Costa Introduces 'Free Upgrade' Promotion on Select Caribbean and Europe Sailings

MIAMI, Jan. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Guests who book with Costa from now through February 23, 2007 can say "Arrivederci" to inside staterooms and "Buongiorno" to ocean view and veranda accommodations with the Italian cruise line's new "Free Upgrade" promotion. With the special offer, guests who pay for an inside stateroom will receive an oceanview stateroom while guests who pay for an oceanview stateroom will receive a veranda stateroom, all free of charge.

The offer is available on most current Caribbean sailings, which run through April aboard the Costa Magica and Costa Mediterranea. It is also available on most of next season's Caribbean 07/08 sailings, which include the inaugural Caribbean season of the Costa Fortuna as well as new Saturday departures aboard the Costa Mediterranea. In addition, it is also available on select 2007 Europe sailings, including aboard the new Costa Serena, which will be inaugurated in May.

"Our free upgrade offer is a fantastic way for new and repeat guests to experience the best of Costa at an incredible value," said Lynn Torrent, President & CEO of Costa Cruise Lines-North America. "With new ships and new itineraries in both the Caribbean and Europe, there are so many exciting options for travelers to discover."

Seven-night Caribbean sailings at an inside stateroom price, upgraded to oceanview accommodations begin at $599; ocean view stateroom prices upgraded to veranda accommodations begin at $729. Seven to 11-night European sailings at inside stateroom prices upgraded to oceanview accommodations begin at $959; oceanview stateroom prices upgraded to veranda accommodations begin at $1,199.

The "Free Upgrade" promotion is available for new bookings only and is subject to availability and for a limited time. Rates are not available for combination with any other promotion and are subject to change.

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. With eleven ships in service and four on order, Costa offers cruises that span the globe on itineraries of three nights and longer throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Transatlantic, China, Far East and Dubai.

For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit http://www.costacruises.com/.

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.