Costa Cruises presents its travel partners for the Indian market

Through new partnerships for the distribution on the local market the company will offer its itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean and in the United Arab Emirates, with distinguished hospitality, an extended culinary offer, while introducing innovative Sea & Land experiences.

Costa Cruises officialises its distribution network for the Indian market by appointing three new travel partners. By bring their extensive knowledge and expertise, Rayna Tours, Sharaf Travel, and Cruise Carrot, in addition to Lotus Aero Enterprise that was already representing Costa in the country, will extend the opportunity to made Costa cruises available to local consumers.

Through a new team of four preferred sales agents, Costa aims at offering its cruises to both the incentive market and to those customers who prefer an international style holiday and want to explore Europe by visiting different countries and destinations in a one single voyage, like a cruise with Costa can offer.

Mirco Vassallo, International Sales Director, Costa Cruises declared, “We are thrilled to be represented in the Indian market by our selected travel partners and cruise specialists. I am confident that through their collaboration and mutual exchange, we will be able to introduce more Indian guests to our product proposition made of hospitality, entertainment, and culinary offerings.”

Costa can offer Indian travellers a wide range of opportunities thanks to its itineraries in the Western Mediterranean (Italy, France, Spain), the Eastern Mediterranean (Greece and Turkey), Northern Europe, Caribbean and in the United Arab Emirates during the winter season. Onboard, guests can enjoy themed restaurants, including the famous Teppanyaki and Archipelago restaurants as well as a diverse gastronomy offer with an international dining experience, vegetarian options and Indian tastes. Not to miss the great entertainment offer, shows with international artists and live performances.

Nalini Gupta, Owner and General Manager, Lotus Aero Enterprise, stated, “As Costa Cruises’ General Sales Agent in India for over a decade, Lotus Aero enterprises has been a driving force for the Indian cruise market. Our dedication and innovative strategies have not only fostered significant presence of Costa brand but have also inspired other ocean liners to explore the opportunities within the Indian market. We look forward to continuing our journey together with Costa in elevating the cruising experience for Indian consumers.”

Senthil Velan, Chief Executive Officer, Varun Rayna Tours, added, “We are excited to partner with Costa Crociere and bring their exceptional cruise experiences to the Indian market. Our deep understanding of the local market combined with Costa’s unparalleled offerings will undoubtedly create unforgettable journeys for our customers.”

Leena Brahme, Business Head, Sharaf Travel commented, “Partnering with Costa Crociere allows us to offer our clients a unique and luxurious cruise experience. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will enhance the travel options available to Indian customers.”

Neeraj Sharma, Director, Cruise Carrot added, “Joining forces with Costa Crociere is an exciting opportunity for us. We are eager to contribute to the success of Costa’s cruises on the Indian market and provide our clients with wonderful holiday experiences.”

Since 2024 Costa itineraries have been furtherly enriched with a great new feature making its cruises even more unique and unforgettable: the ‘Sea Destinations’, new destinations, to be discovered on board the ship, during navigation. A voyage within a voyage, where the sea is not only the means to reach the cruise calls; but it is a privileged point of view to experience evocative moments, that tell of iconic places included in the ship’s route.

On board Costa ships Indian customers will enjoy a range of opportunities, such as:

• Entertainment: high-quality entertainment featuring international artists, music, and shows that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
• Culinary Delights: a wide variety of international dining options with a special focus on vegetarian cuisine and during the Emirates season also on Indian cuisine, ensuring that guests feel at home while exploring new flavours.
• Sea Destinations: unforgettable experiences such as

1. Desert on the Sea on Costa Smeralda: where guests can enjoy a desert oasis in the Persian Gulf with luxurious tents, belly dancers, desert-inspired music, and the soothing sounds of the sea for a truly immersive escape.
2. Dervish Show on Costa Fortuna: where our guests can witness the mystical Dervish dance as the ship crosses the Dardanelles at sunset, offering a unique view of the Orient through the spiralling veils of authentic ritual dancers.
3. Bay of Formentera – Sunset Party on Costa Toscana: where our guests can experience Formentera’s vibrant atmosphere at sunset with a hippy chic party on board Costa Toscana, featuring cocktails, top island DJs, and a “chiringuito” style setting.