1,900 athletes and officials from 38 delegations
During this period, Costa Victoria will host around 1,900 athletes and officials of 38 delegations from around the world, including Italy, France, Germany, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Australia and Russia. They will be served by 705 crew members.
'As an Italian company, we are very pleased to be able to make our contribution to this wonderful event, which is not only a great opportunity to come together and enjoy sport, but also a fabulous chance to promote Naples and the whole of Italy around the world,' said Mario Alovisi, VP revenue management, itinerary & transportation at Costa.
Italian hospitality
Alovisi added that Costa Victoria will offer the 'best of Italian hospitality, which has distinguished Costa for over 70 years and which we provide every day for the international guests who travel on vacation with us.'
The 75,000gt, Italian-flag ship has 964 passenger cabins.
During the Universiade, a galley team of 100 chefs and assistants will prepare around 6,000 meals a day for the athletes, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menus will be based on the Italian and Mediterranean culinary tradition.
Pizza and much more
A special corner will be dedicated to pizza. The ingredients and products used for the recipes will come from Italian and European suppliers; many have the DOP certification (protected designation of origin) or PGI (protected geographical indication).
The mozzarella, which will be produced on board using innovative machinery driven by steam and electricity, deserves special mention. The key ingredients are cow milk and buffalo milk curd from the Piana del Sele (Salerno), of the highest certified quality.
Athletes will also be provided typical dishes from their home countries, such as those included in a special Asian corner, plus vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free, gluten-free and halal menus, all created specifically for the event. A data sheet stating the ingredients and calorie count will accompany every dish.
The meals will be available on a self-service basis in the Bolero Restaurant on Deck 9, with a terrace overlooking the sea, and in the Sinfonia Restaurant on Deck 5.
Athletes will be free to use the gym and outdoor spaces, which include a sports area and jogging path, and a sauna, steam room and hair stylist. There will be no lack of entertainment on board, with music, dance and cooking lessons, parties in the public areas and shows in the theater.
Once the Universiade is over, Costa Victoria will be positioned in Bari for weekly cruises to Greece, with calls at Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus and Corfu. In the winter season, the ship will operate in the Indian Ocean, sailing to India and the Maldives.
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