Costa Cruises Enter Indian Market; Homeport Cruises Start from Mumbai in December 2016

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | July 20, 2016 | News

European cruising company Costa Cruises announced the launch of their Costa neoClassica in India at a press conference in Mumbai, on 18th July 2016. The homeport cruises will debut later this year, with a series of weekly sailings from Mumbai to Goa, Cochin, Maldives, and Colombo, between Dec 16, 2016 and Mar 18, 2017.
 
Speaking about the launch, Buhdy Bok, President of Costa Group Asia said, "We are delighted to bring cruising to Indians at their doorstep. For many travellers, the holiday often starts after some sort of a long journey. Now like never before, Indians will have the opportunity to start holidaying — right from their door-step — from India's largest metropolis, Mumbai."
 
Commenting on the home porting of Costa neoClassica in Mumbai, Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of Mumbai Port said, “It is a proud moment for us to have Costa neoClassica to be homeported at India’s premier Mumbai Port. The Mumbai Port has long been the principal gateway to India, playing a crucial role in sea trade and the development of the national economy, trade & commerce and the prosperity of Mumbai city in particular."

Costa neoClassica will be the first large cruise ship to operate between Mumbai and the Maldives. With a total of 654 cabins for a capacity for 1700 passengers, including sea view cabins and suites with private balconies, the neoClassica is fully-equipped for entertainment with a Casino, Theatre, Disco, Ballroom, and Grand Bar. It also boasts a wellness center spread across 1,300 sq.m and an outdoor jogging track, plus 4 Jacuzzis, and 2 swimming pools. For shopping, the cruise ship has a duty free shopping center, while the library on board houses a wide selection of books for those who would like to unwind.

The food and wine experience aboard the neoclassic would be based on regional Italian menus, with vegetarian and vegan options as well. In addition, cruisers will be able to enjoy a variety of Indian cuisine and the restaurants on board are fully equipped to cater to special diet requirements of Indians, including Jain food.
 
Nalini Gupta, Managing Director, Lotus Destinations (GSA of Costa Cruises India) says; “...the modern Indian traveller is now seeking a different kind of thrill and cruise holidays are now featuring on the Indian traveler’s 'must-experience' list. The fact that Indians can now embark directly from Mumbai, not only makes the process hassle-free and visa-free, but also saves the traveler costs and time.”

Costa Cruises (www.costacruises.com) is a part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, the largest cruise company in the world. Currently the Costa fleet, the largest in Europe, has a total of 15 ships in service, all flying the Italian flag. 2 next-generation cruise ships, featuring a revolutionary “green design” and powered by LNG, will be delivered in 2019 and 2021.