They will be specifically designed for the Chinese market, with delivery in 2019 and 2020.
Costa Asia today announced an agreement to build two new ships for China. The ships, each with 135,500 gross tons and carrying 4,200 guests, will be manufactured in Italy. They will be specifically designed for the Chinese market, joining the fleet in 2019 and 2020.
Costa Asia new ships are part of a memorandum of agreement signed by Carnival Corporation & plc with Fincantieri to build four new ships by 2020 at the company’s shipyards in Monfalcone and Marghera, Italy, with final contracts expected to be executed in 2016.
“We are confident that China will become one of the most preeminent cruise markets.” said Buhdy Bok, Costa Group Asia President, “The two new ships that will be tailor-made for the Chinese market will further enhance our Asia fleet and provide Chinese travelers with a variety of vacation options and experiences to meet growing demand across all segments of the market”.
Costa Asia was the first international cruise company to enter the Chinese market back in 2006. Three Costa ships are currently deployed in China and Asia year-round: Costa Atlantica, Costa Victoria and Costa Serena. A fourth ship, Costa Fortuna, will be added in April 2016.
Costa cruises are marketed in China as “Italy at Sea”, offering an authentic Italian and European experience for Chinese guests, with high-quality hospitality, style, cuisine and entertainment.
Specific features and amenities for Costa Asia new ships, along with deployment details, will be revealed in the coming months.
SOURCE: Costa Asia