Costa Atlantica made its maiden call in Shanghai China

Costa Cruises doubles its capacity in the Chinese market as Costa Atlantica made its maiden call in Shanghai on 4 July 2013. The event staged for the Costa Atlantica’s maiden call was attended by the Costa’s most senior executives and by local dignitaries, the special guest being the ship’s godmother for the occasion: Diana Xu, Miss Universe China 2012.

The local debut of the Costa Atlantica constitutes a major milestone in Costa Cruises’ growth in China; Costa was the first international operator to bring cruising to the Chinese market, back in 2006. The Costa Atlantica is joining the Costa Victoria, which has been deployed in China since May 2012. Thanks to this dual positioning, in 2013 Costa will be offering a total of 99 Asian cruises in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The Costa Atlantica will also be the first ship to operate on a Around-the-World cruise for Chinese Guests: she will leave Shanghai on March 22, 2014 on a fabulous 83-day trip-of-a-lifetime. The Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica offer the Chinese and Asian market a unique exclusive product, which brings the region a taste of “Italy at Sea”, by featuring the hospitality, design, shopping flair, fine art and food & wine that are synonymous with Italian style.

Costa Atlantica, whose design celebrates Italian cinema and arts, is a 85,700 gross tonnage cruise ship with capacity of 2,680 guests.  With its 678 private balconies, Costa Atlantica was the first ship to be opened outwards, allowing cruises to be experienced in a completely new and fascinating way. Colourful, sunny, innovative but mindful of tradition, the ship pays tribute to the art of Federico Fellini and his "Dolce Vita”.

4D3N Malacca / Penang Cruise deal by Costa Atlantica Cruise

One of the best ways to spend the school holidays with your kids is sailing on a kid friendly cruise ship to new destinations. With ample of agendas, live performances and facilities on board for you and your family’s perusal Costa Atlantica is an ideal cruise ship to have such a holiday. Kids can be taken care of in the Children Squok Club and make friends when parents are in the mood to go for romantic excursions.

Departing on 4, 11 and 18 December 2013, Costa Atlantica cruise ship will be your floating resort for 4 days and 3 nights cruise to Malacca and Penang of Malaysia. And deals.com.sg now offers a great year-end school holiday family package with 2 price options and deep discounts: (a) 4D3N Malacca / Penang Cruise (Twin Sharing only) for $347 per person instead of $649 and (b) 4D3N Malacca / Penang Cruise (2 Adults & 2 Children under 13 years old) for only $231 per person instead of $649.

Spirit-class cruise ship Costa Atlantica made its maiden call in Singapore in May 2013. The 2,680 passanger Costa Atlantica is dedicated to Italian cinema and arts.

The package includes inside classic cabin, all meals throughout the day (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner & supper), gala nights, on-board entertainment shows and activities, Children’s Squok Club and passengers has 5 restaurants, 10 bars, 4 jacuzzis, 3 pools, theatre, Pompeii Spa, outdoor jogging track, casino and a disco to enjoy on board this floating resort.

From $231 for 4D3N Malacca/Penang Cruise on Costa Victoria Cruise

If you want to cruise your way to a much needed getaway, follow its web page and do not forget to read the fine print.

Asian Cruises by Cruise Direct

The Caribbean, Mediterranean and Europe are still the top cruise destinations, and Americans and Canadians making up the bulk of cruise passengers. But Australia and Asia is rapidly rising as a global cruise destination by many top cruise liners increasing their presence in the region. In May 2013, Costa Cruises has added Costa Atlantica to Costa Victoria in Asia and increased its capacity to 5,074 passengers. By June 2013, Royal Caribbean International's Mariner of the Seas will debut as the largest cruise ship in Asia and through out 2013 summer cruise season, the voyager class cruise ship will sail in Asia servicing cruises out of Singapore and Shanghai, China. And Princess Cruises will position Sapphire Princess cruise liner in Singapore between November 2014 and February 2015.

According to the Chief Executive Pier Luigi Foschi, Carnival Asia is aimed to convert South East Asia to "Caribbean of Asia" in cruising using Singapore as a major hub, as Miami currently is for the Caribbean. "There is good weather, lots of islands to visit and a lot of experiences. South East Asia is not too different from the Caribbean in terms of these basic conditions."

Explaining why Singapore was chosen, Jan Swartz, executive vice president for sales, marketing & customer service, Princess Cruises, said: “We see the growing awareness of cruise tourism in Singapore, which gives us an opportunity to grow.” She added that the cruises from Singapore were also expected to draw strong interest from neighbouring countries like Malaysia, India and Indonesia.

"We are very bullish on China and Asia as a whole," said Jim Berra, chief marketing officer of Carnival Cruise Lines and CLIA's marketing chair.

Mariner of the Seas seen here in Caribbean will be deployed in Asia in summer 2013.

He added that cruise lines are investing in the region with more home ports and ports of call, and sending ships into the region to meet the growing market.

If you want a great holiday on cruises in Asia, you can take a look at cruisedirect.com's Asian Cruises offered by top cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, etc:

3 Night South East Asia Cruise from Singapore by  Royal Caribbean - Mariner of the Seas calling ports Singapore, Port Klang, Malaysia, Singapore.

3 Night Far East Cruise from Singapore with Costa Cruise Line - Costa Victoria calling ports Singapore, Malacca Malaysia, Penang (malesia), Singapore.

3 Night Strait Of Malacca Cruise from Singapore with Princess Cruise Line - Sapphire Princess calling Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (port Kelang), Malaysi, Singapore.

4 Nights South East Asia Cruise from Singapore with Royal Caribbean - Voyager of the Seas  Shanghai (baoshan), China, Busan, South Korea, Jeju Island, South Korea, Shanghai (baoshan), China.

For last minute cruises take a look at here: Last Minute Cruises

Costa Cruises announces Around-the-World in 83 days from Shanghai

Italian cruise line Costa Cruises has announced the first around-the-world cruise departing from China which will sail across three oceans and five continents around the globe in 83-days cruise. Costa Cruises partners with Shanghai Airlines Tours for the cruise. The around-the-world cruise will depart from Shanghai, China's largest city by population, and visit 23 destinations in 16 countries and regions.

After departing from Shanghai on March 22 2014, the cruise ship Costa Atlantica will first stop in Vietnamese cities of Ho Chi Minh and Vung Tau from where the guests will be taken to tropical paradise islands of Phuket (Thailand), Sri Lanka and Maldives. From the tropics, the cruise ship will sail to Oman's Salalah and then Egypt's Sokhna before visiting Heraklion, Santorini and Athens in Greece.

After Greece, cruise tour of European cities will continue to Catania in Italy, Marseilles inFrance, Barcelona in Spain and Lisbon and Funchal in Portugal. In these countries Guests will be able to sample the best that Western Europe has to offer from fine wines to high-fashion in addition to learning more about these culture-soaked cities.

Costa Atlantica will cross the Atlantic Ocean to New York from Europe and later head south to Miami, Ocho Rios in Jamaica before a transit in the Panama takes her to Pacific Ocean. Manzanillo in Mexico, Kahului and Honolulu in Hawaii, and Guam, will complete this once-in-a-lifetime trip, allowing Guests to discover wonderful exotic destinations. After 83 days from setting off, Costa Atlantica will bring its world explorers back home to Shanghai on 13 June 2014.

“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 Mr. Foschi, Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation Asia and Chairman of the Board of Costa Crociere S.p.A.,. “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.”

Cost Atlantica cruise ship will sail 83-days around-the-world cruise which will start and end in Shanghai.
Costa Atlantica is seen here at Naples.

Costa Cruises is introducing Costa Atlantica to the China market in 2013 before her 83 days around-the-world cruise from Shanghai. Costa Atlantica’s interior design celebrates Italian cinema and the arts: Fellini and La Dolce Vita, Madame Butterfly, the historic Caffè Florian in Venice, Via della Spiga in Milan, the Tiziano Restaurant. A significant majority - 58 suites and 660 cabins -of the 1,057 total cabins have balconies. A spa, four Jacuzzis, four pools, a theatre, disco and children’s area will keep Guests entertained between the frequent excursions. Berlitz, the world's most trusted guide to cruising.

Gianni Onorato, President of Costa Cruises, expressed his thanks to Costa’s partners for their help in making China’s first Around-the-World cruise a reality. “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 travelers 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.”

The announcement of China’s first Around-the-World cruise comes during China’s ‘Marine Tourism
Year’ which was launched in Sanya at the beginning of January 2013. The aim of the Tourism Marine Year is to boost the development of marine tourism resources, as well as bring Chinese citizens closer to the ocean. Costa Atlantica will depart from Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. This port has made a significant contribution to China’s cruising industry since it was first established, and Costa Cruises has repeatedly made use of its top-class facilities. Setting Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal as the homeport for China’s first Around-the-World cruise exemplifies the close relationship between Costa Cruises and the Chinese authorities as both work to further develop China’s cruise industry. It also underscores Costa’s steadfast commitment to bring

Costa Atlantica cruises from Singapore

Spirit-class cruise ship Costa Atlantica made its maiden call in Singapore yesterday. The cruise ship, which can carry 2,680 passengers  will offer 3- and 4-night cruises from Singapore to Malaysia and Thailand over the next 2 months. Today (Saturday May 4th), she will cruise from Singapore to Phuket and Langkawi for a 5 nights 4 days cruise. Marketed as “Venice at The Sea”, cruise experience in Costa Atlantica ideal ship for  who love design, elegance, symmetry of shapes and muted colours. Each passenger deck on Costa Atlantica is named after a movie by the Italian director Federico Fellini.

Costa Cruises, the largest Italian travel group and Europe's number 1 cruise company, has announced their plan to deploy Costa Atlantica in South East Asia in September 2012. Costa Cruises is partnering with Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group to promote cruise holiday in Asia. The company has already deployed Costa Victoria in South East Asia. With the addition of Costa Atlantica, the company will increase its daily passanger capacity to 5,074 passengers.

The 85,700-ton, 2,680- total guest Costa Atlantica cruise ship is dedicated to Italian cinema and arts and will operate alongside the 75,200-ton, 2,394-total guest Costa Victoria already cruising in the area. Thanks to the double positioning, Costa will offer 125 cruises in Asia in 2013, with a total capacity of around 220,000 Guests.

In a press release Gianni Onorato, President of Costa Crociere S.p.A.said that "since 2006 when Costa Cruises as the first company in the world to market cruises in Asia, we have further strengthened and tailored our product to our local clients’ needs and wishes. The successful results we have obtained until now have
encouraged our Company to further expand in the region. With the double positioning of Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria, Asia becomes the third largest source market for Costa brand, in terms of capacity.”

Meanwhile Carnival Asia, part of cruise ship operator Carnival Corporation, will be based in Singapore at Marina Bay Finance Centre. Carnival plans to expand in Asia with its Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises brands. Costa Cruises is under control of the Carnival Corporation.

According to the Chief Executive Pier Luigi Foschi, Carnival Asia is aimed to convert South East Asia to "Caribbean of Asia" in cruising using Singapore as a major hub, as Miami currently is for the Caribbean. "There is good weather, lots of islands to visit and a lot of experiences. South East Asia is not too different from the Caribbean in terms of these basic conditions."

Costa Atlantica cruise ship will homeport in Singapore and offer cruises to Malaysia and Thailand
in May and June.

Costa Atlantica will cruise from Singapore to Malaysia and Thailand in May and June 2013. Here are Costa Atlantica's Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand cruise itineraries:

Singapore - Phuket - Langkawi - Singapore, 5D4N, 4,18, 25 May 2013, 1, 8 June 2013
Singapore - Malacca - Penang - Singapore, 4D3N, 8, 15, 22, 29 May 2013, 5 June 2013
Singapore - Phuket - Langkawi - Singapore - Malacca - Penang - Singapore, 8D7N, 11 May 2013

In June, Costa Atlantica will homeport in Keelung (Taiwan) for 2 special 5-night cruises to Japan and South Korea; from July till the end of the year, she will depart from Shanghai to offer 4- and 5-night cruises to some of the most beautiful destinations in Japan and South Korea, such as Fukuoka, Cheju, Kagoshima, Kobe, Pusan and Incheon.

Costa Atlantica’s interior design celebrates Italian cinema and the arts: Fellini and La Dolce Vita, Madame Butterfly, the historic Caffè Florian in Venice, Via della Spiga in Milan, the Tiziano Restaurant. A significant majority - 58 suites and 660 cabins -of the 1,057 total cabins have balconies. A spa, four Jacuzzis, four pools, a theatre, disco and children’s area will keep Guests entertained between the frequent excursions. Berlitz, the world's most trusted guide to cruising,

Costa Cruises Cruise Promotion 2013: Costa Atlantica Kids Cruise Free

Costa Cruises' Costa Atlantica is coming to offer "Venice at Sea” experience on-board.  This award winning large cruise ship with 1,057 cabins is due to join its sister Costa Victoria in Asia this spring and will sail in South East Asea waters.

Cruising with Costa Atlantica will be very family friendly and offers the best cruise deal for a Family Holiday! Families will be able to extra savings by taking advantage of the incredible Kids Cruise Free program, with up to two kids under 18 years old travel free with their parents (cabin-sharing). Parents can some fun together with their kids by participating in fun games and activities like bingo, talent show or karaoke.

Below is the cruise program of Costa Atlantica.

Colours of Far East on Costa Atlantica
Singapore & Malaysia
This 4 days 3 nights cruises departing from Singapore will visit Malacca and Penang Georgetown in Malaysia before returning back to Singapore. Departure dates are:

• May 08th 2013
• May 15th 2013
• May 22nd 2013
• May 29th 2013
• June 5th 2013

Costa Atlantica

Singapore, Thailand & Malaysia
This 5 days 4 nights cruises departing from Singapore will spend its first days cruising to arrive Phuket on the 3rd day of the cruise and visit Langkawi in Malaysia before coming back to Singapore. Departure dates are:

• May 04th 2013
• May 11th 2013
• May 18th 2013
• May 25th 2013
• June 1st 2013
• June 8th 2013

Costa Atlantica features 1,057 cabins, including 54 suites with private balcony including Panorama Suite and Grand Suite, 620 cabins with private balcony, 167 external cabins and 212 inside cabins; over 65% of the cabins are equipped with a balcony, allowing guests to fully immerse in a tranquil journey at sea. 

Costa Cruises to Offer Six New Itineraries for Winter 2013-14

Costa Cruises is offering six new itineraries for the 2013-14 winter season that span the Canary Islands and
North Africa, United Arab Emirates, eastern and western Mediterranean, the Caribbean and South America.

Costa's global strategy for the 2013-14 winter season focuses on supporting development of emerging markets as well as continuing to offer the line's most popular cruise destinations.

"Costa Cruises is always looking to expand our itinerary offerings to entice first-time and repeat guests to explore new destinations while enjoying our famous Italian style of cruising," said Scott Knutson, vice president of sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America. "This new line-up of cruises means there's something new next year in virtually every market where we sail."

The new itineraries include 10- and 11-night cruises on Costa Classica to the Canary Islands and Morocco, departing from St. Cruz de Tenerife with overnight calls allowing for two full days at Casablanca, Morocco, and Funchal, Madeira, and seven-night cruises on Costa Fortuna from Dubai, UAE, with overnight calls with two full days at Muscat and Khasab, Oman, and Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In the Med, Costa neoRomantica will feature new 11-night cruises in Greece and Turkey that include calls at Athens, Smyrna and Crete. Costa Pacifica sails seven-night cruises in the western Mediterranean, with a new call at Leghorn (Livorno), Italy, in addition to calls at Savona, Italy; Marseilles, France; Barcelona, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.

New tropical winter itineraries include two seven-night cruises on Costa Mediterranea departing from Guadeloupe that include calls at St. Barts, St. Maarten, Dominica, Tortola, Martinique, Barbados, Grenada, Antigua and Catalina Island. These cruises can be combined into one 14-night voyage, allowing for an extended Caribbean vacation. Costa Fascinosa heads back to the southern hemisphere with new six- and eight-night cruises in South America that include northern Brazil and Argentina.

Costa Atlantica at Miami Cruise Ship Terminal

Costa Cruises is Europe's no. 1 cruise company. For more than 60 years its ships have plied the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine. Its fleet, the largest in Europe, has 14 ships in service and one new ship to be delivered in October 2014. Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification for social
accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2008), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 2007) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2008). All the ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA􀂧s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards.

For more information on Costa Cruises or to make a reservation, contact a travel professional, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.

Cruise from Singapore deal by Costa Atlantica Cruise ( Singapore - Malacca - Penang - Singapore)

Are you looking for a getaway from Singapore but you do not want to get tired to travel to your holiday destination? Then why not your destination departs from Singapore and travels around. A cruise in this case is what you need and what we are talking about. You check-in your floating integrated resort in Singapore and while it sails around you enjoy your travel free holiday.

Back in September 2012, Costa Cruises, the largest Italian travel group and Europe’s number 1 cruise company has announced that Costa Atlantica sailed into Southeast Asia for the first time in May 2013 with Singapore as its home-port. To cap off these new offerings, Costa Cruises is partnering the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) to tap on the growth potential in Asia by developing the passenger source markets for cruises out of Singapore. By working together, Costa, STB and CAG expect to increase the impact of their joint efforts in the development of the Asia cruise industry. The company already has Costa Victoria in the region. The dual positioning of Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica in Asia demonstrates the continued commitment of Costa Cruises in the region, boasting a combined daily passenger capacity of 5,074, which represents a 90% increase in Costa’s “Italy at Sea” inspired cruises.

Built in 2000, Costa Atlantica is a Spirit-class cruise ship owned and operated by Costa Crociere. Atlantica generally divides her time between Caribbean cruises in the winter months and Europe based cruises during the summer months.

There is a limited time offer deal now for 57% off for 4D3N Costa Atlantica Cruise from Singapore with various price options available:

• Option 1: 4D3N Inside Classic Quad Cabin with Bonus of USD200 onboard credit per cabin (for 2 Adults & 2 Children): Sailing at 22 May / 5 Jun 2013 – Only $269 per pax instead of $325 (Min 4 Pax)
• Option 2: 4D3N Inside, External or Balcony Classic Quad Cabin (for 2 Adults & 2 Children): Sailing at 8 / 15 / 22 May 2013 – Only $206 per pax instead of $412 (Min 4 Pax)
• Option 3: 5D4N Inside Classic Quad Cabin with Bonus USD200 onboard credit per cabin (for 2 Adults & 2 Children): Sailing at 1 / 8 Jun 2013 – Only $337 per pax instead of $412 (Min 4 Pax)
• Option 4: 5D4N Inside, External or Balcony Classic Quad Cabin (for 2 Adults & 2 Children): Sailing Date 4 / 11/ 18 May 2013 – Only $272 per pax instead of $544 (Min 4 Pax)

You can also either choose 4D3N Singapore - Malacca - Penang - Singapore or 5D4N: Singapore - Phuket - Langkawi – Singapore. 4D3N cruise from Singapore departs on May 22, Jun 5 and 5D4N cruise from Singapore departs on Jun 1, 8.

57% off for 4D3N Costa Atlantica Cruise from Singapore

Package includes USD200 Onboard Credit on Selected Sailing and endless entertainment and onboard activities.

Departing from Singapore, Costa Atlantica Cruise is the ideal ship for people who love design, elegance, symmetry of shapes and muted colours. Fully refurbished, the ship has an unmistakable style that combines a traditional nautical look with minimalist design, high value finishes and works of art. If you're someone who loves night-time fun and entertainment, you'll find a casino, disco, numerous lounges and bars, the two-storey Festival Theatre and five restaurants, including the intimate Club il Magnifico where you can dine in a peaceful environment.

If you want to cruise your way to a much needed getaway, follow its web site and do not forget to read the fine print.

Costa Cruises named best for Asia-Pacific and Mediterranean Itineraries

Costa Cruises, the largest Italian travel group and Europe’s number 1 cruise company, received top billing in Porthole Cruise Magazine’s 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards. The Italian cruise line was cited in two categories: “Best Asia-Pacific Itineraries” and “Best Mediterranean Itineraries”.

Porthole is one of the most important US cruise magazine. Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards are determined, each year, by thousands of the publication’s readers who vote on their favorite cruise lines in a variety of categories.


Best Asia-Pacific Itineraries
As the first international cruise line to enter the Chinese market, Costa has become one of the best recognized and most popular tourism brands in Asia. Since the line began operations in Asia in 2006, Costa has carried more than 400,000 guests in the region.

From November 2012 to January 2013 Costa Victoria is based in Singapore, offering eight-day cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and four- or five-day cruises to Malaysia. Until October 2013 Costa Victoria will depart from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tianjin for short cruises to Taiwan or South Korea, Japan and Vietnam.

From May 2013, a second Costa ship will be deployed in the region: Costa Atlantica will depart till June 2013 from Singapore on eight-day cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and on four- or five-day cruises to Malaysia. From June through October, Costa Atlantica will depart from Shanghai on short cruises to South Korea and Japan.

Costa Atlantica cruise ship (seen above) will depart till June 2013 from Singapore on eight-day
cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and on four- or five-day cruises to Malaysia.

Top Mediterranean Itineraries

Costa Cruises is the undisputed leader in the Mediterranean, where it boasts a tradition spanning more than six decades and was the first cruise line to operate cruises all year round. In 2013, the Costa will deploy 12 ships across the eastern and western Mediterranean on itineraries ranging from four to fourteen days.

Departing from several countries and ports, Costa cruises allow guests to explore some of the most popular, historical and cultural cities in the Mediterranean. Starting from 2012 Costa introduced many new itineraries in the Mediterranean Sea: an exciting beach oriented fly&cruise eight-day program, homeporting in Heraklion / Crete Island, in the Aegean Sea, with 6 different Greek islands; eight-day cruises with an overnight call in Ibiza (Balearic islands) - where it is possible to reach also the beautiful island of Formentera; a eight-day itinerary including the wonderful Dalmatian coast and a full day in Dubrovnik that will allow excursions to Medjugorje, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world and represents a absolute highlight.

Furthermore, designed for those who would like to experience a Costa cruise without having a full week available, Costa ships offers three/four/five-night mini-cruises in the Western Med, allowing embarkation from Savona, Barcelona and Marseille.

Costa Cruises collaborates with Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group to tap on growth potential in Asia

Costa Cruises is collaborating with Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group to tap on growth potential in Asia while sailing Costa Atlantica into Southeast Asia for the first time in May 2013 with Singapore as its homeport. The largest Italian travel group and Europe’s number 1 cruise company will offer extended cruise itineraries out of Singapore with Costa Victoria in 2012 and Costa Atlantica in 2013.

Plans are in place to conduct marketing initiatives in the Asia Pacific region to promote Costa's cruises out of Singapore. To heighten the awareness of cruising as a desired travel option, advertising, product seminars for travel industry partners and brochures will be launched in markets across the region including Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and India.

Being the first international cruise company to enter the Asian market, Costa Cruises recognises Asia as an important growth market. In particular, Singapore holds a key position in the region and has been gearing up to become a major cruise hub in Asia in recent years.

“Singapore is a unique world city, famous for its blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. We are excited to have this Asian world-class partner onboard,” says President of Costa Cruises, Gianni Onorato. “We are committed to a long-term partnership, which will allow our companies to pursue our future growth in the cruise industry across the Asia region”.

According to Singapore Tourism Board sources, Singapore welcomed 394 ship calls and 942,000 in passenger throughput in 2011. From 2002 to 2011, the compounded annual growth rate in cruise passengers was 3.6%. During 2012-2013, the cruise landscape is set to become even more exciting with major cruise lines either increasing their presence in Southeast Asia or deploying new vessels to Singapore.

“STB’s vision to grow the Asian cruise industry is shared by regional governments, industry partners and major cruise lines, including Costa Cruises. The concurrent presence of Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica adds further credence to the growth potential and Singapore’s position as a homeport of choice for cruise lines. Supported by the opening of Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore and a rejuvenated Singapore Cruise Centre, Singapore is well equipped to serve as the gateway to Southeast Asia,” offers Mr Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive of STB. “STB looks forward to working with Costa Cruises and CAG in offering new cruise
experiences and introducing these exciting choices to travellers in the region.”

“This tripartite collaboration between CAG, Costa Cruises and STB represents the synergistic efforts by the key stakeholders to work together to grow the Fly-Cruise segment in Singapore. Changi Airport's strong connectivity to more than 200 cities worldwide not only serves to complement STB's vision of developing Singapore into an Asian cruise hub, but also supports Costa's new cruise offerings in Singapore. Looking ahead, CAG is keen to partner Costa Cruises and STB on more of such collaborations, to develop and grow the Fly-Cruise segment together,” adds Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer of Changi
Airport Group.

Costa Atlantica

Having seen strong potential in the Singapore market, Costa Cruises has recently launched itineraries onboard Costa Victoria from Singapore which are 3-, 4- 7- and 14- night cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, offering excellent hospitality services and an “Italy at Sea”  experience throughout the journey.

Furthermore, Costa Cruises will deploy a second cruise ship, the Costa Atlantica (85,700 gross tonnage, 2,680 total guest capacity), to the region from May 2013. The dual positioning of Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica in Asia demonstrates the continued commitment of Costa Cruises in the region, boasting a combined daily passenger capacity of 5,074, which represents a 90% increase in Costa’s “Italy at Sea” inspired cruises.