoga and mindful practices
Costa also extends practical benefits to reduce stress: discounted access to guest areas, free medical and psychological assistance, a crew app for support and logistics, and perks to maintain connections with home.
In more acute cases, Costa has arranged for psychological interventions such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy to support trauma and stress, coordinated via onboard medical staff and the HR network, while preserving confidentiality
