Costa to launch world cruise from China
Costa Cruises has unveiled plans to launch its first ever round-the-world cruise from China.
Commencing on 22 March 2014, the 83-day voyage will take Chinese passengers across three oceans, five continents and 16 countries, aboard the 1,057-cabin Costa Atlantica liner. The itinerary is being organised in conjunction with Shanghai Airlines Tours – a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines.
“As a pioneer of the cruise industry in China and the first international cruise line to operate homeport cruises out of Shanghai since 2006, we are always challenging ourselves to bring more innovative holiday options to this market. China’s first around-the-world cruise is a perfect example of this and is the lynchpin of our Asia strategy over the next couple of years. It heralds a new milestone in China’s cruise industry,” said Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman & CEO of Carnival Corporation Asia and Chairman of Costa Crociere. “With our partners at Shanghai Airlines Tours, we will offer our Chinese Guests the chance to explore the world in a way that has never been possible before.”
Departing from Shanghai, the Costa Atlantica will first sail to Vietnam, before travelling to Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. From here it will voyage to the Middle East, taking in Oman and Egypt before navigating the Suez Canal from the Red to the Mediterranean Sea. Once in Europe, guests will be able to visit the Greek destinations of Heraklion, Santorini and Athens, before moving on to Italy, southern France, Spain and Portugal, including the island of Madeira.
Costa Atlantica will then sail across its namesake ocean to New York, before heading south to Miami and Jamaica, then transiting through the Panama Canal. From here it will sail to ports in Mexico, Hawaii and Guam before returning to Shanghai on 13 June 2014.
Onboard the ship, Chinese guests will be kept entertainment by a range of restaurants, a spa, four swimming pools, a theatre, disco and children’s play area. There will also be a programme of shore excursions.
“I am very grateful for the ongoing support we have received from the local government, tourism boards and our local tourism partners. Together we are working hard to supply Chinese travellers new and enticing cruise products. China remains one of Costa’s key markets and today’s partnership with SAT and our world cruise announcement highlights our commitment to the region,” said Gianni Onorato, president of Costa Cruises.