Costa ship called at US port as part of the first-ever world cruise sold exclusively to Chinese passengers
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Costa Cruises’ Costa Atlantica made history when she called at New York City in the US on 14 April as part of the first-ever world cruise sold exclusively to Chinese passengers.
Marking the first time a cruise ship has visited the US carrying only Chinese passengers, Costa Atlantica called as part of her 86-day global roundtrip that began in Shanghai, China, on 1 March.
Passengers will remain in New York City until 16 April, before calling at six other US ports including PortMiami on 19 April; the port of Los Angeles from 3-5 May; and the port of San Francisco on 6 May. The ship will the visit the Hawaiian islands of Hilo on 11 May, Kahului on 12 May, and Honolulu on 13 May, before crossing to the South Pacific.
“Costa Atlantica’s arrival in New York carrying only Chinese guests marks a milestone for inbound Asia tourism for the US and for Carnival Corporation,” said Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation. “We have made significant investments in China’s cruise market, which will one day be the largest in the world.”
Costa became the first international cruise line to homeport ships in China in 2006 and currently has three ships – Costa Atlantica, Costa Victoria and Costa Serena – based in the country. Costa Atlantica has been dedicated to the Chinese market since May 2013.
This January, the 85,700gt Costa Atlantica became the first western cruise ship to be refurbished at a Chinese shipyard. As part of the ship’s extensive US$20.4 million refit, Costa expanded the duty-free shopping area to accommodate high-end luxury brands and upgraded the public areas, top-deck venues and guest cabins. The ship was also fitted with 48 cabins designed specifically to meet the demands of Chinese consumers.