Three Costa Ships and One Iberocruceros Ship Entered Dry Docks between November and December
MIAMI, FL - (December 22, 2009) – Costa, the largest Italian tourism group and Europe’s number one cruise company, entered four ships in dry docks for routine and extraordinary maintenance between December and November. The investment totaled approximately €66 million.
The most significant investment, worth approximately €55 million, is being carried out on Iberocruceros’Grand Holiday in the S. Giorgio shipyards in the port of Genoa from December 2009 through April 2010. These operations entail a radical restyling of the ship that previously operated for Carnival Cruise Lines as the “Holiday.” The ship will enter service with the Iberocruceros brand in May 2010. The objective is to adapt the ship to the quality standards of the Spanish clientele for which it will operate. In addition to completely restyling the cabins and public areas, four new suites with balconies as well as a new wellness center will be built. The hull will be painted with a special silicone-based ecological paint that reduces the formation of micro-organisms on the hull without releasing toxic substances into the sea. This increases the vessel’s hydrodynamic performance while reducing its environmental impact given reduced fuel consumption. At the end of the refurbishment, the Grand Holiday will be the fourth ship of the Iberocruceros fleet. The first cruise will depart from Barcelona on May 18, 2010, with destinations including Villefranche-sur-Mer, Leghorn, Civitavecchia and Porto Torres. For the entire summer season, the ship will sail seven-day cruises in the western Mediterranean. Departing from Barcelona on Sundays, the ship will call on Villefranche-sur-Mer, Leghorn, Civitavecchia, Naples and La Goulette.
In addition to the Grand Holiday, three ships belonging to the Costa Cruises brand recently completed dry docks: the Costa Magica (November 4-18) and the Costa Mediterranea (November 21-December 5) in Palermo and the Costa Marina (November 4-18) in Genoa.
The Costa Mediterranea, Costa Magica and Costa Marina underwent routine maintenance, operations that the Italian company carries out every two years to maintain its fleet’s high quality standards and to comply with Italian and international safety norms. The maintenance involved the hull and engine as well as the hotel section of the ships. In the hotel area, carpeting, curtains, fabrics and other objects and materials subject to wear and tear were replaced in the public areas and in cabins. For the hull and engine, the largest amount of maintenance entailed cleaning and painting the hull. Inverter devices that optimize conditioning system operation while reducing fuel consumption and subsequent CO2 emissions, were installed in the engine room of the Costa Magica. These were already successfully tested on two other ships.
Costa Cruises is Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For more than 60 years its ships have sailed the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations filled with fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, Canada/New England, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three more new ships are due to enter service by 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 2007) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2008). All the ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of WWF Italy for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea. In Mediobanca’s 2009 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million Euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 10th in terms of profitability and 65th in terms of sales. In the “Global Reputation Pulse 2009” international study, Costa Cruises ranked first among Italian “service industry” companies. Pulse scores are a measure of corporate reputation of the 600 largest enterprises located in 32 countries worldwide.
Costa Crociere S.p.A. is a member of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
COSTA KICKS OFF FOURTH CRUISE SEASON IN DUBAI
Biggest and Best Season Yet with Two New Ships and Costa Deliziosa Inaugural Set for February 23
MIAMI, FL - (December 10, 2009) – Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, is beginning its biggest and best season yet in Dubai with two of its newest ships positioned from the region for the 2009/10 season. The stunning Costa Luminosa, inaugurated this past June, will set sail on seven-night sailings from the international locale beginning this week. Her sister ship, the Costa Deliziosa, will sail similar routes after she is inaugurated in the international locale on February 23. Stylish and stunning, both ships (92,600 tons; 2,260 dbl occ) are designed to exude the ultimate in elegance and refinement.
The inaugural season of the Costa Luminosa from Dubai will feature Saturday departures complete with two overnights in Dubai and visits to Muscat, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. Her season will begin on December 12 and run through April 10. On February 23, the Costa Deliziosa will be named in Dubai during her “Grand Inaugural Cruise,” which departs from Savona on February 5. The ship will call on Dubai for her inaugural festivities from February 23-26. Guests sailing on the February 5th departure will be able to attend the naming ceremony. The ship’s regular route from Dubai will feature the same seven-night routes as her sister ship, the Costa Luminosa, with departures on Sundays. Her season will begin on March 14 and extend through May 9.
Costa Deliziosa and Costa Luminosa will also be joined by the Costa Europa (55,000 tons; 1,494 dbl occ). The ship will offer a brand new itinerary with a series of eight alternating cruises from Italy to Dubai, a unique route crossing the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.
“Costa Cruises was the first and it’s still the major operator to believe in the value of this new cruise destination, confirming the pioneering spirit of our Italian company,” said Gianni Onorato, president of Costa Cruises.” The appreciation of the destination from the public is increasing. In the 2009/2010 winter season, bookings to date are in line with the increase of the offer, that was 40% over last winter, thanks to the positioning in the area of three ships. In particular, for the first time ever we are deploying in the same area the “top of the range” sister ships Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa. Moreover, the naming ceremony of the Costa Deliziosa in Dubai confirms our growth strategy, while strengthening the partnership between Costa Cruises and DTCM (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing). We are working together towards the same goal of creating an unforgettable event rich with surprise and atmosphere, combining the charming tradition of an Arabian night with the unique Italian style of Costa Cruises,” he added.
Costa Cruises, along with AIDA Cruises, the German brand that also belongs to the Costa Crociere group, was the first cruise company to market regular cruises in the Arabian Gulf. This presence helped turn Dubai into a major cruise destination and contributed to its growth as a tourism destination.
In winter 2009/10 Costa’s ships are expected to bring 140,000 passenger movements to Dubai given the presence of three ships - the Costa Luminosa, the Costa Deliziosa and the Costa Europa - for a total of 32 calls. The estimated economic impact will be approximately €14 million,* coming from Costa guests’ direct spending, shore excursions, transfers, cruise operation expenditures, and general food and beverage expenditures. In addition to Costa Cruises’ ships, the AIDAdiva (69,200 tons; 2,500 total guests), will call 20 times in Dubai during the winter 2009/10 season.
The immediate success of Costa’s operations in the area began in winter 2006/07 with the Costa Classica (53,000 tons; 1,308 dbl occ). The new cruise destination prompted Costa Cruises to increase its capacity in the area year after year. Costa Cruises’ passenger movements in Dubai increased from 44,000 in winter 2006/07 to 100,000 in winter 2008/09. Costa Cruises’ ships have generated substantial and growing business for the emirate of Dubai and the other ports of call on the itinerary.
Per a WEFA report, one of the most respected economic information companies, tourism’s direct contribution to Dubai’s GDP stands at 19.89 percent, while the indirect contribution is 35 percent. Dubai is poised to become the ultimate cruise destination of the Middle East. The cruise industry is rapidly growing with 260,817 cruise tourists predicted to visit the emirate during 2009, nearly a 25 percent increase over last year. In 2010, Dubai is expected to host 99 calls with over 383,000 passengers. The burgeoning cruise industry is set to grow further as the new Dubai Cruise Terminal becomes operational in January 2010.
In a survey, 80 percent of cruise passengers in Dubai noted that they would extend their visit to the Emirate during their next visit and 95 percent said they would recommend others to visit Dubai to enjoy its all-appealing facilities, pristine beaches and unparalleled shopping options.
MIAMI, FL - (December 10, 2009) – Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, is beginning its biggest and best season yet in Dubai with two of its newest ships positioned from the region for the 2009/10 season. The stunning Costa Luminosa, inaugurated this past June, will set sail on seven-night sailings from the international locale beginning this week. Her sister ship, the Costa Deliziosa, will sail similar routes after she is inaugurated in the international locale on February 23. Stylish and stunning, both ships (92,600 tons; 2,260 dbl occ) are designed to exude the ultimate in elegance and refinement.
The inaugural season of the Costa Luminosa from Dubai will feature Saturday departures complete with two overnights in Dubai and visits to Muscat, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. Her season will begin on December 12 and run through April 10. On February 23, the Costa Deliziosa will be named in Dubai during her “Grand Inaugural Cruise,” which departs from Savona on February 5. The ship will call on Dubai for her inaugural festivities from February 23-26. Guests sailing on the February 5th departure will be able to attend the naming ceremony. The ship’s regular route from Dubai will feature the same seven-night routes as her sister ship, the Costa Luminosa, with departures on Sundays. Her season will begin on March 14 and extend through May 9.
Costa Deliziosa and Costa Luminosa will also be joined by the Costa Europa (55,000 tons; 1,494 dbl occ). The ship will offer a brand new itinerary with a series of eight alternating cruises from Italy to Dubai, a unique route crossing the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.
“Costa Cruises was the first and it’s still the major operator to believe in the value of this new cruise destination, confirming the pioneering spirit of our Italian company,” said Gianni Onorato, president of Costa Cruises.” The appreciation of the destination from the public is increasing. In the 2009/2010 winter season, bookings to date are in line with the increase of the offer, that was 40% over last winter, thanks to the positioning in the area of three ships. In particular, for the first time ever we are deploying in the same area the “top of the range” sister ships Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa. Moreover, the naming ceremony of the Costa Deliziosa in Dubai confirms our growth strategy, while strengthening the partnership between Costa Cruises and DTCM (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing). We are working together towards the same goal of creating an unforgettable event rich with surprise and atmosphere, combining the charming tradition of an Arabian night with the unique Italian style of Costa Cruises,” he added.
Costa Cruises, along with AIDA Cruises, the German brand that also belongs to the Costa Crociere group, was the first cruise company to market regular cruises in the Arabian Gulf. This presence helped turn Dubai into a major cruise destination and contributed to its growth as a tourism destination.
In winter 2009/10 Costa’s ships are expected to bring 140,000 passenger movements to Dubai given the presence of three ships - the Costa Luminosa, the Costa Deliziosa and the Costa Europa - for a total of 32 calls. The estimated economic impact will be approximately €14 million,* coming from Costa guests’ direct spending, shore excursions, transfers, cruise operation expenditures, and general food and beverage expenditures. In addition to Costa Cruises’ ships, the AIDAdiva (69,200 tons; 2,500 total guests), will call 20 times in Dubai during the winter 2009/10 season.
The immediate success of Costa’s operations in the area began in winter 2006/07 with the Costa Classica (53,000 tons; 1,308 dbl occ). The new cruise destination prompted Costa Cruises to increase its capacity in the area year after year. Costa Cruises’ passenger movements in Dubai increased from 44,000 in winter 2006/07 to 100,000 in winter 2008/09. Costa Cruises’ ships have generated substantial and growing business for the emirate of Dubai and the other ports of call on the itinerary.
Per a WEFA report, one of the most respected economic information companies, tourism’s direct contribution to Dubai’s GDP stands at 19.89 percent, while the indirect contribution is 35 percent. Dubai is poised to become the ultimate cruise destination of the Middle East. The cruise industry is rapidly growing with 260,817 cruise tourists predicted to visit the emirate during 2009, nearly a 25 percent increase over last year. In 2010, Dubai is expected to host 99 calls with over 383,000 passengers. The burgeoning cruise industry is set to grow further as the new Dubai Cruise Terminal becomes operational in January 2010.
In a survey, 80 percent of cruise passengers in Dubai noted that they would extend their visit to the Emirate during their next visit and 95 percent said they would recommend others to visit Dubai to enjoy its all-appealing facilities, pristine beaches and unparalleled shopping options.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
COSTA CRUISES WINS “BEST MEDITERRANEAN, AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST ITINERARIES” IN 2009 PORTHOLE READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
MIAMI, FL - (December 8, 2009) – Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, was awarded “Best Mediterranean Itineraries” and “Best Africa/Middle East Itineraries” in the eleventh annual Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards. The awards are published in the December 2009 issue of the publication.
“We’re honored that the readers of Porthole have named Costa the best in the Mediterranean, Africa and the Middle East once again,” said Maurice Zarmati, president and ceo of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. “As I always say, the Mediterranean is our back yard – we’ve been there for over 60 years and offer more ships and more sailings in the region than any other cruise line. Our innovative itineraries from Dubai and Mauritius are some of the most unique available, and offer a glimpse of this part of the world at a tremendous value. Grazie mille to the readers of Porthole for sharing our enthusiasm for the itineraries we offer in these regions.”
For over 60 years, Costa has sailed the Mediterranean and today offers the biggest and best selection of cruises from the region with more ships, more ports and more seven-night itineraries than any other cruise line. Costa sails the region year-round and always features its newest ships in the Mediterranean at any period of the year. In 2006, Costa became the first cruise line to home port from Dubai and has increased its capacity there ever since. 2010 features Costa’s best season yet with three ships sailing the region—the new Costa Deliziosa and Costa Luminosa—as well as the Costa Europa. The new Costa Deliziosa will be named in Dubai on February 23, 2010. Costa is the only cruise line to home port from Mauritius, offering 14-night sailings aboard the Costa Romantica this season through March 2010.
“Costa Cruises is always a reader favorite when it comes to itineraries,” said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine. “With some of the most unique and exotic itineraries out there, it’s no wonder experienced cruisers have awarded the line with these distinctions.”
Costa Cruises is Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For more than 60 years its ships have sailed the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations filled with fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three more new ships are due to enter service by 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 2007) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2008). All the ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of WWF Italy for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea. In Mediobanca’s 2009 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million Euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 10th in terms of profitability and 65th in terms of sales. In the “Global Reputation Pulse 2009” international study, Costa Cruises ranked first among Italian “service industry” companies. Pulse scores are a measure of corporate reputation of the 600 largest enterprises located in 32 countries worldwide.
Costa Crociere S.p.A. is a member of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company.
“We’re honored that the readers of Porthole have named Costa the best in the Mediterranean, Africa and the Middle East once again,” said Maurice Zarmati, president and ceo of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. “As I always say, the Mediterranean is our back yard – we’ve been there for over 60 years and offer more ships and more sailings in the region than any other cruise line. Our innovative itineraries from Dubai and Mauritius are some of the most unique available, and offer a glimpse of this part of the world at a tremendous value. Grazie mille to the readers of Porthole for sharing our enthusiasm for the itineraries we offer in these regions.”
For over 60 years, Costa has sailed the Mediterranean and today offers the biggest and best selection of cruises from the region with more ships, more ports and more seven-night itineraries than any other cruise line. Costa sails the region year-round and always features its newest ships in the Mediterranean at any period of the year. In 2006, Costa became the first cruise line to home port from Dubai and has increased its capacity there ever since. 2010 features Costa’s best season yet with three ships sailing the region—the new Costa Deliziosa and Costa Luminosa—as well as the Costa Europa. The new Costa Deliziosa will be named in Dubai on February 23, 2010. Costa is the only cruise line to home port from Mauritius, offering 14-night sailings aboard the Costa Romantica this season through March 2010.
“Costa Cruises is always a reader favorite when it comes to itineraries,” said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine. “With some of the most unique and exotic itineraries out there, it’s no wonder experienced cruisers have awarded the line with these distinctions.”
Costa Cruises is Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For more than 60 years its ships have sailed the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations filled with fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three more new ships are due to enter service by 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 2007) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2008). All the ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of WWF Italy for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea. In Mediobanca’s 2009 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million Euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 10th in terms of profitability and 65th in terms of sales. In the “Global Reputation Pulse 2009” international study, Costa Cruises ranked first among Italian “service industry” companies. Pulse scores are a measure of corporate reputation of the 600 largest enterprises located in 32 countries worldwide.
Costa Crociere S.p.A. is a member of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
COSTA CRUISES’ SAMSARA SPA NAMED “BEST SPA” IN CRUISE CRITIC EDITORS’ PICKS AWARDS
MIAMI, FL - (November 17, 2009) – Costa Cruises’ renowned Samsara Spa was named “best spa” in the 2009 Cruise Critic “Editors’ Picks” Awards. The awards honor the world’s top cruise lines and highlight the best of the best in cruising. The Samsara Spa is featured on all of Costa’s newest ships, including the Costa Luminosa, Costa Pacifica, Costa Serena and Costa Concordia. The spa will also be featured on the Costa Deliziosa (January 2010), the Costa Favolosa (summer 2011) and Costa Fascinosa (spring 2012).
Costa’s award-winning Samsara Spa concept has garnered numerous industry awards, including a “best spa” accolade from Cruise Critic in 2008. The consumer cruise web site also named it “the most beautiful spa at sea.” Other accolades received include a nod as “one of the top five cruise ship spas” by MSNBC.com, “Best Spa Design” from the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, and “Best Spa Facilities,” from Porthole Magazine. Travel Age West Magazine awarded the spa “Editor’s Pick” Awards in the categories of “Best Health and Wellness Program,” and “Best Overall Spa Facilities on a Cruise Ship.”
Extending over two decks and boasting panoramic views of the ocean, the 23,000 square-foot Samsara Spa offers travelers the ultimate wellness experience at sea. Spa amenities include a Thalassotherapy bath, a rock sauna (a hotter version of classic saunas) and a Turkish bath (either traditional or scented with gently-fragrant rosemary, eucalyptus and lavender) a warm thermal bath called a Tepidarium, a solarium, and tea room. VIP treatment suites are also available. An expansive fitness center and wide variety of wellness classes complete the spa’s facilities.
For those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the Samsara Spa ambience, exclusive spa cabins and suites (average 100 per ship) provide a veritable extension of the experience at all times with direct access to the spa via elevator and stairs. Guests who reserve these accommodations will have access to exclusive privileges including flat screen televisions, a special set of Elemis bath accessories and a “Welcome Ritual,” all included in the cruise price. The “Welcome Ritual” features unlimited access to the spa and its many amenities, two complimentary fitness or meditation classes, a personalized wellness consultation with a spa expert, two treatments, two sessions in the solarium and an invitation to a special spa tea ceremony. In addition, guests who reserve exclusive Samsara Spa accommodations will have access to wellness cuisine in the Ristorante Samsara. This specialty restaurant features spa-friendly cuisine in private surroundings.
Cruise Critic is an online cruise guide offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travelers, from first-time cruisers to avid cruisers. The site features professional reviews and member reviews of over 350 ships, and hosts an active community where travelers share experiences and opinions with fellow cruisers.
Launched in October 1995 by The Independent Traveler, Inc., Cruise Critic was the first consumer cruise site on the Internet. The Independent Traveler, Inc. is a subsidiary of TripAdvisor® LLC, which is an operating company of Expedia.
Costa Cruises is Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For more than 60 years its ships have sailed the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations filled with fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three more new ships are due to enter service by 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 2007) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2008). All the ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of WWF Italy for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea. In Mediobanca’s 2009 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million Euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 10th in terms of profitability and 65th in terms of sales. In the “Global Reputation Pulse 2009” international study, Costa Cruises ranked first among Italian “service industry” companies. Pulse scores are a measure of corporate reputation of the 600 largest enterprises located in 32 countries worldwide.
Costa Crociere S.p.A. is a member of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company
Monday, November 16, 2009
COSTA CRUISES TOPS 2009 MEDIOBANCA SURVEY
Largest Italian Travel Company and Only Italian Cruise Line Ranked by Mediobanca
MIAMI (November 16, 2009)— Costa Cruises has made its mark in a popular survey of leading Italian companies carried out by Mediobanca’s Research Unit, comprising over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million Euros last fiscal year. Costa Cruises came in 10th place in terms of profitability, with a net income of 402 million Euros and 65th in size with sales of 2.3 billion Euros in 2008.
Costa is the only cruise company included in the Mediobanca survey and ranks as the leading travel company. According to the findings of the survey, the Italian cruise company has further improved its business performance from last year, advancing from a ranking of 72 to 65 for size, and ranking 10th in terms of profitability, up from 12th in 2008.
In total, the Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group has a total of 23 ships in service (14 for Costa Cruises, 6 for AIDACruises and 3 for Iberocruceros) with another sneve due to be delivered by 2012 (three for Costa Cruises, three for AIDACruises and one for Iberocruceros). All Costa Cruises and Aida ships fly the Italian flag.
Costa will introduce its newest ship, the Costa Deliziosa, at the end of January 2010. The ship is currently being fitted out at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard. The arrival of 92,700-ton (2,260 dbl occ) ship enables Costa to double its top-of-the-line offerings. Along with sister ship Costa Luminosa (launched in June 2009), the Costa Deliziosa is the most exclusive and innovative member of the fleet.
The Group's growth in 2008 was driven by the performance of the Costa Cruises brand, which ended the year with 1.2 million total guests, confirming its position as Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. The economic growth recorded in 2008 was accompanied by a continued commitment to social and environmental responsibility, particularly carried by the Costa Cruises brand.
Costa Cruises was the first cruise company in the world to draft and issue a Sustainability Report. The voluntary report aims to build trust based on transparent dissemination of main results in the fields of social accountability and environmental compliance. Relevant initiatives include Costa’s three-year partnership with WWF involving active support for a project to set up a network of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean.
In November, Costa Cruises will publish the fourth edition of its Sustainability Report, corresponding to 2008. The highlights include a 5% reduction in fuel consumption per mile sailed, a 5% reduction in consumption of potable water per person, 30% (273,458 kg) of special waste recycled; 2,126 m3 of glass and aluminum recycled, and an 8.5% reduction in garbage.
Costa Cruises is Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For more than 60 years its ships have sailed the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations filled with fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three more new ships are due to enter service by 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 2007) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2008). All the ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of WWF Italy for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea. In Mediobanca’s 2009 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million Euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 10th in terms of profitability and 65th in terms of sales. In the “Global Reputation Pulse 2009” international study, Costa Cruises ranked first among Italian “service industry” companies. Pulse scores are a measure of corporate reputation of the 600 largest enterprises located in 32 countries worldwide.
Costa Crociere S.p.A. is a member of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company.
MIAMI (November 16, 2009)— Costa Cruises has made its mark in a popular survey of leading Italian companies carried out by Mediobanca’s Research Unit, comprising over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million Euros last fiscal year. Costa Cruises came in 10th place in terms of profitability, with a net income of 402 million Euros and 65th in size with sales of 2.3 billion Euros in 2008.
Costa is the only cruise company included in the Mediobanca survey and ranks as the leading travel company. According to the findings of the survey, the Italian cruise company has further improved its business performance from last year, advancing from a ranking of 72 to 65 for size, and ranking 10th in terms of profitability, up from 12th in 2008.
In total, the Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group has a total of 23 ships in service (14 for Costa Cruises, 6 for AIDACruises and 3 for Iberocruceros) with another sneve due to be delivered by 2012 (three for Costa Cruises, three for AIDACruises and one for Iberocruceros). All Costa Cruises and Aida ships fly the Italian flag.
Costa will introduce its newest ship, the Costa Deliziosa, at the end of January 2010. The ship is currently being fitted out at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard. The arrival of 92,700-ton (2,260 dbl occ) ship enables Costa to double its top-of-the-line offerings. Along with sister ship Costa Luminosa (launched in June 2009), the Costa Deliziosa is the most exclusive and innovative member of the fleet.
The Group's growth in 2008 was driven by the performance of the Costa Cruises brand, which ended the year with 1.2 million total guests, confirming its position as Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. The economic growth recorded in 2008 was accompanied by a continued commitment to social and environmental responsibility, particularly carried by the Costa Cruises brand.
Costa Cruises was the first cruise company in the world to draft and issue a Sustainability Report. The voluntary report aims to build trust based on transparent dissemination of main results in the fields of social accountability and environmental compliance. Relevant initiatives include Costa’s three-year partnership with WWF involving active support for a project to set up a network of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean.
In November, Costa Cruises will publish the fourth edition of its Sustainability Report, corresponding to 2008. The highlights include a 5% reduction in fuel consumption per mile sailed, a 5% reduction in consumption of potable water per person, 30% (273,458 kg) of special waste recycled; 2,126 m3 of glass and aluminum recycled, and an 8.5% reduction in garbage.
Costa Cruises is Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For more than 60 years its ships have sailed the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations filled with fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three more new ships are due to enter service by 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 2007) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2008). All the ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of WWF Italy for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea. In Mediobanca’s 2009 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million Euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 10th in terms of profitability and 65th in terms of sales. In the “Global Reputation Pulse 2009” international study, Costa Cruises ranked first among Italian “service industry” companies. Pulse scores are a measure of corporate reputation of the 600 largest enterprises located in 32 countries worldwide.
Costa Crociere S.p.A. is a member of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company.
Monday, November 9, 2009
COSTA CRUISES AND DUBAI TEAM UP FOR INAUGURAL CELEBRATION OF NEW COSTA DELIZIOSA
First Cruise Ship to be named in an Arabian City – Inaugural Set for February 23, 2010
LONDON (November 9, 2009) – Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced today that the new Costa Deliziosa with be named in Dubai. Costa and DTCM will team up for the event, which marks the first time a cruise ship will be named in an Arabian city. The stunning new flagship of the Costa fleet will be inaugurated in the international locale on February 23, 2010. Today’s announcement was made at World Travel Market in London.
The naming ceremony will take place during the ship’s Grand Inaugural cruise, departing from Savona, Italy on February 5, 2010 and calling in Dubai from February 23-26. Costa guests sailing on the first leg of the grand maiden cruise will be able to attend the exclusive inaugural ceremony. The Costa Deliziosa (92,600-tons; 2,260 dbl occ) is currently being fitted out at Fincantieri’s Marghera (Venice) shipyard and will be delivered on January 29, 2010. Together with her sister ship, Costa Luminosa, christened on June 5 of this year, the Costa Deliziosa will be the most exclusive and innovative ship in the Costa fleet. Both ships will be deployed in Dubai during winter 2009/10, offering 7-night cruises from Dubai, complete with two overnights and visits to other UAE countries.
“Costa Cruises was the first and it’s still the major operator to believe in the value of this new cruise destination, confirming the pioneering spirit of our Italian company,” said Fabrizia Greppi, Costa Crociere S.p.A. Vice President of Corporate Marketing & Communication. “Thanks to the partnership and four years of activities with the DTCM, we have boosted our presence, bringing ships to Dubai which are ambassadors of the best of “made in Italy” in the world. For the coming winter season Costa will deploy in the area “top of the range” sister ships Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa. The naming ceremony of our fifteenth ship, Costa Deliziosa, in Dubai confirms our strategy while strengthening the partnership between Costa Cruises and DTCM. We are working together towards the same goal of creating an unforgettable event rich with surprise and atmosphere, combining the charming tradition of an Arabian night with the unique Italian style by Costa Cruises.”
Mr. Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, director of overseas promotions and inward missions for the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said “the cruise industry plays a crucial role in the overall growth and development of the tourism industry in Dubai and the region. We realized its importance long ago and created the infrastructure and services that were needed to tap its potential.” He added, “we welcome Costa’s decision and hope that it will be a boost for the regional cruise industry. We will continue to devote our efforts to further promote this most-promising sector of the tourism industry. Costa’s decision to name Costa Deliziosa in Dubai reconfirms the emirate’s potential as the regional cruise industry hub. We are delighted with their decision and guarantee our whole hearted cooperation and support to make the initiative successful. We are confident that this will help expand the cruise tourism industry in the region and stimulate other cruise operators to use the emirate as a cruise hub.”
The Costa Deliziosa naming ceremony further strengthens the ties linking Dubai and Costa Cruises. The Italian company, together with AIDA Cruises, a German brand also belonging to Costa Crociere’s group, was the first to market regular cruises in the Arabian Gulf, turning Dubai into a major cruise destination and contributing to its growth as a tourism destination.
In winter 2009/2010, Costa’s ships are expected to bring 140,000 passenger movements to Dubai thanks to the presence of three ships - the Costa Luminosa, the Costa Deliziosa and the Costa Europa, for a total of 32 calls. The estimated economic impact will be approximately €14 million,* coming from Costa guests’ direct spending, shore excursions, transfers, cruise operation expenditures, and general expenditures (food & beverage). In addition to Costa Cruises’ ships, one AIDA Cruises ship, AIDAdiva (69,200-tons and 2,500 total guests), will call 20 times in Dubai during the winter 2009/10 season.
Costa’s operations in the area began in winter 2006/2007 with one ship, the Costa Classica (53,000-tons and 1,308 dbl occ). The immediate success of the new cruise destination prompted Costa Cruises to increase its capacity in the area year after year. Costa Cruises’ passenger movements in Dubai increased from 44,000 in winter 2006/07 to 100,000 in winter 2008/09. Costa Cruises’ ships have generated substantial and growing business for the emirate of Dubai and the other ports of call on the itinerary.
As per a WEFA report – one of the most respected economic information companies - tourism’s direct contribution to Dubai’s GDP stands at 19.89 percent, while the indirect contribution is 35 percent. Dubai is sailing ahead to become the ultimate cruise destination of the Middle East. The cruise industry is rapidly growing with 260,817 cruise tourists predicted to visit the emirate during 2009, nearly a 25 percent increase over last year. In 2010, Dubai is expected to host 99 calls with over 383,000 passengers. The burgeoning cruise industry is set to grow further as the new Dubai Cruise Terminal becomes operational in January 2010.
In a survey, 80 percent of cruise passengers in Dubai revealed that they would extend their visit to the emirate during their next visit and 95 percent said they would recommend others to visit Dubai to enjoy its all-appealing facilities, pristine beaches and unparalleled shopping options.
In winter 2009/10 both Costa Deliziosa and Costa Luminosa will sail 7-night itineraries with two overnights in Dubai and one day calls at the ports of Muscat (Oman), Fujairah (United Arab Emirates), Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Bahrain. The Costa Deliziosa will depart from Dubai on Sundays from March 24, 2010 to May 9, 2010 the Costa Luminosa will depart on Saturdays from December 12, 2009 to April 10, 2010. In addition to the two Costa flagships, the Costa Europa will offer a brand new itinerary: 18-night winter cruises from Savona to Dubai and from Dubai to Savona – a unique itinerary crossing the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.
About Costa Deliziosa
The Costa Deliziosa is “the new jewel” of the Costa fleet – the most exclusive and innovative ship intended for Costa’s “high-end” customers. This is readily apparent in her cutting-edge design and use of premium materials such as various types of marble and granite, stucco applied by spatula using the technique known as “spatolato veneziano” and other decorative interior finishes including “parchment scroll” lamé, refined Zebrano wood and Wenge timber, Murano glass, and stylish polished and glazed steel. Featured in the stunning atrium (a strong focal point on all Costa ships) are fine works of art, notably “Sphere” by Arnaldo Pomodoro and a piece by Mario Donizetti.
Whether it’s fun or relaxation, there are an incredibly large number of entertaining things to do on board, all involving the use of leading-edge technology. These include 4D cinema, a roller skating track, the latest generation golf simulator with a putting green, a Grand Prix race car driving simulator and the exclusive 23,000 square-foot “Samsara Spa” complete with spa accommodations offering direct access to the wellness center. The ship also features “PlayStation World,” an area onboard dedicated exclusively to PlayStation3, as well as “PlayStation on demand” cabin service.
Costa Cruises is Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For more than 60 years its ships have sailed the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations filled with fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three more new ships are due to enter service by 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 2007) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2008). All the ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of WWF Italy for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea. In Mediobanca’s 2009 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million Euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 10th in terms of profitability and 65th in terms of sales. In the “Global Reputation Pulse 2009” international study, Costa Cruises ranked first among Italian “service industry” companies. Pulse scores are a measure of corporate reputation of the 600 largest enterprises located in 32 countries worldwide.
Costa Crociere S.p.A. is a member of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company.
*Partially based on equivalent expenses by cruise guests in EU ports as estimated by the European Cruise Council in 2008.
LONDON (November 9, 2009) – Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced today that the new Costa Deliziosa with be named in Dubai. Costa and DTCM will team up for the event, which marks the first time a cruise ship will be named in an Arabian city. The stunning new flagship of the Costa fleet will be inaugurated in the international locale on February 23, 2010. Today’s announcement was made at World Travel Market in London.
The naming ceremony will take place during the ship’s Grand Inaugural cruise, departing from Savona, Italy on February 5, 2010 and calling in Dubai from February 23-26. Costa guests sailing on the first leg of the grand maiden cruise will be able to attend the exclusive inaugural ceremony. The Costa Deliziosa (92,600-tons; 2,260 dbl occ) is currently being fitted out at Fincantieri’s Marghera (Venice) shipyard and will be delivered on January 29, 2010. Together with her sister ship, Costa Luminosa, christened on June 5 of this year, the Costa Deliziosa will be the most exclusive and innovative ship in the Costa fleet. Both ships will be deployed in Dubai during winter 2009/10, offering 7-night cruises from Dubai, complete with two overnights and visits to other UAE countries.
“Costa Cruises was the first and it’s still the major operator to believe in the value of this new cruise destination, confirming the pioneering spirit of our Italian company,” said Fabrizia Greppi, Costa Crociere S.p.A. Vice President of Corporate Marketing & Communication. “Thanks to the partnership and four years of activities with the DTCM, we have boosted our presence, bringing ships to Dubai which are ambassadors of the best of “made in Italy” in the world. For the coming winter season Costa will deploy in the area “top of the range” sister ships Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa. The naming ceremony of our fifteenth ship, Costa Deliziosa, in Dubai confirms our strategy while strengthening the partnership between Costa Cruises and DTCM. We are working together towards the same goal of creating an unforgettable event rich with surprise and atmosphere, combining the charming tradition of an Arabian night with the unique Italian style by Costa Cruises.”
Mr. Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, director of overseas promotions and inward missions for the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said “the cruise industry plays a crucial role in the overall growth and development of the tourism industry in Dubai and the region. We realized its importance long ago and created the infrastructure and services that were needed to tap its potential.” He added, “we welcome Costa’s decision and hope that it will be a boost for the regional cruise industry. We will continue to devote our efforts to further promote this most-promising sector of the tourism industry. Costa’s decision to name Costa Deliziosa in Dubai reconfirms the emirate’s potential as the regional cruise industry hub. We are delighted with their decision and guarantee our whole hearted cooperation and support to make the initiative successful. We are confident that this will help expand the cruise tourism industry in the region and stimulate other cruise operators to use the emirate as a cruise hub.”
The Costa Deliziosa naming ceremony further strengthens the ties linking Dubai and Costa Cruises. The Italian company, together with AIDA Cruises, a German brand also belonging to Costa Crociere’s group, was the first to market regular cruises in the Arabian Gulf, turning Dubai into a major cruise destination and contributing to its growth as a tourism destination.
In winter 2009/2010, Costa’s ships are expected to bring 140,000 passenger movements to Dubai thanks to the presence of three ships - the Costa Luminosa, the Costa Deliziosa and the Costa Europa, for a total of 32 calls. The estimated economic impact will be approximately €14 million,* coming from Costa guests’ direct spending, shore excursions, transfers, cruise operation expenditures, and general expenditures (food & beverage). In addition to Costa Cruises’ ships, one AIDA Cruises ship, AIDAdiva (69,200-tons and 2,500 total guests), will call 20 times in Dubai during the winter 2009/10 season.
Costa’s operations in the area began in winter 2006/2007 with one ship, the Costa Classica (53,000-tons and 1,308 dbl occ). The immediate success of the new cruise destination prompted Costa Cruises to increase its capacity in the area year after year. Costa Cruises’ passenger movements in Dubai increased from 44,000 in winter 2006/07 to 100,000 in winter 2008/09. Costa Cruises’ ships have generated substantial and growing business for the emirate of Dubai and the other ports of call on the itinerary.
As per a WEFA report – one of the most respected economic information companies - tourism’s direct contribution to Dubai’s GDP stands at 19.89 percent, while the indirect contribution is 35 percent. Dubai is sailing ahead to become the ultimate cruise destination of the Middle East. The cruise industry is rapidly growing with 260,817 cruise tourists predicted to visit the emirate during 2009, nearly a 25 percent increase over last year. In 2010, Dubai is expected to host 99 calls with over 383,000 passengers. The burgeoning cruise industry is set to grow further as the new Dubai Cruise Terminal becomes operational in January 2010.
In a survey, 80 percent of cruise passengers in Dubai revealed that they would extend their visit to the emirate during their next visit and 95 percent said they would recommend others to visit Dubai to enjoy its all-appealing facilities, pristine beaches and unparalleled shopping options.
In winter 2009/10 both Costa Deliziosa and Costa Luminosa will sail 7-night itineraries with two overnights in Dubai and one day calls at the ports of Muscat (Oman), Fujairah (United Arab Emirates), Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Bahrain. The Costa Deliziosa will depart from Dubai on Sundays from March 24, 2010 to May 9, 2010 the Costa Luminosa will depart on Saturdays from December 12, 2009 to April 10, 2010. In addition to the two Costa flagships, the Costa Europa will offer a brand new itinerary: 18-night winter cruises from Savona to Dubai and from Dubai to Savona – a unique itinerary crossing the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.
About Costa Deliziosa
The Costa Deliziosa is “the new jewel” of the Costa fleet – the most exclusive and innovative ship intended for Costa’s “high-end” customers. This is readily apparent in her cutting-edge design and use of premium materials such as various types of marble and granite, stucco applied by spatula using the technique known as “spatolato veneziano” and other decorative interior finishes including “parchment scroll” lamé, refined Zebrano wood and Wenge timber, Murano glass, and stylish polished and glazed steel. Featured in the stunning atrium (a strong focal point on all Costa ships) are fine works of art, notably “Sphere” by Arnaldo Pomodoro and a piece by Mario Donizetti.
Whether it’s fun or relaxation, there are an incredibly large number of entertaining things to do on board, all involving the use of leading-edge technology. These include 4D cinema, a roller skating track, the latest generation golf simulator with a putting green, a Grand Prix race car driving simulator and the exclusive 23,000 square-foot “Samsara Spa” complete with spa accommodations offering direct access to the wellness center. The ship also features “PlayStation World,” an area onboard dedicated exclusively to PlayStation3, as well as “PlayStation on demand” cabin service.
Costa Cruises is Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For more than 60 years its ships have sailed the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations filled with fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three more new ships are due to enter service by 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 2007) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2008). All the ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of WWF Italy for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea. In Mediobanca’s 2009 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million Euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 10th in terms of profitability and 65th in terms of sales. In the “Global Reputation Pulse 2009” international study, Costa Cruises ranked first among Italian “service industry” companies. Pulse scores are a measure of corporate reputation of the 600 largest enterprises located in 32 countries worldwide.
Costa Crociere S.p.A. is a member of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company.
*Partially based on equivalent expenses by cruise guests in EU ports as estimated by the European Cruise Council in 2008.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
COSTA CRUISES UNVEILS NAMES OF NEWEST FLEET MEMBERS: COSTA FAVOLOSA & COSTA FASCINOSA
Names Chosen by Travel Agents and Guests from Around the World
MIAMI (November 3, 2009) – After more than 16,000 suggestions from more than 40,000 travel agents and fans around the world, the names of the 16th and 17th ships in the Costa fleet have been selected. The two sister ships, set to debut in 2011 and 2012, will be named the Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa. The selections were chosen as a result of Costa’s “Send Us a Sea of Names” project whereby travel agents and fans sent in name suggestions for the two ships. The final selections were chosen based on their definition of the all-encompassing magic, glamour, emotion and passion reflected on all of Costa’s ships.
The Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa, (114,500 gross tons with a double occupancy of 3,000 each) will be delivered in summer 2011 and spring 2012 respectively. The two new sister ships, built by Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard, are part of a major fleet expansion plan for Costa with five new ships due for delivery between 2009 and 2012. This plan includes the launch of the Costa Luminosa the Costa Pacifica (June 2009) and the Costa Deliziosa (set to debut in January 2010) for a total investment worth 2.4 billion Euros. The Costa Favolosa will be the first of the two new vessels to enter service. The laying of the first “building block” is set to take place on Thursday, November 5 at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard.
The choice of names was guided by 40,000 travel agents in over 40 countries who submitted more than 16,000 pairs of names as part of the “Send Us a Sea of Names” project. The initiative encouraged travel agents, customers and web users all over the world to take part in the search for the names for the two new Costa flagships. The submissions were summarized in a list of 25 pairs of names posted on www.worldofcosta.com. All web site visitors were invited to choose their favorite pairing. More than 42,000 votes were received.
Magic, glamour, emotion and passion are elements that have always inspired Costa Cruises in the design of its ships and the creation of a unique and unforgettable cruise experience. The Costa Favolosa is intended to be the epitome of ship interior design, interpreting the excitement and emotion of people who see cruises as a magical voyage in a “contemporary enchanted castle.” The Costa Fascinosa is designed to express the special glamour of a cruise ship and her capacity to ignite strong emotion and passion.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
MIAMI (November 3, 2009) – After more than 16,000 suggestions from more than 40,000 travel agents and fans around the world, the names of the 16th and 17th ships in the Costa fleet have been selected. The two sister ships, set to debut in 2011 and 2012, will be named the Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa. The selections were chosen as a result of Costa’s “Send Us a Sea of Names” project whereby travel agents and fans sent in name suggestions for the two ships. The final selections were chosen based on their definition of the all-encompassing magic, glamour, emotion and passion reflected on all of Costa’s ships.
The Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa, (114,500 gross tons with a double occupancy of 3,000 each) will be delivered in summer 2011 and spring 2012 respectively. The two new sister ships, built by Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard, are part of a major fleet expansion plan for Costa with five new ships due for delivery between 2009 and 2012. This plan includes the launch of the Costa Luminosa the Costa Pacifica (June 2009) and the Costa Deliziosa (set to debut in January 2010) for a total investment worth 2.4 billion Euros. The Costa Favolosa will be the first of the two new vessels to enter service. The laying of the first “building block” is set to take place on Thursday, November 5 at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard.
The choice of names was guided by 40,000 travel agents in over 40 countries who submitted more than 16,000 pairs of names as part of the “Send Us a Sea of Names” project. The initiative encouraged travel agents, customers and web users all over the world to take part in the search for the names for the two new Costa flagships. The submissions were summarized in a list of 25 pairs of names posted on www.worldofcosta.com. All web site visitors were invited to choose their favorite pairing. More than 42,000 votes were received.
Magic, glamour, emotion and passion are elements that have always inspired Costa Cruises in the design of its ships and the creation of a unique and unforgettable cruise experience. The Costa Favolosa is intended to be the epitome of ship interior design, interpreting the excitement and emotion of people who see cruises as a magical voyage in a “contemporary enchanted castle.” The Costa Fascinosa is designed to express the special glamour of a cruise ship and her capacity to ignite strong emotion and passion.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
Monday, November 2, 2009
COSTA CRUISES OFFERS 240 ECO-EXCURSIONS ON SAILINGS AROUND THE WORLD
All Programs Minimize Impact on Ecosystems and Create Economic Opportunities for Local Communities
MIAMI (November 2, 2009) – Travelers sailing with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, may select from 240 special eco-excursions, created to minimize their impact on ecosystems and generate economic opportunities for local communities. Excursions are available on all Costa sailings, throughout the regions Costa sails including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Dubai, Indian Ocean and Far East.
“Costa’s commitment to social accountability is deep-rooted and these excursions are a reflection of the efforts we’re making on many levels, all of which are highlighted in our voluntary and public sustainability report,” said Maurice Zarmati, president & ceo of Costa Cruises North America. “We love bringing our guests to some of the most intriguing destinations in the world while being able to leave an eco-friendly footprint behind in these special places.”
One of Costa’s most popular eco-excursions is “Lanzarote: Yesterday and Today” in Arrecife, Canary Islands. This excursion takes travelers through the scenic hidden side of Lanzarote and introduces guests to the island’s art, traditions and customs. Travelers will first be taken to the César Manrique Museum-Foundation, located on the site of Manrique’s former house and studio. Manrique, famous for his paintings, architecture and sculptures was also a renowned ecologist. The museum is built on an outcrop of lava on top of five large natural volcanic bubbles. Visitors of the museum will learn how he furnished and designed the spaces by taking advantage of all environments. Later, excursionists will cross Lanzarote’s lunar landscape and arrive at the Cactus Garden, containing over 1,000 different species of cacti. At the end of the excursion, travelers will visit “El Patio Agricultural Museum,” where they will be able to visit a farmer’s house dated from 1840 with all of its typical furniture and utensils set in the oldest and largest agriculture cultivation of the island. El Patio still grows fruit trees, tomatoes and other vegetation and breeds animals including camels, goats and chickens in an agricultural landscape showing the best example of human integration to nature. Guests will also be able to taste traditional food from the island accompanied by a glass of local wine.
In Singapore, guests may enjoy the “Night Safari Tour,” which is the world’s first wildlife park built to be viewed at night. The park covers an area of 40 acres where animals are allowed to roam freely in huge landscaped enclosures. The different areas of the park are divided into eight geographical zones, including everything from the exotic Himalayan foothills to the Nepalese River Valley, the Savanna grasslands of Equatorial Africa and the dense jungles of Indo-Malaya. A subtle lighting technique throughout the park enables excursionists to view over 1,000 nocturnal animals of over 100 species in their most active time. The featured animals on the safari include the greater one horned rhino, cape giraffes and buffalo, Malayan tigers, African bongo, blue sheep and Asian elephants.
For guests seeking an action-packed eco-excursion, the “Volcano Hiking” tour in Santorini, Greece is not to be missed. After a boat trip in a traditional “caique,” an uphill walk will take excursionists to the crater of an active volcano. While walking up the ascending path, guests will have the opportunity to observe lava fragments and volcanic rock formations. Once they have reached the crater, they will have time to relax and enjoy the view of Santorini. Guests will also see the amazing cliff of Caldera, a depression created as a result of a volcanic eruption.
Spa and wellness enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy an incredibly unique spa experience when cruising with Costa in Northern Europe. Located in Lake Myvatn, the “Myvatn Nature Baths” is Iceland's newest health-spa and part of Costa’s eco-excursion offerings. Opened in June 2004, the complex offers bathers a completely natural spa experience with a relaxing dip in clouds of steam rising up from a fissure deep in the Earth's surface. Containing a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms, the warm, soothing waters of Myvatn Nature Baths benefit both skin and spirit alike, creating a sense of well-being which lingers on as a lasting memory of a visit to this area at Europe's outer limits.
These eco-excursions are part of over 1,100 different excursions Costa offers. All shore excursions may be conveniently reserved in advance online after guests purchase their cruise at www.costacruises.com.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
MIAMI (November 2, 2009) – Travelers sailing with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, may select from 240 special eco-excursions, created to minimize their impact on ecosystems and generate economic opportunities for local communities. Excursions are available on all Costa sailings, throughout the regions Costa sails including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Dubai, Indian Ocean and Far East.
“Costa’s commitment to social accountability is deep-rooted and these excursions are a reflection of the efforts we’re making on many levels, all of which are highlighted in our voluntary and public sustainability report,” said Maurice Zarmati, president & ceo of Costa Cruises North America. “We love bringing our guests to some of the most intriguing destinations in the world while being able to leave an eco-friendly footprint behind in these special places.”
One of Costa’s most popular eco-excursions is “Lanzarote: Yesterday and Today” in Arrecife, Canary Islands. This excursion takes travelers through the scenic hidden side of Lanzarote and introduces guests to the island’s art, traditions and customs. Travelers will first be taken to the César Manrique Museum-Foundation, located on the site of Manrique’s former house and studio. Manrique, famous for his paintings, architecture and sculptures was also a renowned ecologist. The museum is built on an outcrop of lava on top of five large natural volcanic bubbles. Visitors of the museum will learn how he furnished and designed the spaces by taking advantage of all environments. Later, excursionists will cross Lanzarote’s lunar landscape and arrive at the Cactus Garden, containing over 1,000 different species of cacti. At the end of the excursion, travelers will visit “El Patio Agricultural Museum,” where they will be able to visit a farmer’s house dated from 1840 with all of its typical furniture and utensils set in the oldest and largest agriculture cultivation of the island. El Patio still grows fruit trees, tomatoes and other vegetation and breeds animals including camels, goats and chickens in an agricultural landscape showing the best example of human integration to nature. Guests will also be able to taste traditional food from the island accompanied by a glass of local wine.
In Singapore, guests may enjoy the “Night Safari Tour,” which is the world’s first wildlife park built to be viewed at night. The park covers an area of 40 acres where animals are allowed to roam freely in huge landscaped enclosures. The different areas of the park are divided into eight geographical zones, including everything from the exotic Himalayan foothills to the Nepalese River Valley, the Savanna grasslands of Equatorial Africa and the dense jungles of Indo-Malaya. A subtle lighting technique throughout the park enables excursionists to view over 1,000 nocturnal animals of over 100 species in their most active time. The featured animals on the safari include the greater one horned rhino, cape giraffes and buffalo, Malayan tigers, African bongo, blue sheep and Asian elephants.
For guests seeking an action-packed eco-excursion, the “Volcano Hiking” tour in Santorini, Greece is not to be missed. After a boat trip in a traditional “caique,” an uphill walk will take excursionists to the crater of an active volcano. While walking up the ascending path, guests will have the opportunity to observe lava fragments and volcanic rock formations. Once they have reached the crater, they will have time to relax and enjoy the view of Santorini. Guests will also see the amazing cliff of Caldera, a depression created as a result of a volcanic eruption.
Spa and wellness enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy an incredibly unique spa experience when cruising with Costa in Northern Europe. Located in Lake Myvatn, the “Myvatn Nature Baths” is Iceland's newest health-spa and part of Costa’s eco-excursion offerings. Opened in June 2004, the complex offers bathers a completely natural spa experience with a relaxing dip in clouds of steam rising up from a fissure deep in the Earth's surface. Containing a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms, the warm, soothing waters of Myvatn Nature Baths benefit both skin and spirit alike, creating a sense of well-being which lingers on as a lasting memory of a visit to this area at Europe's outer limits.
These eco-excursions are part of over 1,100 different excursions Costa offers. All shore excursions may be conveniently reserved in advance online after guests purchase their cruise at www.costacruises.com.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
Friday, October 9, 2009
COSTA ATLANTICA RECEIVES A PERFECT SCORE FOR VESSEL SANITATION
Ship Scores 100 out of 100 in an Inspection by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MIAMI (October 9, 2009) РThe Costa Atlantica, a member of the Costa Cruises fleet, once again received a perfect score for vessel sanitation in a recent inspection conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The inspection was held on September 26 during a stopover in New York, one of the port calls of the Costa Atlantica during the latter part of her transatlantic cruise. The cruise departed on September 16 from Savona and ended on October 3 in Qu̩bec.
The CDC inspections are part of the Vessel Sanitation Program introduced in the early 1970s for all ships that stop in a U.S. port. The inspections are unannounced and conducted by officials from the United States Public Health Service twice a year. The score, on a scale from 1 to 100, is assigned based on a checklist with 48 areas of assessment, evaluating hygiene and sanitation of food (from storage to preparation), water, shipboard personnel and the ship as a whole.
This is the sixth time that the Costa Cruises fleet has received maximum marks from the CDC inspectors. The first vessel to obtain the perfect 100 was the Costa Atlantica in 2001. She repeated this success in 2005, while her sister ship, the Costa Mediterranea, obtained a top score in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
On October 3, the Costa Atlantica began an inaugural series of three 11- to 13-night cruises through Canada and New England. During the winter 2009/2010 season the Costa Atlantica will sail 7-night Caribbean cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale. After completing the winter Caribbean season from Ft. Lauderdale in April 2010, the Costa Atlantica will return to Québec as part of a limited series of 11- to 17-night routes throughout Canada and New England. The ship will then be positioned in Copenhagen sailing Northern Europe for the summer before embarking on another series of 11- to 17-night routes throughout Canada and New England.
The 86,000-ton (2,114 double occupancy) Costa Atlantica is dedicated to Italian art and culture, boasting design elements including Murano glass accents and in-laid mosaic tile, which provide a Venetian atmosphere to the elegant ship. All 12 passenger decks are a tribute to the life and work of Federico Fellini, Italy’s best known film maker, including a “Deck 8 1/2” in honor of one of Fellini’s most famous films. In addition, each deck is enriched with an original Milo Manara drawing evoking the film to which it is dedicated. The ship is a true floating museum of contemporary Italian art with over 400 original works of art featured by renowned and appreciated artists such as Paul Pennisi, Sergio Benvenuti, Luciano Vistosi, Lucio Bubbaco, Gian Maria Potenza, Gian Maria Ciferri, Inos Corradin and Carlo Moretti.
Costa is the only cruise fleet flying the Italian flag and therefore is the only line whose cruise ships are subject to more restrictive environmental, safety and social accountability regulations. Costa Cruises not only operates in accordance with the prevailing laws but also, where possible, seeks to preempt legislation, setting higher standards for itself and more ambitious objectives by means of internal procedures that go beyond the scope of mandatory requirements of local, national and international regulations.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
COSTA OFFERS EUROPEAN SAILINGS COMPLETE WITH AIR BEGINNING AT JUST $128 PER PERSON A DAY
Packages Feature 10- and 11-night Mediterranean Sailings Throughout Winter
MIAMI (September 30, 2009) – Savor unique European destinations while enjoying La Dolce Vita this winter with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. New packages begin at just $1,408 per person and include cruise fare, air fare, air tax, transfers and a one-night post hotel stay, if necessary.
Beginning at $1,408 per person for a 10-night sailing, and at $1,545 for an 11-night sailing, guests may sail aboard sister ships Costa Pacifica or Costa Serena on Eastern or Western Mediterranean itineraries. Starting fares on these air packages are based on roundtrip airfare from JFK to Rome for the 10-night sailing aboard the Costa Pacifica, departing from Civitavecchia on December 9, 2009. This sailing features stops in Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Egypt. Fares for the 11-night sailings are based on airfare from JFK to Savona, Italy for the December 8, 2009 sailing aboard the Costa Serena with stops in Spain, Morocco, the Canary Islands and Madeira. Numerous additional gateways are available from the United States and Canada.
The Costa Pacifica (recently inaugurated in June 2009) and Costa Serena (introduced in 2007), were designed especially to sail the Mediterranean year round. Both vessels feature two pools with retractable glass magrodomes, ensuring pool time is enjoyable at any time of the year. In addition, the ships feature the award-winning Samsara Spa, which at over 23,000 square-feet is one of the largest spas at sea. This spa haven at sea boasts spa accommodations with direct access to the wellness center via private stairway or elevator and access to a dedicated spa restaurant.
Costa offers a “true European experience” to travelers, combining the charm of the old world with incredible innovations of today. This special brand of Italian warmth and European sophistication makes cruising with Costa much more than a voyage to a new and exciting destination – it’s an experience that creates lifetime memories that linger and make guests smile at unexpected moments. From delectable fresh pastas, warm cappuccinos, international guests who become friends from around the world and charming Italian greetings travelers hear such as “buongiorno” and “buonasera,” sailing with Costa brings the passion and vitality of Italy to sea.
For complete information regarding Costa’s winter Europe Air/Sea packages, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com. Guests in North America may also find Costa on Facebook at www.facebook.com/costacruises.na.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s number one cruise line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008 over 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability. In 2009, Costa Cruises was ranked the 4th best Italian company for reliability and reputation in the international “Global Reputation Pulse” survey, which covers 600 of the largest companies in 32 countries around the world.
MIAMI (September 30, 2009) – Savor unique European destinations while enjoying La Dolce Vita this winter with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. New packages begin at just $1,408 per person and include cruise fare, air fare, air tax, transfers and a one-night post hotel stay, if necessary.
Beginning at $1,408 per person for a 10-night sailing, and at $1,545 for an 11-night sailing, guests may sail aboard sister ships Costa Pacifica or Costa Serena on Eastern or Western Mediterranean itineraries. Starting fares on these air packages are based on roundtrip airfare from JFK to Rome for the 10-night sailing aboard the Costa Pacifica, departing from Civitavecchia on December 9, 2009. This sailing features stops in Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Egypt. Fares for the 11-night sailings are based on airfare from JFK to Savona, Italy for the December 8, 2009 sailing aboard the Costa Serena with stops in Spain, Morocco, the Canary Islands and Madeira. Numerous additional gateways are available from the United States and Canada.
The Costa Pacifica (recently inaugurated in June 2009) and Costa Serena (introduced in 2007), were designed especially to sail the Mediterranean year round. Both vessels feature two pools with retractable glass magrodomes, ensuring pool time is enjoyable at any time of the year. In addition, the ships feature the award-winning Samsara Spa, which at over 23,000 square-feet is one of the largest spas at sea. This spa haven at sea boasts spa accommodations with direct access to the wellness center via private stairway or elevator and access to a dedicated spa restaurant.
Costa offers a “true European experience” to travelers, combining the charm of the old world with incredible innovations of today. This special brand of Italian warmth and European sophistication makes cruising with Costa much more than a voyage to a new and exciting destination – it’s an experience that creates lifetime memories that linger and make guests smile at unexpected moments. From delectable fresh pastas, warm cappuccinos, international guests who become friends from around the world and charming Italian greetings travelers hear such as “buongiorno” and “buonasera,” sailing with Costa brings the passion and vitality of Italy to sea.
For complete information regarding Costa’s winter Europe Air/Sea packages, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com. Guests in North America may also find Costa on Facebook at www.facebook.com/costacruises.na.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s number one cruise line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008 over 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability. In 2009, Costa Cruises was ranked the 4th best Italian company for reliability and reputation in the international “Global Reputation Pulse” survey, which covers 600 of the largest companies in 32 countries around the world.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
COSTA CRUISES RECEIVES THE ABB ENERGY EFFICIENCY AWARD 2009
MIAMI (September 24, 2009) – Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, received the ABB Energy Efficiency Award 2009 this week in recognition of its efforts and progress in improving energy efficiency in its motor and drive systems.
The prize was presented as part of “Energy Efficiency Award 2009: Designing and Achieving Energy Efficiency: New Conversations,” an event promoted and arranged by Abb Sace, a division of ABB Spa. In addition to Costa Cruises’ project, initiatives implemented by Fiat Auto, a leader in vehicle manufacturing and Fiorucci, a leader in the food industry, were also honored at the ceremony.
Costa Cruises qualified for the award by installing inverters on its ships. These devices are designed to control the supply of electrical power and find the point of peak efficiency, thereby ensuring the flexibility of systems and machinery in relation to effective operational demands. The use of these variable speed drives have optimized the performance of fans and blowers in the engine room and have led to substantial energy savings combined with a reduced environmental impact.
Intelligent inverter speed control was first introduced on the Costa Fortuna and Costa Serena, while work is scheduled to install similar devices on the Costa Magica, Costa Pacifica and Costa Concordia. Meanwhile, the Costa Luminosa, which joined the fleet in May this year, and the Costa Deliziosa, due for delivery in January 2010, have both been designed with inverters already fitted on board.
The 51 inverters installed on the Costa Fortuna and on the Costa Serena, approximately 8,760,000 kWh, corresponding to approximately 1,820 tons of bunker, were saved in 12 months. There was a significant decrease in air emissions, namely 5,723 t/year of CO2.
Costa Cruises’ commitment to the implementation of energy saving systems, with fleetwide applications in a range of areas, is in line with the company’s environmental policy, which specifies obligations and targets that are far more restrictive than those enforced by mandatory international rules and requirements.
A separate collection program is in operation on all 14 ships in the Costa fleet for all of the solid waste generated. No solid waste, except for food waste or special waste, is ever discharged overboard. Approximately 400 m3 of aluminum and 2100 m3 of glass from the ships are sent for recycling each year. Most of the water used is produced directly on board using desalination plants and the ships are fitted with double bilge (oily water) separators as well as the fail-safe “white box” system enabling a further check of the oil content of effluent water. In addition, Costa carries out systematic sampling and analysis of engine, diesel generator and incinerator emissions, as well as monitoring of electromagnetic emission levels.
The Costa Luminosa, which entered service in May this year, is the first ship in Italy and one of the first in the world to be equipped for “cold ironing,” a system whereby vessels are plugged into shoreside electrical power, enabling generators to be shut down during stopovers in port. This means the environmental impact of port calls is also greatly reduced. The Costa Deliziosa, due for delivery in January 2010, will be fitted with the same system.
Costa is the only cruise company to have its own environmental management system developed in accordance with the latest international standards (UNI EN ISO 14001, issued in 2004) and documented in a Sustainability Report drawn up in accordance with the Guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and certified by RINA (the Italian Shipping Register). Moreover, in 2005 Costa Cruises became the first company in the world to receive the “Green Star” across the fleet from RINA. This prestigious notation certifies that all Costa’s vessels comply with environmental standards for the prevention of pollution of the marine environment and it is actually stricter than the prevailing provisions of the international MARPOL Convention. Further confirmation of the company’s commitment to environmental conservation is reflected by the partnership established in 2005 with WWF Italia to protect the marine environment, dedicated this year to a project safeguarding the Mediterranean Sea.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
The prize was presented as part of “Energy Efficiency Award 2009: Designing and Achieving Energy Efficiency: New Conversations,” an event promoted and arranged by Abb Sace, a division of ABB Spa. In addition to Costa Cruises’ project, initiatives implemented by Fiat Auto, a leader in vehicle manufacturing and Fiorucci, a leader in the food industry, were also honored at the ceremony.
Costa Cruises qualified for the award by installing inverters on its ships. These devices are designed to control the supply of electrical power and find the point of peak efficiency, thereby ensuring the flexibility of systems and machinery in relation to effective operational demands. The use of these variable speed drives have optimized the performance of fans and blowers in the engine room and have led to substantial energy savings combined with a reduced environmental impact.
Intelligent inverter speed control was first introduced on the Costa Fortuna and Costa Serena, while work is scheduled to install similar devices on the Costa Magica, Costa Pacifica and Costa Concordia. Meanwhile, the Costa Luminosa, which joined the fleet in May this year, and the Costa Deliziosa, due for delivery in January 2010, have both been designed with inverters already fitted on board.
The 51 inverters installed on the Costa Fortuna and on the Costa Serena, approximately 8,760,000 kWh, corresponding to approximately 1,820 tons of bunker, were saved in 12 months. There was a significant decrease in air emissions, namely 5,723 t/year of CO2.
Costa Cruises’ commitment to the implementation of energy saving systems, with fleetwide applications in a range of areas, is in line with the company’s environmental policy, which specifies obligations and targets that are far more restrictive than those enforced by mandatory international rules and requirements.
A separate collection program is in operation on all 14 ships in the Costa fleet for all of the solid waste generated. No solid waste, except for food waste or special waste, is ever discharged overboard. Approximately 400 m3 of aluminum and 2100 m3 of glass from the ships are sent for recycling each year. Most of the water used is produced directly on board using desalination plants and the ships are fitted with double bilge (oily water) separators as well as the fail-safe “white box” system enabling a further check of the oil content of effluent water. In addition, Costa carries out systematic sampling and analysis of engine, diesel generator and incinerator emissions, as well as monitoring of electromagnetic emission levels.
The Costa Luminosa, which entered service in May this year, is the first ship in Italy and one of the first in the world to be equipped for “cold ironing,” a system whereby vessels are plugged into shoreside electrical power, enabling generators to be shut down during stopovers in port. This means the environmental impact of port calls is also greatly reduced. The Costa Deliziosa, due for delivery in January 2010, will be fitted with the same system.
Costa is the only cruise company to have its own environmental management system developed in accordance with the latest international standards (UNI EN ISO 14001, issued in 2004) and documented in a Sustainability Report drawn up in accordance with the Guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and certified by RINA (the Italian Shipping Register). Moreover, in 2005 Costa Cruises became the first company in the world to receive the “Green Star” across the fleet from RINA. This prestigious notation certifies that all Costa’s vessels comply with environmental standards for the prevention of pollution of the marine environment and it is actually stricter than the prevailing provisions of the international MARPOL Convention. Further confirmation of the company’s commitment to environmental conservation is reflected by the partnership established in 2005 with WWF Italia to protect the marine environment, dedicated this year to a project safeguarding the Mediterranean Sea.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
COSTA CRUISES OFFERS “ITALY IN THE TROPICS” FROM JUST $399
7-Night Caribbean Sailings Also Include Free Upgrades from $549 and “Kids Sail Free” Specials Throughout the Season
MIAMI (September 23, 2009) — Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, is offering “Italy in the Tropics” at an upgrade during its winter Caribbean season from Ft. Lauderdale. Guests in North America may enjoy the “love, laughter, and la dolce vita” of Italy without crossing the pond, complete with some of the best deals Costa has offered in its 60 year history aboard both the Costa Atlantica and Costa Fortuna. Specials are also available during holiday sailings.
One of Costa’s richest Caribbean deals is a “Free Upgrade” promotion with veranda accommodations available at the price of an ocean view (fares from $699), ocean view at the price of an inside (fares from $549) and inside cabins available at specially reduced fares from $399. Additionally, throughout the season Costa is offering “Kids Sail Free” specials with parents sailing from only $499. During the holidays, kids sail for just $199 while staterooms for adults are from $599 with an up to four-category upgrade during this time. Deposits have been reduced to $150 on all Caribbean sailings for a limited time as well.
“I can’t think of a better way to take a winter vacation than on a veritable floating Italian villa in the tropics, which is what the Costa Caribbean experience is all about,” said Maurice Zarmati, president and ceo of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. “We’ve made the ‘sweet life’ even sweeter by offering amazing upgrades and value-packed fares on our cruises from Ft. Lauderdale, allowing travelers to experience Italy close to home.”
Costa’s unique and authentic onboard Italian flair provides guests with a feeling of “Italy in the tropics” on its Caribbean routes. For many, sailing Costa offers a “new” way of experiencing the Caribbean ports of call they know and love – bringing to mind the romance and warmth of Italy that is universally beloved. From homemade pastas and delectable desserts, to Italian greetings including “buongiorno” in the morning and “buonasera” in the evening, the “amore” of the old world stays with guests long after they disembark from their cruise. Festive onboard activities include everything from on-deck bocce ball games, tarantella dancing under the stars and Italian cooking lessons during “Festa Italiana,” to the famous “Roman Bacchanal” soirée, where guests don tasteful togas and celebrate as the Romans did centuries ago.
In November 2009, the 86,000-ton (2,114 double occupancy) Costa Atlantica will make her much anticipated return to Ft. Lauderdale, sailing seven-night voyages each Saturday through April 2010. The ship boasts 44 exclusive spa cabins that create a true “vacation within a vacation.” Guests who reserve these spa accommodations, appropriately located on Deck “8 ½” in honor of the famous Federico Fellini film of the same name (Fellini inspired design elements of the ship), will enjoy a variety of special privileges. These include a personalized wellness consultation, three complimentary treatments, two fitness or meditation classes and complimentary access to the Wellness Restaurant, offering a wide array of spa-friendly cuisine. Spa cabins, available in ocean view, veranda and suite categories, will feature aromatherapy diffusers, special shower and air filters, and a mini bar stocked with healthy food and beverage selections. In addition, guests with these accommodations will be offered priority spa reservation times.
The grand 110,000-ton (2,720 double occupancy) Costa Fortuna will once again return to the Caribbean from December 2009 through March 2010, departing every Sunday on seven-night voyages. Drawing inspiration from the beautiful Italian liners of yesteryear, the Costa Fortuna combines nostalgia and a refined atmosphere into a marvelous modern framework. Gorgeous scale models of historic ships are weaved into the style and design of the ship’s various restaurants and other public areas. For a step into the present, guests may enjoy modern amenities including a retractable magrodome over the ship’s main pool deck, a state-of-the-art spa and ocean-view fitness center, 11 bars and four restaurants and a theatre expanding over three decks. All elements blend together to perfectly evoke the charm and refinement of yesteryear translated into modern day times.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
For reservations or more information regarding Costa Cruises, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.
MIAMI (September 23, 2009) — Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, is offering “Italy in the Tropics” at an upgrade during its winter Caribbean season from Ft. Lauderdale. Guests in North America may enjoy the “love, laughter, and la dolce vita” of Italy without crossing the pond, complete with some of the best deals Costa has offered in its 60 year history aboard both the Costa Atlantica and Costa Fortuna. Specials are also available during holiday sailings.
One of Costa’s richest Caribbean deals is a “Free Upgrade” promotion with veranda accommodations available at the price of an ocean view (fares from $699), ocean view at the price of an inside (fares from $549) and inside cabins available at specially reduced fares from $399. Additionally, throughout the season Costa is offering “Kids Sail Free” specials with parents sailing from only $499. During the holidays, kids sail for just $199 while staterooms for adults are from $599 with an up to four-category upgrade during this time. Deposits have been reduced to $150 on all Caribbean sailings for a limited time as well.
“I can’t think of a better way to take a winter vacation than on a veritable floating Italian villa in the tropics, which is what the Costa Caribbean experience is all about,” said Maurice Zarmati, president and ceo of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. “We’ve made the ‘sweet life’ even sweeter by offering amazing upgrades and value-packed fares on our cruises from Ft. Lauderdale, allowing travelers to experience Italy close to home.”
Costa’s unique and authentic onboard Italian flair provides guests with a feeling of “Italy in the tropics” on its Caribbean routes. For many, sailing Costa offers a “new” way of experiencing the Caribbean ports of call they know and love – bringing to mind the romance and warmth of Italy that is universally beloved. From homemade pastas and delectable desserts, to Italian greetings including “buongiorno” in the morning and “buonasera” in the evening, the “amore” of the old world stays with guests long after they disembark from their cruise. Festive onboard activities include everything from on-deck bocce ball games, tarantella dancing under the stars and Italian cooking lessons during “Festa Italiana,” to the famous “Roman Bacchanal” soirée, where guests don tasteful togas and celebrate as the Romans did centuries ago.
In November 2009, the 86,000-ton (2,114 double occupancy) Costa Atlantica will make her much anticipated return to Ft. Lauderdale, sailing seven-night voyages each Saturday through April 2010. The ship boasts 44 exclusive spa cabins that create a true “vacation within a vacation.” Guests who reserve these spa accommodations, appropriately located on Deck “8 ½” in honor of the famous Federico Fellini film of the same name (Fellini inspired design elements of the ship), will enjoy a variety of special privileges. These include a personalized wellness consultation, three complimentary treatments, two fitness or meditation classes and complimentary access to the Wellness Restaurant, offering a wide array of spa-friendly cuisine. Spa cabins, available in ocean view, veranda and suite categories, will feature aromatherapy diffusers, special shower and air filters, and a mini bar stocked with healthy food and beverage selections. In addition, guests with these accommodations will be offered priority spa reservation times.
The grand 110,000-ton (2,720 double occupancy) Costa Fortuna will once again return to the Caribbean from December 2009 through March 2010, departing every Sunday on seven-night voyages. Drawing inspiration from the beautiful Italian liners of yesteryear, the Costa Fortuna combines nostalgia and a refined atmosphere into a marvelous modern framework. Gorgeous scale models of historic ships are weaved into the style and design of the ship’s various restaurants and other public areas. For a step into the present, guests may enjoy modern amenities including a retractable magrodome over the ship’s main pool deck, a state-of-the-art spa and ocean-view fitness center, 11 bars and four restaurants and a theatre expanding over three decks. All elements blend together to perfectly evoke the charm and refinement of yesteryear translated into modern day times.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
For reservations or more information regarding Costa Cruises, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.
Monday, September 21, 2009
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: SAIL EUROPE AND THE CARIBBEAN FOR $40 A DAY ON COSTA’S TRANSATLANTIC ROUTES
15-Night Transatlantic Sailing on the Costa Fortuna from $599
MIAMI (September 21, 2009) — Travelers can experience the romantic charm of Europe and the tropical beauty of the Caribbean all at once, and for just $40 a day, with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. Fares on the December 5, 2009 15-night sailing aboard the Costa Fortuna from Savona to Ft. Lauderdale begin at just $599 per person. A return 17-night sailing on the Costa Fortuna from Ft. Lauderdale to Savona on March 28, 2010 features fares from just $799 per person.
The Costa Fortuna December 5, 2009 transatlantic sailing will depart from Savona (Italy), and call on Malaga (Spain), Funchal (Madeira), Pointe-A-Pitre (Guadeloupe), St. Maarten, Catalina Island (Dominican Republic) and Nassau, Bahamas before arriving in Ft. Lauderdale on December 20. A return 17-night voyage departs on March 28, 2010 from Ft. Lauderdale with stops in Nassau, Catalina Island (Dominican Republic), St. Maarten, Pointe-A-Pitre, Barbados, St. Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands), Funchal (Madeira) and Barcelona before arriving in Savona on April 14.
Drawing inspiration from the grand Italian liners of yesteryear that provided regular passenger service between Italy and the Americas, the 105,000-ton Costa Fortuna combines nostalgia and a refined atmosphere into a stunning modern framework. With a double capacity of 2,720, the Costa Fortuna features 1,359 cabins—857 ocean view and 458 with large verandas. The ship offers guests a stunning array of facilities including 11 bars, 4 restaurants, a theater extending over three floors, three swimming pools, a casino, disco, ballroom and a gym.
For complete information regarding Costa’s transatlantic voyages, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14
fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
MIAMI (September 21, 2009) — Travelers can experience the romantic charm of Europe and the tropical beauty of the Caribbean all at once, and for just $40 a day, with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. Fares on the December 5, 2009 15-night sailing aboard the Costa Fortuna from Savona to Ft. Lauderdale begin at just $599 per person. A return 17-night sailing on the Costa Fortuna from Ft. Lauderdale to Savona on March 28, 2010 features fares from just $799 per person.
The Costa Fortuna December 5, 2009 transatlantic sailing will depart from Savona (Italy), and call on Malaga (Spain), Funchal (Madeira), Pointe-A-Pitre (Guadeloupe), St. Maarten, Catalina Island (Dominican Republic) and Nassau, Bahamas before arriving in Ft. Lauderdale on December 20. A return 17-night voyage departs on March 28, 2010 from Ft. Lauderdale with stops in Nassau, Catalina Island (Dominican Republic), St. Maarten, Pointe-A-Pitre, Barbados, St. Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands), Funchal (Madeira) and Barcelona before arriving in Savona on April 14.
Drawing inspiration from the grand Italian liners of yesteryear that provided regular passenger service between Italy and the Americas, the 105,000-ton Costa Fortuna combines nostalgia and a refined atmosphere into a stunning modern framework. With a double capacity of 2,720, the Costa Fortuna features 1,359 cabins—857 ocean view and 458 with large verandas. The ship offers guests a stunning array of facilities including 11 bars, 4 restaurants, a theater extending over three floors, three swimming pools, a casino, disco, ballroom and a gym.
For complete information regarding Costa’s transatlantic voyages, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14
fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
COSTA NORTH AMERICA AWARDED FOUR TRAVEL WEEKLY MAGELLAN AWARDS FOR MARKETING CAMPAIGNS
One Gold and Three Silver Travel Weekly Magellan Awards Awarded to Costa North America Marketing Team
MIAMI (September 16, 2009) – Costa North America has received four Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly, the national newspaper of the U.S. travel industry. From design to marketing services, the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.
The Costa North America marketing team, in collaboration with Beber Silverstein Group, won four awards in the cruise ship division. A “Gold Magellan Award” was won for the direct mail “Pizza Delivery” campaign whereby travel agents received Costa’s newest European brochure delivered in a vibrantly styled pizza box. A “Silver Magellan Award” was won for the team’s “Amenitoni Pasta Box” campaign highlighting group promotions. Travel agents received specially branded Costa pasta, called “Amenitoni,” a twist on the word “amenities.” Group amenities were highlighted on the box along with “cooking instructions” on how to create group business. The marketing team also won a “Silver Magellan Award” for its “Land vs. Sea” advertising campaign, highlighting the benefits of taking a cruise versus a land-based vacation. Rounding out the group of four awards was a “Silver Magellan Award” for the “That’s Amore” print advertising campaign, a variation of the “Cruising Italian Style…that’s Amore” North America branding.
“Our entire marketing team is so honored to receive these accolades, especially from the group of esteemed travel experts judging the Magellan Awards,” said Linda Parrotta, vice president of marketing for Costa North America. “Over the past year, we had to work harder and smarter than ever before to come up with creative ways of conveying our message to both travel agents and consumers. It’s a great feeling to have our hard work rewarded in this way.”
The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a one-of-a-kind panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another, instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the long experience of Travel Weekly. To uphold this high standard of excellence, a category may have multiple winners, or may have no winners at all. For more information on the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, please visit www.travelweeklyawards.com.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
MIAMI (September 16, 2009) – Costa North America has received four Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly, the national newspaper of the U.S. travel industry. From design to marketing services, the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.
The Costa North America marketing team, in collaboration with Beber Silverstein Group, won four awards in the cruise ship division. A “Gold Magellan Award” was won for the direct mail “Pizza Delivery” campaign whereby travel agents received Costa’s newest European brochure delivered in a vibrantly styled pizza box. A “Silver Magellan Award” was won for the team’s “Amenitoni Pasta Box” campaign highlighting group promotions. Travel agents received specially branded Costa pasta, called “Amenitoni,” a twist on the word “amenities.” Group amenities were highlighted on the box along with “cooking instructions” on how to create group business. The marketing team also won a “Silver Magellan Award” for its “Land vs. Sea” advertising campaign, highlighting the benefits of taking a cruise versus a land-based vacation. Rounding out the group of four awards was a “Silver Magellan Award” for the “That’s Amore” print advertising campaign, a variation of the “Cruising Italian Style…that’s Amore” North America branding.
“Our entire marketing team is so honored to receive these accolades, especially from the group of esteemed travel experts judging the Magellan Awards,” said Linda Parrotta, vice president of marketing for Costa North America. “Over the past year, we had to work harder and smarter than ever before to come up with creative ways of conveying our message to both travel agents and consumers. It’s a great feeling to have our hard work rewarded in this way.”
The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a one-of-a-kind panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another, instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the long experience of Travel Weekly. To uphold this high standard of excellence, a category may have multiple winners, or may have no winners at all. For more information on the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, please visit www.travelweeklyawards.com.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
COSTA CRUISES RECEIVES ACCOLADES FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FROM CONDE NAST TRAVELER
Only Major Cruise Line to Receive Recognition in 2009 World Savers Awards
MIAMI (September 15, 2009) — Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, is the only major cruise line to receive recognition in the 2009 Condé Nast Traveler “World Savers Awards.” Highlighted in the September 2009 issue, the “World Savers Awards” honor eight different sectors of the travel industry on how they exhibit social responsibility in five different areas: education programs, wildlife conservation, poverty alleviation, preservation (environmental/cultural) and health initiatives.
In particular, Costa was noted in a cumulative category for cruise lines called “Doing it All,” with a second-place score of 76. The first place winner in the category with a score of 90 was Ecoventura while the third place in the category with a score of 63 was Aqua Expeditions. Additionally, Costa was highlighted in the “Wildlife Conservation” section in the “judges also loved” area for its support of the World Wildlife Fund in the Mediterranean, Antilles and Brazil as well as for the guest educational program that is part of the line’s support of WWF.
“Costa has long been a leader in sustainability efforts, which is reflected by our dedication to supporting and implementing environmental protection programs, among many other measures,” said Maurice Zarmati, president and ceo of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. “We’re honored to receive recognition from the Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Awards for the work we do every day to ensure sustainable tourism.”
Eight travel industry sectors were featured in the “World Savers Awards” including small hotel chains, large hotel chains, city hotels, small lodges and resorts, large lodges and resorts, tour operators, cruise lines and airlines. After being assessed in the five areas noted above, 36 finalists were chosen by the editors from almost 100 applicants.
Since July 2005, Costa has supported the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for the protection of three of the most endangered marine Ecoregions in the world including areas of the Mediterranean Sea, the Greater Antilles and Northeastern Brazil. Targeted operations to assist these regions are carried out by WWF Italy via the generous donations of Costa guests and the company. Costa also provides its guests with informative and educational onboard material to highlight WWF’s efforts, including information for children who participate in Squok Club activities.
Costa’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and to corporate social responsibility in general is reflected in the company’s Sustainability Report (available online at www.costacruises.com), a purely voluntary form of reporting designed to provide comprehensive and transparent information on the effects of corporate activity on the environment and the community.
The Sustainability Report has its roots in the application of the “B.E.S.T. 4” (Business Excellence Sustainable Task), an integrated management system that encompasses four types of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards in the areas of quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, issued in 2000), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and social accountability (SA 8000, 2001), guaranteeing the measurement of company performance and continuous improvement. Costa obtained the B.E.S.T. 4 from RINA (the Italian Shipping Register) in 2004, becoming the first company in the world to do so.
Costa is the only cruise fleet flying the Italian flag and therefore is the only line whose cruise ships are subject to more restrictive environmental, safety and social accountability regulations. Costa Cruises not only operates in accordance with the prevailing laws but also, where possible, seeks to preempt legislation, setting higher standards for itself and more ambitious objectives by means of internal procedures that go beyond the scope of mandatory requirements of local, national and international regulations.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
Monday, September 14, 2009
COSTA’S SAMSARA SPA RECEIVES GOLD MAGELLAN AWARD FROM TRAVEL WEEKLY
Innovative Spa Continues to Receive Top Industry Honors
MIAMI (September 14, 2009) – Costa’s award-winning Samsara Spa continues to receive top industry praise, most recently with a “Gold Magellan Award” from Travel Weekly for “best spa design” in the cruise ship category. From design to marketing services, the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.
Costa’s Samsara Spa continually receives accolades for being one of the best and most innovative spa concepts in the hospitality industry. It debuted in 2006 on the Costa Concordia and is now featured on all of Costa’s newest ships including the Costa Serena, Costa Pacifica and Costa Luminosa. It will also be featured on the Costa Deliziosa when the ship enters service in January 2010.
“Anyone who has experienced or just visited the Samsara Spa knows that hands-down there is nothing that compares to it in the travel industry. This is something we always hear from both our guests and travel agent partners,” said Maurice Zarmati, president and ceo of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. “We are honored to receive this award from Travel Weekly’s Magellan Award judges, a group comprised of some of the best and brightest in the business.”
Extending over two decks and boasting panoramic views of the ocean, the 23,000 square-foot Samsara Spa offers travelers the ultimate wellness experience at sea. Spa amenities include a Thalassotherapy bath, a rock sauna, a Turkish bath, a Tepidarium, a solarium and tea room as well as various spa treatment rooms and VIP treatment suites. An expansive fitness center and wide variety of wellness classes complete the spa’s facilities. For those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the Samsara Spa ambience, exclusive spa cabins and suites provide a veritable extension of the experience at all times with direct access to the spa via an elevator and stairs. Guests who reserve these accommodations will have access to exclusive privileges including flat screen televisions, a special set of Elemis bath accessories and select complimentary treatments. Spa guests also have access to a dedicated spa restaurant.
Costa’s Samsara Spa has been awarded numerous accolades including being named “one of the top five cruise ships spas” by MSNBC.com as well as “best spa” and the “most beautiful spa at sea” by Cruise Critic. Additional awards received include “best health and wellness program” and “best overall spa facilities on a cruise ship” from Travel Age West magazine and “best spa facilities” from Porthole magazine.
The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a one-of-a-kind panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another. Instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the long experience of Travel Weekly. To uphold this high standard of excellence, a category may have multiple winners, or may have no winners at all. For more information on the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, please visit www.travelweeklyawards.com.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14
fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
MIAMI (September 14, 2009) – Costa’s award-winning Samsara Spa continues to receive top industry praise, most recently with a “Gold Magellan Award” from Travel Weekly for “best spa design” in the cruise ship category. From design to marketing services, the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.
Costa’s Samsara Spa continually receives accolades for being one of the best and most innovative spa concepts in the hospitality industry. It debuted in 2006 on the Costa Concordia and is now featured on all of Costa’s newest ships including the Costa Serena, Costa Pacifica and Costa Luminosa. It will also be featured on the Costa Deliziosa when the ship enters service in January 2010.
“Anyone who has experienced or just visited the Samsara Spa knows that hands-down there is nothing that compares to it in the travel industry. This is something we always hear from both our guests and travel agent partners,” said Maurice Zarmati, president and ceo of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. “We are honored to receive this award from Travel Weekly’s Magellan Award judges, a group comprised of some of the best and brightest in the business.”
Extending over two decks and boasting panoramic views of the ocean, the 23,000 square-foot Samsara Spa offers travelers the ultimate wellness experience at sea. Spa amenities include a Thalassotherapy bath, a rock sauna, a Turkish bath, a Tepidarium, a solarium and tea room as well as various spa treatment rooms and VIP treatment suites. An expansive fitness center and wide variety of wellness classes complete the spa’s facilities. For those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the Samsara Spa ambience, exclusive spa cabins and suites provide a veritable extension of the experience at all times with direct access to the spa via an elevator and stairs. Guests who reserve these accommodations will have access to exclusive privileges including flat screen televisions, a special set of Elemis bath accessories and select complimentary treatments. Spa guests also have access to a dedicated spa restaurant.
Costa’s Samsara Spa has been awarded numerous accolades including being named “one of the top five cruise ships spas” by MSNBC.com as well as “best spa” and the “most beautiful spa at sea” by Cruise Critic. Additional awards received include “best health and wellness program” and “best overall spa facilities on a cruise ship” from Travel Age West magazine and “best spa facilities” from Porthole magazine.
The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a one-of-a-kind panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another. Instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the long experience of Travel Weekly. To uphold this high standard of excellence, a category may have multiple winners, or may have no winners at all. For more information on the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, please visit www.travelweeklyawards.com.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14
fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
"FALL IN LOVE" WITH EUROPE FOR A FRACTION OF THE PRICE WITH A COSTA CRUISE THIS AUTUMN
7-Night Sailings beginning at only $449 from Venice, Rome and Barcelona
MIAMI (August 20, 2009) — Fall in love with Europe and Cruising Italian Style this autumn on a cruise with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. Incredible fares for 7-night sailings beginning at just $449 per person come complete with visits to some of the old world’s most celebrated destinations including Venice, Rome, Barcelona and Naples. Travelers may choose from sailings on the Costa Pacifica, recently inaugurated in June; new sister ships Costa Serena and Costa Concordia; Costa Fortuna, Costa Victoria and Costa Romantica. Attractive fares are available throughout September, October and November.
Seven-night sailings aboard the Costa Fortuna, feature fares as low as $449 on November 9 from Venice with stops in Bari, Katakolon (Olympia), Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Dubrovnik. Costa’s newest ship, the Costa Pacifica features fares as low as $779 departing on September 27 from Civitavecchia (Rome) with stops in Savona, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Tunisia, Valletta and Palermo. This innovative new ship is inspired by music and features its own recording studio as well as an exclusive soundtrack created for it by one of Italy’s most famed composers.
“In-the-know travelers have long realized that fall is one of the best times for European travel with its lower airfares, fewer crowds and mild temperatures,” said Maurice Zarmati, president and ceo of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. “To top it off, these cruises average around $56 per day per person and come complete with accommodations, meals and entertainment. You simply can’t find a land-based vacation that comes near the value.”
Costa offers a “true European experience” to travelers, combining the charm of the old world with incredible innovations of today. This special brand of Italian warmth and European sophistication makes cruising with Costa much more than a voyage to a new and exciting destination – it’s an experience that creates lifetime memories that linger and make guests smile at unexpected moments. From delectable fresh pastas, warm cappuccinos, international guests who become friends from around the world and charming Italian greetings travelers hear such as “buongiorno” and “buonasera,” sailing with Costa brings the passion and vitality of Italy to sea.
For complete information regarding Costa’s autumn European cruise specials, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com. Guests in North America may also find Costa on facebook at www.facebook.com/costacruises.na.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
MIAMI (August 20, 2009) — Fall in love with Europe and Cruising Italian Style this autumn on a cruise with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. Incredible fares for 7-night sailings beginning at just $449 per person come complete with visits to some of the old world’s most celebrated destinations including Venice, Rome, Barcelona and Naples. Travelers may choose from sailings on the Costa Pacifica, recently inaugurated in June; new sister ships Costa Serena and Costa Concordia; Costa Fortuna, Costa Victoria and Costa Romantica. Attractive fares are available throughout September, October and November.
Seven-night sailings aboard the Costa Fortuna, feature fares as low as $449 on November 9 from Venice with stops in Bari, Katakolon (Olympia), Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Dubrovnik. Costa’s newest ship, the Costa Pacifica features fares as low as $779 departing on September 27 from Civitavecchia (Rome) with stops in Savona, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Tunisia, Valletta and Palermo. This innovative new ship is inspired by music and features its own recording studio as well as an exclusive soundtrack created for it by one of Italy’s most famed composers.
“In-the-know travelers have long realized that fall is one of the best times for European travel with its lower airfares, fewer crowds and mild temperatures,” said Maurice Zarmati, president and ceo of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. “To top it off, these cruises average around $56 per day per person and come complete with accommodations, meals and entertainment. You simply can’t find a land-based vacation that comes near the value.”
Costa offers a “true European experience” to travelers, combining the charm of the old world with incredible innovations of today. This special brand of Italian warmth and European sophistication makes cruising with Costa much more than a voyage to a new and exciting destination – it’s an experience that creates lifetime memories that linger and make guests smile at unexpected moments. From delectable fresh pastas, warm cappuccinos, international guests who become friends from around the world and charming Italian greetings travelers hear such as “buongiorno” and “buonasera,” sailing with Costa brings the passion and vitality of Italy to sea.
For complete information regarding Costa’s autumn European cruise specials, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com. Guests in North America may also find Costa on facebook at www.facebook.com/costacruises.na.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
COSTA CAREFREE: COSTA NORTH AMERICA OFFERS NEW JOB LOSS PROTECTION PROGRAM
MIAMI (July 29, 2009) — Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, is offering guests an added protection for job loss under its “Costa Carefree” Job Loss Protection Plan. The program provides coverage for cruise guests who involuntarily lose their job and covers cruise and air fares.
The plan is part of “Costa Carefree,” a recently renamed program that also features Costa’s existing Guest Protection Plan. Both plans must be purchased separately. Job Loss Protection Plan prices range from $19 to $69, depending on the cruise itinerary and may be purchased up to the final cruise payment. The plan allows for reimbursement of cruise fare (and air fare if purchased through Costa) should an individual be involuntarily terminated from their job and has worked for their employer for three years or longer.
“We wanted to offer a guest protection program that allowed our guests to customize based on their needs and that provided assurances that would allow them to truly be more carefree about their cruise purchase,” said Ruben Perez, senior vice president of guest services and revenue management for Costa North America. “The plans in our ‘Costa Carefree’ programs do just that by allowing guests to chose our already existing Guest Protection Plan, our Job Loss Protection Plan, or both.”
Costa’s Guest Protection Plan, administered by BerkelyCare, covers trip cancellations/interruptions, travel delays, emergency medical expenses, evacuations, baggage delays and loss, and emergency worldwide assistance among a variety of other benefits. Plans are commissionable for travel agents at 10%. Complete information on “Costa Carefree” is available at www.costacruises.com.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of atleast 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
For reservations or more information regarding Costa Cruises, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit http://www.costacruises.com.
The plan is part of “Costa Carefree,” a recently renamed program that also features Costa’s existing Guest Protection Plan. Both plans must be purchased separately. Job Loss Protection Plan prices range from $19 to $69, depending on the cruise itinerary and may be purchased up to the final cruise payment. The plan allows for reimbursement of cruise fare (and air fare if purchased through Costa) should an individual be involuntarily terminated from their job and has worked for their employer for three years or longer.
“We wanted to offer a guest protection program that allowed our guests to customize based on their needs and that provided assurances that would allow them to truly be more carefree about their cruise purchase,” said Ruben Perez, senior vice president of guest services and revenue management for Costa North America. “The plans in our ‘Costa Carefree’ programs do just that by allowing guests to chose our already existing Guest Protection Plan, our Job Loss Protection Plan, or both.”
Costa’s Guest Protection Plan, administered by BerkelyCare, covers trip cancellations/interruptions, travel delays, emergency medical expenses, evacuations, baggage delays and loss, and emergency worldwide assistance among a variety of other benefits. Plans are commissionable for travel agents at 10%. Complete information on “Costa Carefree” is available at www.costacruises.com.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of atleast 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
For reservations or more information regarding Costa Cruises, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit http://www.costacruises.com.
Monday, July 20, 2009
COSTA CRUISES INTRODUCES WEB CHECK-IN FOR GUESTS
Getting Set to Sail is Easy with Three Simple Steps at www.costacruises.com.
MIAMI (July 20, 2009) — Guests sailing with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, may now check-in online for their cruise vacation with three simple steps at www.costacruises.com. This new web check-in system is easy to access via Costa’s web site and is available to guests sailing on all of Costa’s itineraries worldwide. These include departures from the Caribbean, South America, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, Dubai and Far East.
To begin the online check-in process, guests will need to first enter their seven-digit booking number and last name. From there, they may access their boarding form, which they may then fill in with pertinent information needed for sailing. This includes the names and travel documentation information for all guests that are part of the booking. Once all information is filled in, guests simply need to check that the boarding form is complete. If so, their boarding documents are ready to print. The service is available from the time guests have booked and paid for their cruise in full up until the day prior to departure.
“Our web check-in system offers guests an additional ease of travel by allowing them to conveniently check-in from the comfort of their home,” said Ruben Perez, senior vice president of guest services and revenue management for Costa North America. “We’re always looking for ways to make the entire cruise experience more pleasurable for our guests and this is an extension of that. We’re certain many of our guests will quickly appreciate this new service.”
Costa also offers electronic check-in kiosks for guests departing from Port Everglades on Caribbean routes. It was the first cruise line at Port Everglades to offer this service, beginning in spring 2008.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
For reservations or more information regarding Costa Cruises, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.
MIAMI (July 20, 2009) — Guests sailing with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, may now check-in online for their cruise vacation with three simple steps at www.costacruises.com. This new web check-in system is easy to access via Costa’s web site and is available to guests sailing on all of Costa’s itineraries worldwide. These include departures from the Caribbean, South America, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, Dubai and Far East.
To begin the online check-in process, guests will need to first enter their seven-digit booking number and last name. From there, they may access their boarding form, which they may then fill in with pertinent information needed for sailing. This includes the names and travel documentation information for all guests that are part of the booking. Once all information is filled in, guests simply need to check that the boarding form is complete. If so, their boarding documents are ready to print. The service is available from the time guests have booked and paid for their cruise in full up until the day prior to departure.
“Our web check-in system offers guests an additional ease of travel by allowing them to conveniently check-in from the comfort of their home,” said Ruben Perez, senior vice president of guest services and revenue management for Costa North America. “We’re always looking for ways to make the entire cruise experience more pleasurable for our guests and this is an extension of that. We’re certain many of our guests will quickly appreciate this new service.”
Costa also offers electronic check-in kiosks for guests departing from Port Everglades on Caribbean routes. It was the first cruise line at Port Everglades to offer this service, beginning in spring 2008.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
For reservations or more information regarding Costa Cruises, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
COSTA CRUISES DONATES 100 OLIVE TREES TO CINQUE TERRE NATIONAL PARK
MIAMI (July 15, 2009) – Costa Cruises, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, planted 100 organically-certified olive plants today in the Cinque Terre National Park near Castagnoli di Riomaggiore in Italy.
As an environmental effort, Costa Cruises decided to make the inaugural event last month of its two newest ships, the Costa Luminosa and the Costa Pacifica, a “zero impact” event. Carbon dioxide emissions produced during the Guinness world record event will be offset by Costa’s planting of 100 olive trees. The inaugural ceremony took place in Genoa, Italy on June 5, 2009. The planting will repopulate nearly 2,000 square meters of terraced land in the Cinque Terre National Park.
Costa Cruises believes in and actively promotes responsible tourism. Costa’s shore side excursions are a prime example of their accordance with this high priority. Costa offers various eco-tourism excursions, comprising of visits to parks, oases and nature reserves, with programs that minimize the impact on the ecosystem and create economic opportunities for the local communities.
Environmental compliance has always been one of Costa Cruises’ distinguishing features. It’s the only cruise company to have an environmental management system developed according to the latest international standards (UNI EN ISO 14001 2004). These standards are witnessed by the Social and Environmental Report drawn up according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines and certified by RINA (Italian Register of Shipping).
Costa Cruises was also the first company in the world in 2005 to receive the “Green Star” award from RINA (Italian Register of Shipping). This showcases Costa’s respect for environmental standards relating to the prevention of air and sea pollution. Further confirmation of Costa’s commitment to environmental protection comes from its partnership with W.W.F. Italia, which began in 2005, for conservation and protection of the sea. This year they are dedicated to a conservation project for the Mediterranean Sea.
In 2007 Costa Cruises endorsed the very first version of the voluntary “Venice Blue Flag” agreement designed to safeguard the environment and heritage of Venice.
The initiative, which was made known by the local municipality, is designed to reduce air emissions. Under the terms of this major environmental undertaking, Costa Cruises, along with the other signatories to the agreement, adopts standards for all its ships calling in Venice. The values are stricter than the environmental compliance provisions currently in force. In addition, each year since 2005, the Swiss branch of the tour operator Kuoni has awarded on Costa the Green Planet Award. This award is the highest seal of eco-approval in the travel and tourism sector for the exemplary ecological management and performance of its ships, aimed at minimizing their environmental impact.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises is certified by RINA with the BEST4 status, a detailed system of voluntary certification regarding social responsibility (SA 8000 in 2001), the environment (UNI EN ISO 14001 in 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001 in 2007) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001 in 2008). All the ships in the Costa fleet have received the RINA “Green Star” award, which certifies respect for the highest standards of environmental protection. Costa Cruises supports WWF Italia in its work to protect the Mediterranean Sea. In 2008, Costa Cruises S.p.A. also came 72nd in terms of turnover and 12th in terms of profitability in the Mediobanca ranking, which covers over 3,700 Italian companies with a turnover of at least 50 million euros in the last financial year. In 2009, Costa Cruises was the fourth best Italian company for reliability and reputation in the international “Global Reputation Pulse” survey, which covers 600 of the biggest companies in 32 countries around the world.
The Cinque Terre National Park
The Cinque Terre National Park is just a few kilometers of land in eastern Liguria. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 and a few months later it was transformed into the first protected marine area and then into a national park.
The Cinque Terre National Park contains five fishing villages, winding alleys and pastel-colored houses that are all huddled together. The park is home to steep flights of stairs leading to small natural terraces with sheer drops to the sea below, picturesque churches caressed by the waves and even castles, with high stone walls and towers.
The area is cultivated with vines, olive and lemon trees and many miles of winding paths, running along the coast. The paths are located at different heights above sea level and they journey though the vivid and sweet-smelling Mediterranean maquis, the main vegetation of the Mediterranean coasts. The primary attractions for tourists include rural history, ancient rituals, crafts and traditions, including its food and wine.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
For reservations or more information regarding Costa Cruises, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.
As an environmental effort, Costa Cruises decided to make the inaugural event last month of its two newest ships, the Costa Luminosa and the Costa Pacifica, a “zero impact” event. Carbon dioxide emissions produced during the Guinness world record event will be offset by Costa’s planting of 100 olive trees. The inaugural ceremony took place in Genoa, Italy on June 5, 2009. The planting will repopulate nearly 2,000 square meters of terraced land in the Cinque Terre National Park.
Costa Cruises believes in and actively promotes responsible tourism. Costa’s shore side excursions are a prime example of their accordance with this high priority. Costa offers various eco-tourism excursions, comprising of visits to parks, oases and nature reserves, with programs that minimize the impact on the ecosystem and create economic opportunities for the local communities.
Environmental compliance has always been one of Costa Cruises’ distinguishing features. It’s the only cruise company to have an environmental management system developed according to the latest international standards (UNI EN ISO 14001 2004). These standards are witnessed by the Social and Environmental Report drawn up according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines and certified by RINA (Italian Register of Shipping).
Costa Cruises was also the first company in the world in 2005 to receive the “Green Star” award from RINA (Italian Register of Shipping). This showcases Costa’s respect for environmental standards relating to the prevention of air and sea pollution. Further confirmation of Costa’s commitment to environmental protection comes from its partnership with W.W.F. Italia, which began in 2005, for conservation and protection of the sea. This year they are dedicated to a conservation project for the Mediterranean Sea.
In 2007 Costa Cruises endorsed the very first version of the voluntary “Venice Blue Flag” agreement designed to safeguard the environment and heritage of Venice.
The initiative, which was made known by the local municipality, is designed to reduce air emissions. Under the terms of this major environmental undertaking, Costa Cruises, along with the other signatories to the agreement, adopts standards for all its ships calling in Venice. The values are stricter than the environmental compliance provisions currently in force. In addition, each year since 2005, the Swiss branch of the tour operator Kuoni has awarded on Costa the Green Planet Award. This award is the highest seal of eco-approval in the travel and tourism sector for the exemplary ecological management and performance of its ships, aimed at minimizing their environmental impact.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises is certified by RINA with the BEST4 status, a detailed system of voluntary certification regarding social responsibility (SA 8000 in 2001), the environment (UNI EN ISO 14001 in 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001 in 2007) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001 in 2008). All the ships in the Costa fleet have received the RINA “Green Star” award, which certifies respect for the highest standards of environmental protection. Costa Cruises supports WWF Italia in its work to protect the Mediterranean Sea. In 2008, Costa Cruises S.p.A. also came 72nd in terms of turnover and 12th in terms of profitability in the Mediobanca ranking, which covers over 3,700 Italian companies with a turnover of at least 50 million euros in the last financial year. In 2009, Costa Cruises was the fourth best Italian company for reliability and reputation in the international “Global Reputation Pulse” survey, which covers 600 of the biggest companies in 32 countries around the world.
The Cinque Terre National Park
The Cinque Terre National Park is just a few kilometers of land in eastern Liguria. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 and a few months later it was transformed into the first protected marine area and then into a national park.
The Cinque Terre National Park contains five fishing villages, winding alleys and pastel-colored houses that are all huddled together. The park is home to steep flights of stairs leading to small natural terraces with sheer drops to the sea below, picturesque churches caressed by the waves and even castles, with high stone walls and towers.
The area is cultivated with vines, olive and lemon trees and many miles of winding paths, running along the coast. The paths are located at different heights above sea level and they journey though the vivid and sweet-smelling Mediterranean maquis, the main vegetation of the Mediterranean coasts. The primary attractions for tourists include rural history, ancient rituals, crafts and traditions, including its food and wine.
Costa Cruises is Italy and Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. For the past 60 years its ships have sailed the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream vacations with the best in fun and relaxation. In 2008, 1.2 million guests chose to cruise with Costa, a record for the European cruise industry. The company’s 14 fleet members, each with her own distinctive characteristics and unique style, all fly the Italian flag and sail each year to 250 destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean. Three additional ships are on order through 2012.
Costa Cruises has been certified by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) with the BEST4, an integrated system of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards governing social accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). All ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA’s Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards. Costa Cruises is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine ecoregions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil. In Mediobanca’s 2008 survey of over 3,700 Italian enterprises that recorded revenue of at least 50 million euros the previous fiscal year, Costa Crociere S.p.A. ranks 72nd in terms of sales and in 12th place in regards to profitability.
For reservations or more information regarding Costa Cruises, guests may contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.
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