Costa Cruises has unveiled full details of weekly sailings from India this winter.
Costa neoClassica will homeport in Mumbai from Dec 16 to March 18 sailing itineraries that include Goa, Cochin, Colombo and the Maldives, cruise executives said during a media briefing in Mumbai.
"We are delighted to bring cruising to Indians at their doorstep. For many travelers, the holiday often starts after some sort of a long journey. Now like never before, Indians will have the opportunity to start holidaying right from their door-step from India’s largest metropolis, Mumbai," said president of Costa Group Asia, Buhdy Bok.
Chairman of Mumbai Port, Sanjay Bhatia said: "It is a proud moment for us to have Costa neoClassica to be home-ported at Mumbai Port. It has long been the principal gateway to India, playing a crucial role in sea trade and the development of the national economy."
The 1,700 passenger ship will become the first large vessel to operate scheduled sailings from Mumbai to the Maldives.
"The fact that Indians can now embark directly from Mumbai, not only makes the process hassle-free and visa-free, but also saves the traveler costs and time," said Nalini Gupta, managing director of Costa’s local sales agent Lotus Destinations.
