Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Costa Venezia stops in Singapore en route to Shanghai home

Costa Venezia's Grand Canal restaurant
Inspired by Venice - Costa Venezia's Grand Canal restaurant PHOTO: Costa Cruises
Costa Venezia, designed for the Asian market, made its maiden call at Singapore over the weekend, where more than than 2,000 passengers embarked.

Costa Cruises’ largest ship in Asia, at 135,500gt, 323 meters in length and with capacity for 5,260 passengers, offers Asians an Italian immersion experience inspired by Venice.

Costa Venezia set off on March 8 from Trieste on its inaugural 53-day sailing to Asia following the tracks of Marco Polo. From Singapore, the ship is sailing to Bangkok, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, before reaching Shanghai, its new home.

'This spectacular, brand-new ship … is the largest one introduced by Costa to Asia, where the Italian company was the first to start operating in 2006,' said Roberto Verdino, deputy country manager for Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia of Costa Group Asia. Costa Venezia will help to 'further develop the cruise market in China, which we believe has great unexplored potential.'

Italian and Asian dining

While offering an authentic Italian experience, there are many facilities and specialty restaurants that cater to Asians. Regional Italian cuisines are available at the no-extra-charge restaurants, as well as fine dining with a menu by three-star Michelin chef Umberto Bombana of restaurant 81.2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, at Restaurant Casanova, one of the five specialty dining venues. The wide choice of Asian food includes hot pot, teppanyaki, dim sum and noodles.

Given that soccer is hugely popular in Asia, the vessel features Asia’s exclusive Juventus Football Club at sea and a 360-degree Italian football experience for fans. There is an outdoor soccer field, an indoor academy, a museum showcasing historic trophies and memorabilia from as far back as the 1970s, magazine photos from all eras, jerseys and signed shoes from the club’s successful seasons.

Sister ship in 2020

A second ship designed for the Asian market, a sister of Costa Venezia, is under construction at Fincantieri's Marghera yard and due for delivery in 2020.