Costa Cruises, the leading Italian travel group, celebrated its first World Cruise voyage from Asia with Costa Atlantica at a launch event before its departure from Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal at its homeport in Shanghai on March 1. Distinguished guests led by Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group, along with government officials, trade partners, journalists gathered at the terminal to bless Costa Atlantica for debuting as it kicks off its 86-day around-the-world journey with nearly 1,000 pioneering passengers. This marked a significant milestone for Costa Cruises as the pioneer of the first World Cruise voyage exclusively for passengers in Asia and Greater China.
The Costa Atlantica is the first ship in the Costa fleet designed by architect Joseph Farcus, whose masterful designs are strongly reminiscent of ancient Venice. As the most welcomed ship in Asia, Costa Atlantica will make a stop in Hong Kong on March 4 following its maiden voyage in Shanghai before going on an 86-day cruise to explore various exotic and diversified parts of the world, across three oceans, five continents and, 28 destinations in 18 countries and regions.
Since Costa Cruises entered China in 2006 as the first international cruise line to operate homeport cruises, it it started and grew China’s cruise industry to become the most exciting one in the world. Costa Cruises continues to lead the way in bringing more innovative holiday options to passengers to this market. Asia’s first around-the-world cruise is a perfect example of this and is the lynchpin of its regional strategy in the next couple of years.
“The Asia market is of great strategic importance to Costa Cruises, and China in particular has become a vital region for us because of the fast-growing demand in cruise holidays from local and regional passengers. This first World Cruise voyage is one of the most important steps for Costa to further expand in Asia. This ground-breaking initiative will definitely help us strengthen our Costa brand and further boost the development of more global activities in Asia,” says Michael Thamm.
“As a cruise industry leader in Asia and China, 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 innovations that make a difference in Asia’s cruise industry,” stated Buhdy Bok, President, Costa Asia, Costa Cruises Asia Pacific & China.
SOURCE Costa Cruises