In total, 22 people were killed in the shootings, including 17 tourists, the two gunmen, a museum security officer, a cleaner and a police officer.
MSC Splendida and Costa Fascinosa were both docked in Tunis. All shore excursions were immediately ordered back to the two vessels and a heightened level of security was in place around the ships, in the event of any further incidents.
In a statement, Costa Crociere said:
"Further to this morning attack in Tunis, Costa Crociere confirms that some of its guests had booked a Shore Excursion in the City. Upon being notified the Ship’s Command have immediately recalled all excursions to return on board. The safety of our Guests and Crew both on board as well as during shore excursions is the top priority for Costa. The company is in close contact with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Local Security Authorities, the Captain of Costa Fascinosa and our local Port Agent for a continuous assessment of the situation on site and its evolution so to collect updated information from the Authorities. 3,161 Guests were on board this cruise.
"The departure of the ship from Tunis which was scheduled for tonight at 7pm has been postponed to tomorrow Thursday 19 March (time to be confirmed). Costa HQ management and Costa Care Team are traveling to Tunis to reach the ship tonight in order to liaise with the local Authorities and passengers on board. Extra security measures are taken by local security Authorities around the port to ensure the security of ship, its passengers and the crew.
"Costa Crociere expresses its sympathy to all the people and their families involved in today's tragic event."
MSC Cruises, confirmed that:
"MSC Splendida is currently in the port of La Goulette, Tunis. At the time of the events, some of MSC Splendida's guests were on shore excursions, including to the Bardo National Museum. All MSC coaches on tour at the time of the incident were immediately ordered back to the port and all other excursions and ground activities were immediately suspended.
MSC Cruises is in close contact with the relevant national and international authorities, local authorities, the ship Captain as well as the port agents to constantly monitor the situation as it unfolds."
UPDATES:
Costa Crociere have released an updated statement.
"At the moment, the Captain reports that there are still 14 passengers who have not returned back onboard yet. The ship is expected to depart from Tunis upon clearance around 00.30am March 19."
Costa Fascinosa has now departed the La Goulette port in Tunis and will continue on its scheduled itinerary. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Palma De Mallorca at 6am on 20th March. Costa Fascinosa's captain revealed that 13 guests did not return to the ship. It is likely that these guests may have been admitted to a local hospital for medical attention. MSC Splendida currently remains in port.
MSC Cruises has officially stated that nine of their guests, on board MSC Spendida, tragically lost their lives in the Bardo Museum attack. Three were of Japanese nationality, two French, two Spanish and two Columbian. In addition, 12 guests were wounded and are being treated in a local hospital. Their nationalities have been confirmed as three Japanese, one South African, one Belgian, and seven French.
As soon as MSC were aware of the tragic events, all onboard telephone and internet services were made available so that guests could contact their families. The MSC Crisis Team reched the ship in Tunis in the early hours of Thursday, to provide assistance to guests.
MSC Splendida left the port of La Goulette, Tunis, earlier this morning at 6am. It is expected to arrive into Barcelona as originally scheduled at 9am on Friday 20th March.
A British women who was travelling on board MSC Spendida was also among those who tragically lost their lives in yesterday's terrorist attack in Tunis.
A spokesperson for MSC Cruses said:
"MSC Cruises can confirm that a British passenger, Sally Adey, was tragically killed in yesterday's terrorist atrocity in Tunis. Her husband is receiving support from the MSC Cruises customer care team in Tunis and we will be offering all possible support to him and his family.
"At this tragic time, the entire MSC Cruises family wishes to extend its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to all those who were affected by this tragic event and are suffering as a result, in particular to the families and friends of those who lost their lives as well as the injured ones."
"Sadly, I can confirm the death of a British women in yesterday's terrorist attack in Tunisia. Consular staff are providing assistance to her family. My thoughts are with them at this very difficult time."
Costa Cruises has also followed MSC's precautionary measure, withdrawing all calls to the Tunisian port. Costa Fortuna, Costa Favolosa and Costa neoRiviera will all make alternative calls. The cruise line are "still determining what these alternatives will be."
Costa Cruises has announced that three guests sailing on board Costa Fascinosa, were killed during the terrorist attack, a further eight passengers were injured and two guests still remain unaccounted for.
In a statement, Costa Cruises said:
"We strongly condemn the attack on democratic Tunisia. Our deepest sympathy and our condolences go to the victims and their families. We share their sorrow.
"Our team in Tunis is currently taking care of the companions of the victims and the 8 guests who are being treated in hospitals."
MSC Cruises sadly confirms that 12 of their guests were killed in the Bardo Museum shootings. The nationalities of those killed include 3 French, 3 Japanese, 2 Spanish, 2 Columbian, 1 British and 1 Belgian. In addition, 1 Belgian, 7 French, 4 Japanese and 1 South African are injured, with two in a serious condition.
Two guests who were previously unaccounted for have been found safe and sound, after spending the night hiding in the Museum. The Spanish couple, were immediately taken to hospital and the wife is currently pregnant. It has been reported that her and the baby are well.
A total of 20 tourists have died as a result of the terrorist attack. Seven of whom are yet to be identified.
Costa Cruises has revealed that 5 guests were killed during the terror attack, which took place in Tunis yesterday afternoon. The nationalities have been reported as 4 Italians and 1 Russian.
In memory of all the victims of this terrible attack, a minute of silence took place at all Costa Cruise offices worldwide and on board all their ships.
Guests sailing on board Costa Fascinosa will have the option of disembarking the vessel tomorrow, when the ship arrives in Palma De Mallorca. Costa has also agreed that it will pay to fly guests home.
As a result of the Museum shootings, several cruise lines have announced that they will cancel future calls into Tunisia. In addition to Costa and MSC Cruises, Star Clippers has replaced Tunis on the April 8 voyage and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises have cancelled their April 6 call, replacing it with Syrakus, Sicily. Holland America and Princess Cruises are also closely monitoring the situation. Norwegian Cruise Line already cancelled all calls into Tunisia last year, after some passengers from Israel were not allowed to disembark.
Calls to Tunisia have now been substituted by Costa Cruises. Cruises to Tunis on board Costa Fortuna between 11th April and 15th May will be replaced with Barcelona. Costa Favolosa's 11th September departure will now call at Tarragona and departures between 18th September and 20th November will instead call at Barcelona. For the itineraries of Costa neoRiviera between 10th April and 12th May and from 2nd October to 15th November (excluding 4th November departure) the ship will visit Trapani. Costa neoRiviera's 10th September sailing will call at Malta.