The line will refund the full cost of the cruise and will reimburse passengers for travel expenses incurred reaching the departure port and returning home.

Also, onboard expenses will be refunded and the line will reimburse any medical expenses.

It says every effort will be made to return the valuables left in the cabin safes and that information on the return of personal belongings and other forms of compensation will be communicated.

Costa has been criticised in recent days after an incorrect UK media report claimed it was offering only a refund and 30% off another cruise.

It says that deal is only for passengers booked on sailings after the disrupted one.