On 31 March 2023, Costa Cruises celebrates its 75th anniversary. On that day, 75 years ago in 1948, the “Anna C”, the first passenger ship of the fleet, departed from Genoa bound for Buenos Aires, with 768 guests on board.
A historic moment, which started the great success of Costa cruises. Over all these years, day after day, Costa Cruises has taken millions of guests around the world, sharing the happy and unforgettable moments of their holidays.
To celebrate this important anniversary together, Costa Cruises has come up with a unique initiative: 75 cruises at a special price, available until April, with different dates depending on the markets, to sail throughout the year, from early spring to autumn, to discover incredible destinations in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
The experiences guests can enjoy on these 75 cruises are truly spectacular. For example, they can choose an unforgettable journey into the timeless atmosphere of the western Mediterranean, entering the fairy-tale world of Gaudi in Barcelona, immersing themselves in the mysterious atmosphere of the underground caves of Can Marça in Ibiza and visiting the world’s only Gothic cathedral by the sea in Palma de Mallorca. Or discover the myths, history and incomparable landscapes of the eastern Mediterranean, reaching Mykonos and its ‘Little Venice’ on a typical boat, diving into the colourful depths of the thermal springs of Palea Kameni in Santorini, and snorkelling in the natural pool of Malta’s Blue Lagoon. If one prefer the breathtaking scenery of Northern Europe, the guest can explore the picturesque and lively Bergen by bicycle with a local guide, admire the beautiful emerald green and ultramarine blue colours of the Hellesylt Fjord and its waterfalls, and sample the local delicacies of Geiranger.
In order to enjoy these stunning destinations in a richer and more authentic way, Costa has come up with a revamped excursion proposal, with expert local guides taking guests on a discovery of the most characteristic atmospheres and traditions. In addition, the exploration of the destinations already begins on board, with the signature dishes of three great chefs – Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze and Ángel León – who interpret the flavours of the locations included in the itineraries. Entertainment on board, with fantastic live shows, music and themed parties, is also tailored to the itineraries, always offering a local touch.
Ships and itineraries of the 75th anniversary cruises
Costa Smeralda, Costa Toscana and Costa Diadema will offer week-long cruises in the Western Mediterranean, discovering the most beautiful destinations in Italy, France and Spain. The Costa Toscana itinerary includes Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Cagliari, Naples and Civitavecchia/Rome. Costa Smeralda will visit Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca (Ibiza in summer), Palermo, and Civitavecchia/Rome. Costa Diadema will instead offer Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Cagliari or Ajaccio (depending on departures), Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Marseille.
In the eastern Mediterranean, Costa Deliziosa will visit Marghera/Venice, Katakolon/Olympia (Greece), Mykonos (Greece) Santorini (Greece) and Bari, while during the summer Costa Pacifica will visit Taranto, Catania, Malta, Mykonos and Santorini. Both itineraries are one week long.
During this summer, the Costa Fortuna will offer a never-before-seen 14-day itinerary between the Greek islands and the Balearic Islands, with Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Messina, four magnificent Greek islands, such as Crete (with a call at Heraklion), Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, Kefalonia (with a call at Argostoli), Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands, and then Barcelona and Marseille.
From May to September, cruises in Northern Europe will also be available. The Costa Fascinosa will offer 12-day itineraries to the North Cape, or nine-day cruises to the most beautiful cities in the Baltic; the Costa Favolosa will visit Iceland, the Lofoten Islands, Greenland, a new destination for this summer, or Great Britain and Ireland; the Costa Firenze will offer one-week cruises in the Fjords.
For those with only a few days available, there are mini-cruises to France and Spain in spring, lasting from three or five days, with the Costa Fascinosa, Costa Pacifica, Costa Fortuna and Costa Favolosa. For a longer break, there are many different two-week cruises to choose from in spring: the Canary Islands with the Costa Diadema and Costa Fortuna; or Turkey and the Greek islands, again with the Costa Fortuna; Costa Pacifica cruises to Israel and Egypt; and cruises from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe onboard Costa Firenze, Costa Favolosa and Cosa Fascinosa, or from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean in September. 10-day cruises to Lisbon with Costa Fascinosa and 11-day cruises to Morocco with Costa Favolosa will also be available.
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