Costa Cruises celebrates China’s first Around-the-World Cruise onboard Costa Atlantica at a launch event before its departure with nearly 1000 passengers from the homeport of Shanghai on March 1st. Distinguished guests including Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Crociere Group, government officials, trade partners, journalists, and passengers were in attendance to bless Costa Atlantica as she sets sail on her for 86-day voyage.
“This first world voyage by a cruise ship specially for the Chinese market marks a particular milestone for the Costa Group and the cruise industry in the rapid further development of our business in Asia. We will invest further in this and accelerate the development of these important markets for the future with innovative ideas and products. I wish the passengers on the Costa Atlantica a unique, eventful, exciting and simply wonderful cruise at this world premiere!", says Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group.
Costa Atlantica, inspired by Italian cinema and arts, has been dedicated to Asia and China since May 2013, receiving a great appreciation for her unique elegance and style. During her inaugural 86-day Around-the-World cruise Costa Atlantica will take passengers across five continents, visiting 28 destinations in 18 countries. Some of the most fascinating places on earth are included in the itinerary: Maldives, Athens (Greece), Sicily island in Italy (with the call at Catania), Rome (Italy), Marseille (France), Barcelona (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), a 3-day call at New York City (USA), Miami (USA), a 2-day call at Los Angeles (USA), then San Francisco (USA) and the Polynesian paradise islands of Maui and Hawaii.
“As a cruise industry leader in the China market, we strive to bring the best holiday options for our valued customers in the region. Our unique packaging for the World Cruise will undoubtedly exceed consumer expectations. At Costa Cruises, we are always keen to bring new formulas to make a difference in China’s cruise industry,” stated Buhdy Bok, President of Costa Asia.
The World Cruise product reflects a new chapter in China’s tourism industry, bringing China to the World Cruise Era. It offers a unique travel opportunity to a broad target audience, introducing an innovative win-win product for Costa Cruises and its trade partners in China. With the support of local government, tourism boards, and Costa’s partners, this new innovative holiday option will have a tremendous impact on the local cruise industry.
Since Costa Cruises entered China in 2006 as the first international cruise line to operate homeport cruises, it supported China’s cruise industry to become the most exciting market in the world. Costa Cruises is always committed to bring more innovative holiday options to this market.
