Costa Cruises together with the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai, welcomed guests onboard the Costa Luminosa, for an evening of celebration of Italian hospitality and entertainment. The Costa Luminosa, which is sailing around the world in 98 days, is currently docked at the Mumbai port as part of its impressive itinerary. The event saw the launch of Festa Italiana 2016 in Mumbai and celebrated the upcoming homeporting of the Costa neoClassica in Mumbai from December 2016.
For the first time, Indians can look forward to embarking on a cruiseliner from Mumbai and going to enchanting destinations within India such as Goa and Cochin and also to Maldives and Colombo. Costa neoClassica will perform a series of weekly sailings from Dec 16, 2016 – March 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 Port, Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman, 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 very first large cruise ship that cruises between Mumbai and the Maldives. This classic cruise ship has a total of 654 cabins (with a capacity for 1700 passengers), including sea view cabins and suites with private balconies. Fully-equipped with a Casino, Theatre, Disco, Ballroom, Grand Bar, it aims to provide plenty in entertainment. The wellness centre is spread across 1,300 sq. m with a gym, treatment rooms, sauna and steam room. It also has an outdoor jogging track, two Jacuzzis and two swimming pools.
Nalini Gupta, Managing Director, Lotus Destinations (GSA of Costa Cruises India) feels 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. She further said, “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.”
