p16 cruise June12 9/6/09 17:24 Page 16
Cruise
Lee Hayhurst
020 7921 8001
lhayhurst@ttglive.com
For the latest cruise news, visit
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Italian line unveiled the latest additions to its fleet at a dual-naming ceremony in Genoa last week.
Sara Macefield reports from the event and gives her verdict on one of the two new vessels
EYEWITNESS.
Costa to use ships
New ships not
to ‘defend’ Dubai
carbon copies
EVEN though Costa Pacifica set sail just a few
weeks after Costa Luminosa and both ships
were christened together in Genoa, they are
not identical vessels, writes Sara Macefield.
Costa Pacifica is more like Costa Serena,
which was launched two years ago, with the
same layout and brash interior designs that have
become such a hallmark of modern Costa vessels.
The two-deck Samsara Spa is just as impres-
sive on Costa Pacifica and many of its bars and
lounges are easier on the eye and, dare I say it,
COSTA CRUISES is coming out with all guns “We had already planned to put these two more tasteful than those on Costa Serena.
blazing to fend off a challenge in Dubai from ships into Dubai before Royal Caribbean’s The theme of Costa Pacifica is music and this
Royal Caribbean International, which starts its decision,” he said. is evident from the moment you step onboard.
first cruise season from the emirate next winter. “I don’t think Brilliance can compete with Musical notes and instruments are incorpo-
Until now, Costa has been the only line offer- Luminosa and Deliziosa.” rated into the decor each deck has its own
ing a programme of sailings through the Persian Rosa expects both ships to attract a significant musical theme. Costa Pacifica will cruise the
Gulf and it is upping the ante by placing two of its amount of UK business as its Dubai sailings have Mediterranean year-round.
newest vessels in the region from December. proved popular.
Costa Luminosa (pictured left), which was “Our forward bookings are up 18% year-on-
Costa Pacifica: the verdict
christened in Genoa with Costa Pacifica (pictured year which, considering the economic situation,
right) on June 5, will be positioned in Dubai along is incredible,” Rosa said. High notes
with the line’s next ship, Costa Deliziosa, which is He also claimed the line was enjoying its best ■ Boasts the first record-
to be launched early next year. year ever in the UK, with overall business up 71% ing studio at sea – great
Costa UK managing director Marco Rosa said year-on-year, even though yields were “slightly fun if you fancy singing
the duo would offer more balcony cabins than down” due to tough trading conditions. your favourite song and
their predecessors and would have far more Rosa attributed Costa’s performance to its having it on a special CD
modern facilities than rival Royal Caribbean rising profile in the UK, competitive pricing and ■ The incomparable Samsara Spa
International’s Brilliance of the Seas. growing popularity with the family market. ■ The exhilarating Grand Prix racing car
simulator
■ Personal music lessons if you want to
Line rules out
“We are in a different position in the UK brush up your piano, guitar or drumming
market; P&O is the cruise line leader and we are skills
online discounts
not,” said Rosa, speaking at the launch of Costa’s ■ PlayStation World – a PlayStation
latest ship, Costa Pacifica. video-gaming area
“We do not offer online discounts. Around 95%
COSTA CRUISES has ruled out following P&O of our bookings are through agents and they are Low notes
Cruises along the online discounting route after very important to us, not just in taking bookings, ■ Rather uninspiring buffet fare. A bigger
the UK line controversially slashed 10% off the but selling the product too. choice, plus pasta and wok stations,
price of internet deals. “We are happy with the support we are getting would be welcome additions
UK managing director Marco Rosa stressed he from the trade.” ■ Good-sized cabins, but rather bland decor
had no intention of doing anything similar, even ■ En-suite facilities with a bit too much
though both lines are part of the Carnival UK ■ Costa has unveiled a new training website moulded plastic for my liking
group. for agents at
uk.discovercosta.com
16 12.06.2009
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