Costa Cruises marks 10th anniversary in Asia

Costa Asia recently celebrated a major milestone in Asia. It was the first international cruise company to deploy year-round homeport cruises in Asia in 2016 and in July this year, celebrated its 10-year anniversary in Asia.

Over the decade, Costa Asia has brought innovation and excellence to voyagers onboard their ships with their creative cruise experiences. Each Costa Cruise offers an authentic European cruising experience with their “Italy at Sea” concept. This concept sees travellers immersing themselves in Italian culture, cuisine and entertainment all onboard any of the Costa Cruises ships. One of its most popular ships is the Costa Victoria, where travellers can experience a spectacular Carnival of Venice at Sea!

One of the world’s most significant carnivals in Italy, the Carnival of Venice is an annual festival that originated after the victory of Venice in a war in 1162. The Venetian carnival was a celebration from then on that saw locals reunite with friends and family at St Mark’s Square to dance. Today, tourists flock to join in the age-old tradition that is filled with musicians, acrobats, clowns, magicians, puppeteers, elaborate masks, costumes and parades.

On Costa Victoria, the Carnival of Venice begins even before passengers get on board. Be greeted by festivities and celebrations in the spirit of the carnival with photo-taking opportunities with intricately designed Venetian costumes. Then at the Atrium of the ship, ‘live’ music formally welcomes guests to the Carnival of Venice. During this magical cruise, guests will be able to spot Venetian masks and people dressed in distinct Venetian costumes all set against a backdrop of Venetian decor and carnivalesque elements – the impressive Concorde Plaza will remind guests of the Mediterranean Sea with its marine oasis theme, and the soothing Spa pool the splendour of Pompeii, while the Capriccio Bar is adorned with mosaics designed by Italian artist Emilio Tadini.

Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of Carnival of Venice activities for a full Italian experience on Costa Victoria. Each day, find a copy of the pink ‘Today – the Daily Programme’ newsletter in your room that covers important cruise information, as well as a line up of the day’s activities. Each day features something new, such as Cocktails with the Captain, culinary demonstrations and a multitude of classes. Learn basic Italian phrases, how to make Costa Cruises’ world-famous tiramisu dessert and ballroom dances like the Cha Cha and Salsa. There are also seminars to attend on makeup, weight loss and skin care. For those who lead a more active lifestyle, there are ball game tournaments and lots of exercise classes led by crewmembers. Come evenings, be enthralled by performers in a ‘Viva l’Italia’ variety show, which sees singers and dancers performing Italian opera, do acrobatic circus tricks, hip hop dances and even impersonation acts from Las Vegas!