Founded in 1854, the company originally operated cargo ships, in order to carry olive oils and textiles from Sardinia to Liguria.In 1924 the company passed to founder's sons (Federico, Eugenio and Enrico) that started commercial activities, buying the ship Ravenna. Commercial activities continued until the introduction of passenger services in 1947, with regular services between Italy and South America. The company later converted its entire fleet to full-time cruising, and as an independent company became one of the largest cruise operators in Europe. Acquired by Carnival Corporation in 2000, Costa Cruises is now one of ten brands operated by Carnival and accounts for approximately 16% of its revenue.
Today, as Costa Cruises Group, the company is one of the main operating companies in the Carnival group, with executive control of the group's activities in Europe. The company is responsible for operation of Costa Cruises in Italy, and AIDA Cruises in Germany and was formerly responsible for the operation of Ibero Cruises in Spain. AIDA was previously a subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises, being transferred to Costa following the merger of Carnival Corporation and P&O Princess in 2002. Ibero Cruises is a new brand, created in 2007 as a joint venture between Carnival Corporation and Orizonia Group.
The Costa Cruises brand currently operates fourteen cruise ships, which all sail under the Italian flag and provide cruise holidays in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, South East Asia and South America.
The cost of the cruise includes the following services on "All Inclusive" system:
accommodation in a cabin with services for the selected category
All inclusive excluding drinks
port charges, taxes and fees
For guests of all Classic cabins:
Accommodation in the cabin of the selected category (TV, telephone, shower / bathtub, hairdryer, air conditioning).
Harbor dues and taxes.
Meals on the system "All inclusive, excluding drinks." A free dinner system is applied on board.
Entertainment programs (evening shows, night clubs, live music, etc.).
The participation of children in children's clubs.
Fitness center, sports court, jogging track, pools and jacuzzi.
For guests of all cabins of the Premium category (in addition to all of the above services, it is additionally provided):
The best cabin layout on the liner.
Ability to choose a change of food during dinner.
Continental breakfast in the cabin.
Delivery of food to the cabin 24 hours.
10% discount for a future cruise when booking a Premium cabin (valid for one year from the end of the cruise). Does not apply to world cruises.
For all guests of the Suite category cabins (in addition to all the above services of the Premium category, it is additionally provided):
Priority landing on the liner.
Personal butler.
Fresh fruits in the cabin every day.
1 bottle of champagne and canapes.
Pillow menu.
An invitation to an exclusive cocktail with Captain.
Not included into the cruise costs, and require additional payment:
Tipping staff.
Casinos, telephones, internet, video games.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Reservations at alternative restaurants.
Minibar in the cabin.
Individual services on board (SPA, beauty salon, laundry).
Additionally, in our company or independently booked and paid for services:
Flights
Transfers before and / or after the cruise.
Registration of entry visas along the route (if necessary).
Health insurance (required).
Travel insurance (optional).
Excursions in ports of call.
Last Minute Deals - 100% Penalty
Basic rate
Cancellation conditions - non-refundable amounts:
25% for more than 45 days before the cruise;
50% between 44 - 30 days before the cruise;
75% between 29 - 15 days before the cruise;
100% for a period of 14 or less before the cruise.
Comfort tariff
Cancellation conditions - non-refundable amounts:
50 € for a period of more than 45 days before the cruise;
25% between 45 - 30 days before the cruise;
50% between 29 - 15 days before the cruise;
75% between 14 - 5 days before the cruise;
100% for a period of 4 days or less before the cruise;
Deluxe Rate
Tariff disadvantages: Higher cost.
Cancellation conditions - non-refundable amounts:
50 € for a period of more than 45 days before the cruise;
25% between 45 - 30 days before the cruise;
50% between 29 - 15 days before the cruise;
75% between 14 - 5 days before the cruise;
100% for a period of 4 days or less before the cruise;
