Costa doubling up in Asia

Costa Cruises plans to position a second cruise ship in Asia beginning in May 2013. Currently, the line operates the 2,394-passenger Costa Victoria in Asia and will start sailing from Shanghai May 18, 2012. The Costa Victoria replaces the 1,680-passenger Costa Classica, which has been repositioned to the Mediterranean. In May 2013 the 2,680-passenger Costa Atlantica will also be deployed in the region, giving Costa a combined total passenger capacity of 5,074 — a 67% increase. With the debut of Costa Victoria in May 2012 and Costa Atlantica in May 2013, Costa Cruises will offer a unique product for the Asian market called “Italy at Sea,” with Italian-style hospitality, shopping, art and cuisine. Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A., said: “Since 2006 when Costa Cruises started to market its cruise product in Asia, we have further strengthened and tailored our product to our local clients’ needs and wishes.” And he added that: “The successful results we have obtained until now are encouraging our company to further expand in the region.” Since the line began operations in Asia six years ago, it has carried over 350,000 guests in the region.