By
Laura Hyde |
Costa Cruises’ Costa Serena is to become the largest cruise ship to operate domestic itineraries in India when it begins a series of new sailings in the country in November 2023.
The 23 new sailings, which will run from 4 November 2023 to 1 January 2024, will visit Mumbai, Cochin, Goa and, for the first time ever, the Lakshadweep islands, a tropical archipelago with white beaches and coral reef. These cruises have been designed in collaboration with Costa’s general sales agent in India, Lotus Aero Enterprises.
“We have a strong and lasting bond with this wonderful country,” said Roberto Alberti, senior vice president and chief commercial officer of Costa Cruises. “We have already sailed our ships in India in the past and many of our onboard colleagues are from India. We select and recruit them through dedicated training schools based right in the country. We are strongly committed in offering our Indian guests a unique holiday experience onboard Costa Serena and we are truly looking forward to starting our operations in November. Costa Serena will be the largest cruise ship to operate domestic itineraries in India.”
Costa Serena is an Italian-flagged ship built by Fincantieri and has capacity for up to 3,780 guests. The ship has a total of 1,500 cabins, 505 of which have private balconies, as well as 14 passenger decks. The ship also has a wellness centre and a gym, a beauty salon, a theatre, restaurants and bars, four swimming pools, a shopping area, and a club for children and teenagers.
“India’s waterways are a treasure trove waiting to be explored by tourists,” said Sarbananda Sonowal, union minister of ports, shipping and waterways for the Government of India. “Our country is filled with scenic locales and beautiful destinations. I am happy to know about the new cruise programme exclusively dedicated to India by Costa Cruises.”