Costa Expands Eastwards

Costa Marina called in Mauritius last week, indicating the commencement of the 2007-08 winter cruise season where the cruise ship will sail fourteen-night Indian Ocean routes. The ship’s initial call signifies the first appearance of Mauritius as an international cruise destination, and as a global first for the cruise line industry.

The Costa Marina sailed The Indian Ocean from Mauritius on 22^nd December 2007, and will continue through to 29^th February 2008. This vessel will set sail from Mauritius every Saturday on six fourteen-night cruises. The route includes stopovers in Mauritius and Mahè (Seychelles), and calls at Mombasa, Mayotte, Nosy Be (Madagascar), Toamasina (Madagascar) and Reunion.

“Over the last few years we have established ourselves as the first big cruise company to operate worldwide, offering itineraries that no other operator had ever marketed; including China, the Far East, Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, and Mauritius,” said Pier Luigi Foschi, Costa Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.

Cruises from Mauritius on Costa Marina feature guided shore ventures in each port of call, with the chance for guests to visit local places of interest. One of the central attractions is the relaxing beaches in Mauritius, Mahè in the Seychelles, Mayotte and Reunion. Also, there are sightseeing tour opportunities, including the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, Tsavo East National Park, safaris in Kenya, daytrips to experience the wildlife at Parc Ivoloina in Madagascar, and a tour of Mombasa Old Town.The routes will offer dolphin-watching trips in Mayotte or the blue safari in Mauritius, exploring the outstanding barrier reef and coral gardens.

On 22^nd December 2007 the winter cruise season in Dubai began, with Costa positioning two ships in Dubai, doubling capacity in comparison to the autumn season; when the company started their routes in the region. This season, Costa Romantica and Costa Europa will sail from Dubai for twenty-five cruises in total. The two cruise ships will operate a seven-night cruise itinerary with two nights in Dubai and stopovers in Muscat (Oman), Fujairah (United Arab Emirates), Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) and Bahrain. Costa Romantica will sail every Saturday until 29^th March 2008, while Costa Europa will head off every Sunday - ending on 24^th February 2008.