Costa Unveils 2007-2008 Caribbean Itineraries

Jason · September 5, 2006

Celebrating 60 Years of Cruising With New Deployment and New Sat-Sat Itineraries

MIAMI, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Turquoise-blue tropical waters combined with warm, authentic Italian hospitality set the scene once again for Cruising Italian Style with Costa in the 07-08 Caribbean season. From November 2007 through April 2008, Europe's Number One Cruise Line will sail in celebration throughout the Caribbean as 2008 marks 60 years of cruising for the Italian cruise company. The season also features the introduction of the beautiful Costa Fortuna to the region, while the breathtaking Costa Mediterranea will return with new Saturday-to-Saturday itineraries. The complete Costa Caribbean 07/08 brochure will be released at the end of September.

Costa offers a signature Italian flair that creates a festive onboard atmosphere filled with love, laughter and la dolce vita in the Caribbean. From authentic Italian cuisine to afternoon bocce ball games and tarantella dancing under the stars, guests sailing with Costa experience the romance of Italy in the tropics.

"Guests who have sailed with us in the past tell us what a special and unique experience we offer in the Caribbean - a feeling of Italian warmth and excitement that has become synonymous with Costa," said Lynn Torrent, President and CEO of Costa Cruise Lines - North America. "This particular season will be especially exciting for past and new guests alike as we celebrate 60 years of cruising, new itineraries and a new deployment."

Costa Fortuna Newly Deployed to Caribbean

Inspired by grand Italian liners of the past, the 105,000-ton Costa Fortuna will sail the Eastern, Western and Southeastern Caribbean for the first time in the 07/08 season. Inaugurated in 2003, this sister ship to the Costa Magica has a double occupancy capacity of 2,720, with many staterooms featuring ocean views and balconies. Stunning design elements of the ship include a spectacular display featuring 26 models of past and present members of Costa's fleet showcased from the ceiling of the main atrium. Western Caribbean ports of call include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos. In the Eastern Caribbean, ports of call featured include San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Catalina Island and La Romana, Dominican Republic; and Nassau, Bahamas. Southeastern Caribbean ports of call include San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten, Leeward Islands; Tortola, British Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas.

Costa Mediterranea Returns with New Saturday-to-Saturday Itineraries

With design features inspired by the lavish palazzos of Italy, the 86,000-ton Costa Mediterranea boasts spectacularly designed public spaces, making the ship feel much like a floating palace. Also inaugurated in 2003, this ship has a double occupancy capacity of 2,114 and features numerous staterooms with ocean views and balconies.

Western Caribbean ports of call include Key West, Florida; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Roatan, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos. Eastern Caribbean ports of call featured include San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Catalina Island and La Romana, Dominican Republic; Nassau, Bahamas and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.

Only Cruise Line Sailing to Bermuda from Ft. Lauderdale

The only cruise line sailing to Bermuda out of Ft. Lauderdale, Costa will feature one April itinerary to the popular island getaway for the 2007/2008 season. One seven-night sailing departing Ft. Lauderdale on April 6 aboard the Costa Fortuna features two overnights in King's Wharf.

Early Booking Fares Offer Guests Substantial Savings

Guests booking in advance can take advantage of Costa's Early Booking Fares, which offer savings of up to 45% for seven-night cruises. Early Booking Fares begin at $549 and are cruise only, per person, and based on double occupancy. Government taxes are additional. All fares are subject to change and based on availability. In addition, travel agents should inquire about Costa's Early Group Booking special promotion, which offers outstanding savings and is available through December 21, 2006.

Costa offers an experience that is delightfully different in service and cuisine, in an atmosphere filled with love, laughter and la dolce vita. It's called "Cruising Italian Style" and true to its heritage, no detail has been overlooked in bringing the beauty and hospitality of Italy to the sea. Cruising Italian Style ... that's Amore!

The ships of Costa range in size from 30,000-tons to 112,000-tons, and provide an ambience that is distinctly Italian - from the progressive architecture and stylish design to the unforgettable cuisine and gracious hospitality. The fifth largest cruise line in the world, Costa offers cruises that span the globe on itineraries of three nights and longer throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America and Transatlantic.

Costa Cruises is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc .

Costa Cruises is RINA certified with the BEST 4, a highly structured system of certifications involving social responsibility (SA 8000, 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 1996), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). Costa Cruises is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.