Costa’s enlarged ship makes debut in 2001

Mediterranean programme

Costa’s enlarged ship makes debut in 2001

Report by KIRSTEN BOWLING

COSTACruises’ newly enlarged ship, Costa Classica, makes its debut in the 2001-2002 programme.

The ship is to be extended when it finishes this year’s season, taking it from 221 to 264 metres long. It will accommodate 2,100 passengers, up from 1,350, and is thought to be the biggest ship extension ever.

Costa claims to be the biggest operator from Venice after launching its most extensive programme of cruises ever from the Italian port. These include the first full season by the 2,680-passenger Costa Atlantica, which launched in July.

Costa Cruises managing director Peter Richardson said all the cruiseline’s traditional routes have been retained for next year.

He added: “We are offering a 15% early- booking discount for cruises booked four months in advance and a loyalty discount of 5% for people who have travelled with us before.”

The brochure is valid until April 2002 and features spring, summer and autumn cruises with destinations around the Mediterranean.

For example, Costa Classica sails from Venice and calls in at Greece and Dubrovnik, while Costa Atlantica calls in at Greece and Turkey.

Costa has also expanded its selection of short cruises for next year.

“We are offering 27 short cruises next season, with a couple of seven nights. They are generally run for first timers, as a taster, and usually sail before the main season begins,” Richardson said.

Lead prices start at £630 per person for a four-night Spanish Plaza cruise on the Costa Allegra or Costa Marina. The ships call at Barcelona, Palma and Minorca.