Costa claims bookings record
Costa Cruises has forecast annual carryings of one million passengers by 2007.
The prediction came as the Italian line released figures showing a 19% rise in carryings last year to 870,000 over 730,000 in 2004.
Costa claimed bookings in December and January for 2006 sailings are up by a record of 30% year-on-year.
The addition of three new sister ships to bring the fleet size up to 13 vessels by 2009 will result in a 50% increase in total capacity.
The first of the new additions is 3,780-passenger flagship Costa Concordia, due to enter service in July offering year-round Mediterranean cruises. This will be followed by Costa Serena in May 2007 and the third, as yet unnamed, ship in summer 2009.
Featues on Concorida will include a Formula 1 simulator, a giant outdoor film screen and a spa located over two decks with direct access from 55 cabins and 12 suites.
Report by Phil Davies
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