New Role for Former Costa Magica as it Becomes G7 Hotel

The former Costa Magica is set to be used as a floating hotel during the 50th Summit of the Group of Seven (G7) in Italy. As reported by Greek media, the 2,720-passenger vessel will be stationed at the Port of Brindisi for the duration of the meeting, which begins on June 9, 2024.

Now owned by Greece-based ferry operator Seajets, the ship has been chartered to accommodate police forces for the summit, held in Italy's Apulia region. According to MonoNews, the ship will host over 2,600 people daily, with two officers per cabin, and will provide three meals per day onboard.

The charter was facilitated by Italian shipbrokers Ferrando & Massone. Sources indicate that Italy’s Ministry of the Interior arranged the vessel's charter. Government officials also inspected another Seajets-owned cruise ship, the Queen of the Oceans (formerly P&O Cruises’ Oceana), but ultimately chose the larger ship for the event.

Recently refurbished in Turkey, the ship will remain docked in Brindisi until June 17, 2024.

Renamed Goddess of the Night, the former Costa Magica is scheduled to begin service for Neonyx Cruises in mid-July. Neonyx Cruises plans to offer short cruises to Greece and Turkey, featuring an adults-only experience focused on parties and nightlife.

Originally built for Costa Cruises, the 103,000-ton ship entered service in 2004 as the Costa Magica. It has been out of service since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and was acquired by Seajets in early 2023.