Taranto kicks off the cruise season with double call on 7 June: Costa Fascinosa and Mein Schiff 5
Taranto – The cruise season in the port of Taranto officially kicked off on 7 June with the arrival of the Costa Fascinosa and the Mein Schiff 5, the ships that marked the start of the new cruise season at the Ionian port. This double arrival signals the start of a short but eventful calendar full of opportunities for the city and the surrounding area.
Costa Cruises has confirmed a significant presence again this year with 15 calls by the Costa Fascinosa, confirming the Ionian port as its operational base for homeporting operations on its itineraries to the Greek islands, whilst TUI will be present in Taranto with four calls by the Mein Schiff 5.
Taranto Cruise Port is also preparing to welcome P&O, which has scheduled five calls with its ship Azura. Among the most eagerly awaited arrivals are two luxury cruise lines: the elegant Azamara Onward from Azamara, synonymous with refined hospitality and itineraries planned down to the last detail, and the Wind Surf from Windstar. Considered the largest sailing ship in the world, it is a true jewel of the seas, combining the timeless charm of sailing with modern comforts and exclusive services, offering guests a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
Cruise traffic represents a strategic driver for Taranto’s economy, capable of generating widespread benefits for the local area and the entire port services sector, whilst contributing to a different narrative of Taranto as a colourful, welcoming tourist destination.
Guests arriving in Taranto have the opportunity to enjoy an authentic experience amidst the charm of the Old Town, the archaeological treasures of Magna Graecia, the picturesque views of the two seas, and the renowned culinary excellence of Puglia. Adding to the uniqueness of this setting is the San Paolo Dolphin Sanctuary, the first in Europe dedicated to the rehabilitation of dolphins rescued from captivity, a project that underscores Taranto’s commitment to marine conservation and the promotion of a sustainable development model.
At the same time, Taranto Cruise Port is resolutely continuing its development programme, with construction of its new cruise terminal at Molo San Cataldo set to begin in 2026, focusing on innovation and environmental sustainability to consolidate its presence in the cruise industry. In this way, Taranto Cruise Port intends to bring its infrastructure up to the highest industry standards, improve passenger services, raise hospitality standards and ensure an increasingly efficient, comfortable and high-quality terminal experience.
“The start of the new cruise season marks a joyful occasion for Taranto Cruise Port as we welcome visitors from all over the world, and it is encouraging to know that we are making a tangible contribution to the economic well-being of the entire port system and the local area,” says Raffaella Del Prete, General Manager of Taranto Cruise Port. “The new cruise terminal that Taranto Cruise Port will begin building in October 2026, in time for the 2027 cruise season, will not only enable us to welcome ships and their guests in the best possible way, but will also act as a driving force for the port’s economic development, supporting tourism and strengthening the destination’s position within the Mediterranean landscape.”
