| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 24/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 5 |
| Copyright: Other |
Richardson predicts flat year for Costa but lower discounts
COSTA Cruises UKmanaging director Peter Richardson has forecast a flat year for bookings but claims the cruiseline’s yields will be higher because it is offering fewer discounts.Speaking at the launch of Costa’s new flagship, the 2,680-passenger Costa Atlantica, Richardson said:”Last year we were giving away 35%-40% discounts because of the problems associated with the war in Kosovo in April but this year we are not having to discount as heavily.”
The naming ceremony, in Venice, was broadcast live on Costa’s Web site.
The ship has 1,056 cabins, 75% of which have a balcony. It also includes a replica of Venice’s famous Cafe Florian, an Internet cafe and three swimming pools.
Costa Atlantica will operate a series of seven-night Olympic Treasures voyages throughout the summer, calling at ports including Athens, Istanbul and Kusadasi. It will then move to the Caribbean for the winter.
Looking ahead: Richardson expects higher yields