Costa Serena debuts in India : aims to handle 45,000 travellers from Nov to Jan 

Mumbai, Nov 6 : With the arrival of cruise ship ‘Costa Serena’ at its home port in Mumbai on Saturday, Costa Cruises announced the start of its domestic cruising programme for Indian travellers.

The Italian-flagged ship is set to operate on a newly created programme of 2,3,5 nights itineraries from Mumbai, Goa, Kochi and the beautiful Island of Agatti in Lakshadweep from 4 November 2023 until 11 January 2024.

To mark 75th anniversary of Costa, an event on board Costa Serena was held, which was attended by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Francesco Raffa, Asia Region & Growth Markets director at Costa Cruises, & Nalini Gupta, Lotus Aero Enterprises, GSA of Costa Cruises, and other senior officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, “It is a moment of pride for us that when the Mumbai Port completes 150 years, we have Costa coming back to offer domestic cruising options to Indian travellers.

“We are offering our full support to the cruise line to home port their ships at Indian ports. We are ready to support further development of our port infrastructure to accommodate large cruise ships,” he added.

Costa Serena has a total of 1,500 cabins, 505 of which have private balconies and 14 passenger decks.

On board the cruise ship, guests will enjoy a wide range of international-style experiences, enriched with the Italian warm hospitality that has characterised Costa for 75 years of history.

Guests can choose from a wellness centre and a gym with a sea view, a beauty salon, a theatre, restaurants serving Indian and international cuisine, bars, 4 swimming pools, 2 of which have self-propelled glass roofs, a shopping area, and a kids’ club for children and teenagers, said a press release here.