Despite the present unfavourable economic climate, the Italian cruise company, Costa Crociere, has achieved a highly successful 2008 and announces that it expects to continue on the crest of the wave during 2009.

In 2008, the company achieved a European record of 1,200,000 cruise passengers, confirming its position as Europes number 1 cruise ship company. The Costa fleet at present comprises twelve liners, each of which can accommodate between 1000 and 3,780 guests, and has nine new ships on order. Three of these, the Costa Luminosa, the Costa Pacifica and the Costa Deliziosa, will be delivered within the next twelve months, while another two are scheduled to join the fleet in 2011 and 2012 respectively.  

The new Costa Luminosa and its twin ship, the Costa Deliziosa, will cater for the luxury end of the market and will offer innovative facilities such as 4D cinema, rollerskating rinks, virtual golf, Playstation World with PS3 and avant-guarde spa and fitness centres. The Costa Pacifica, instead, offers music while you sail, hitting the high notes with an exclusive musical programme, as well as a fully equipped recording studio where guests can produce their own CDs.

For those who like to plan in advance, Costa Crociere has already published its 2010 brochure, complete with special offers for early bird bookings.

For information: www.costacrociere.it