Costa Unveils 2008 Itineraries

MIAMI, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- From exciting new routes in the Indian Ocean, to new and expanded spa getaways at sea, Costa continues to make its mark in the cruise industry as an innovation leader in 2008. New itineraries from Mauritius with stops in the Seychelles, Kenya and Madagascar as well as details of new spa accommodations on the Costa Atlantica and Costa Mediterranea are all available for travelers in Costa's new 2008 brochure, released worldwide today.

Costa Continues Trend of Innovation in Cruise Industry

Europe's Number One Cruise Line continues its trend of innovation with the introduction of new 17-night itineraries from Mauritius with stops in the Seychelles, Kenya and Madagascar aboard the Costa Marina. Costa is the first company to market regularly-scheduled Indian Ocean cruises to these destinations, which they will begin to offer in the 2007/2008 winter season. As the company that introduced the "spa getaway at sea" trend with exclusive spa accommodations aboard the Costa Concordia and Costa Serena, Costa will further expand on this element with special "Wellness Packages" aboard the Costa Atlantica and Costa Mediterranea in 2008. Guests who book these packages may select from 44 exclusive spa accommodations on either ship in ocean view, veranda and suite categories. The packages come complete with exclusive amenities as well as a personalized wellness consultation, three complimentary treatments, two fitness or mediation classes and complimentary access to the Wellness Restaurant, offering a wide array of spa-friendly cuisine.

"Our guests tell us that they continue to choose Costa because of the rich itineraries we offer, the great selection of destinations we visit and the unique onboard experience we provide," said Lynn Torrent, President & CEO of Costa Cruise Lines-North America. "In 2008, we've raised the bar even higher by offering incredible new itineraries, which we're releasing in the market earlier than ever before. This not only allows our guests to plan their vacations well in advance, but more time to take advantage of fantastic savings of up to 45% with our Early Booking Fares."

Other exciting news includes Costa's 30% capacity increase in South America, where the company will deploy three ships (Costa Magica, Costa Victoria, Costa Classica) on sailings to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Following the tremendous success of its inaugural year in Dubai, Costa will deploy two ships (Costa Romantica, Costa Europa) rather than one in the region for the 2007/2008 winter season. Additionally, the Italian company will once again feature cruises aboard the Costa Allegra from China, another industry first introduced by Costa in 2006.

The Biggest and Best of Europe

It's no wonder why Costa is Europe's Number One Cruise Line -- the company has sailed the region for 60 years, offers more seven-night cruises than any other line and bases nearly its entire fleet in the region during summer months. In 2008, Costa will offer 53 itineraries to 112 ports that add up to 335 year-round departures in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe alone. Costa's international ambience offers a sophisticated and cosmopolitan cruising experience with all the best of Europe, complete with English- speaking hosts and hostesses.

In addition, Costa features Europe's youngest and largest fleet, including two of the newest and largest ships in Italian history, the Costa Concordia and Costa Serena. Both ships feature one of the largest spas at sea, complete with exclusive spa accommodations that offer direct access to the spa. Moreover, the ships feature the largest enclosable pool deck on a cruise ship, making the ships perfect for cruising the Mediterranean year-round as they will in 2008.

Costa, named "one of the top 10 cruise lines" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, 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, Europe's Number One Cruise Line, 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.