Costa Cruises Begin India Operations

Valsa Nair Singh, the Principal Secretary Tourism of Maharashtra, Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman, Mumbai Port, Kelvin Wong, Vice President Commercial Costa Cruise Asia, Nalini Gupta, Costa Cruise India Head and actress Deepti Bhatnagar at the event.

Italy based Costa Cruises yesterday announced the launch of Costa neoClassica in India at an event held in Mumbai.

“The modern Indian traveller is now seeking a different kind of thrill and cruise holidays are now featuring on the Indian traveler’s 'must-experience' list. She further adds, "the fact that Indians can now embark directly from Mumbai, not only makes the process hassle-free and visa-free, but also saves the traveler costs and time,” said Nalini Gupta, Costa Cruise India Head.

Indians can look forward to embarking from Mumbai and going to destinations within India such as Goa and Cochin and get an enchanting view of the Konkan region and also to tourist destinations, Maldives and Colombo. Costa neoClassica will perform a series of weekly sailings from December 16th 2016 - 18th March 2017.

Buhdy Bok, President of Costa Group Asia said, "We are delighted to bring cruising to Indians at their doorstep. For many travellers, the holiday often starts after some sort of a long journey. Now like never before, Indians will have the opportunity to start holidaying from Mumbai."

Cruise Tourism has been termed as one of the most potential and sustainable segments and now with the launch of cruising between Mumbai and the Maldives, Costa Cruises has confirmed its strong interest in India.

Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of Mumbai Port said, “It is a proud moment for us to have Costa neoClassica to be homeported at India’s premier Mumbai Port. The Mumbai Port has long been the principal gateway to India, playing a crucial role in sea trade and the development of the national economy, trade & commerce and the prosperity of Mumbai city in particular."

Costa neoClassica will be the first large cruise ship that cruises between Mumbai and the Maldives. This classic cruise ship has a total of 654 cabins, including sea view cabins and suites. The cruise also offers Indian cuisine and the restaurants on board are fully equipped to cater to special diet requirements of Indians, which includes Jain food.