In a series of captivating ceremonies that combined Chinese tradition with Italian style, Costa Cruises, Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s no.1 cruise company, today celebrated the maiden call of the Costa Classica to the city, its second ship to be permanently stationed in Asia.
The 1,300 guests on the Costa Classica, who had just completed an eastbound journey from Dubai, which included port calls in India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Hainan Island, were surrounded by the cheer of Hong Kong; as a silver band and local students in Chinese costumes welcomed them at the cruise terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui.
With a second cruise ship now deployed permanently in the Asia market, Costa Cruises will offer nearly 55,000 additional berths with over 60 cruises, thus bringing its overall capacity in the region to 85,000 berths. The Costa Classica will offer itineraries lasting between three and fifteen nights, with departures from Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong – which include visits to the finest Asia destinations from March 27 through November 7, 2009.
Source: GovHK (www.gov.hk)
