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Costa marks its 10th year in Asia with celebrations in the southeast

Costa marks its 10th year in Asia with celebrations in the southeast
Costa is marking its 10th year in Asia with celebrations this week in Southeast Asia which began in Jakarta and moved to Singapore on Wednesday where Costa representatives thanked industry partners or their support, especially in the past four years.

Last month the line marked a decade of cruising in China with a party in Shanghai.

Since its maiden Asia voyage in July 2006 on Costa Allegra, Costa Asia has carried 2m passengers in the Asian markets.

Costa Asia announced to some 80 travel agents and local media an update on the Southeast Asia programme at Wednesday's Singapore event.

Between October 2016 and January 2017, Costa Victoria will call at Singapore, Phuket in Thailand, as well as Malacca, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia for itineraries ranging from three to five nights.

Passengers in Malaysia will be able to embark and disembark at Penang for departures in October and November 2017.  The three-night itinerary will be offered at a lead price of S$280.

A new overnight in Phuket sailing is 80% sold. These sailings, which also feature destinations in Malaysia, will have food that is halal certified for Muslim guests.  There will also be features such as free intra-vessel Wi-Fi and a complimentary lobster dish on every Singapore sailing.

In line with Costa’s Asia anniversary, the cruise line will be giving free suitcases to customers at an upcoming travel fair in Singapore and offering '10 years of free travel' as a prize for a contest for employees and business partners to recognise the important role travel agents have played in its success.

The best entry from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand will each win a balcony twin cabin for one cruise per year, for 10 consecutive years.

'Over the past decade, we have invested in the Asian cruise market to bring passengers the flavour of "Italy at Sea" and we wish to express our gratitude to local communities for their consistent support,' said Buhdy Bok, Costa Group Asia president.

Costa Asia’s fleet will welcome Costa neoRomantica in 2017, and in 2019 and 2020 two newly built 4,200-berth vessels designed for the Asia market. In addition, AIDA Cruises will join Costa Asia in 2017, deploying a ship in the region year-round for the first time.