Costa was the first international cruise line to operate from China in 2006. Since that time Costa has sustained measured growth as the market has matured, and positioning 85,700-ton Costa Atlantica there, carrying 2,680 passengers, is one of the largest steps forward. It joins the 75,200-ton Costa Victoria (2,394 passengers) which has been deployed in China since May 2012. One of the key signs of the maturing of the Chinese market is that Costa Atlantica will operate an 83-day Around-the-World cruise for Chinese passengers from Shanghai beginning March 22, 2014.
The photo above shows the celebration which ensued with the arrival of the ship this morning. It was attended by Costa's most senior executives and local dignitaries. A special guest was the ship’s godmother for the occasion, Diana Xu, Miss Universe China 2012.
