Costa Crociere, the company that owns the Costa Concordia cruise ship that ran aground off of Italy, announced Friday that it will offer $14,458 plus other costs to each guest who returned home after the Jan. 13 accident.
The proposal is the result of a joint effort between Costa Crociere and several consumer associations.
The indemnity package includes compensation of $14,458.07 and reimbursement for the cruise value, travel transfers, travel and medical expenses, and expenses while aboard the ship, according to Costa Cruises North America. Its parent company is Miami-based Carnival Corporation.
"It is kind of low," said survivor and Aventura resident David Saba. "It's to be expected. I didn't think that they would want to offer more, but I guess it is the start of negotiations. I definitely will not settle for 11,000 euros."
The company will not deduct any amount paid for by insurance companies, Costa Cruises said. It will also return all property from cabin safes if it is retrievable.
If the proposal is accepted, the guests are agreeing to not pursue any further legal action against the cruise line, according to Buck Banks, of the Miami public relations firm representing Costa Cruises North America.
Family members of the deceased and guests who were injured will be covered under a separate proposal, the company said.
"Costa Crociere wishes to again express its profound condolences to the families of the victims, continued sympathy to the families of the missing, and deep regret and sorrow for the damages and hardship the Costa Concordia accident caused to all its guests," Costa Crociere said in a statement.
