Costa Cruises has partnered with the Chinese city of Hangzhou, steering China in to a new global cruise era with the “Hangzhou Ambassador Global Tour”, which kicked off in March, with Costa Cruises also celebrating China’s first Around-the-World Cruise with the Costa Atlantica.

The Hangzhou Ambassador families will connect China with the world, visiting the East Mediterranean destinations with Costa Cruises, with Venice as the same last stop as the “Silk Road”.

In 30 days, the two Ambassador families set foot on 3 continents, 7 countries, 8 cities and 2 islands, enjoying a buffet of cultural experiences along the “Silk Road” from Asia all the way to Europe and the States, and sharing the philosophy of happiness with the rest of the world. The far-reaching tour echoes the wide breadth of the Chinese government’s One Belt One Road policy, linking tour participants with the expansive “Silk Road” concept that will impact China’s development throughout the world. As the leading cruise operator in the China market, Costa Cruises continues to expand global horizons, supporting the growth of China’s reach throughout the world.

“As the strong supporter of Chinese tourism and believer in the Silk Road concept, Costa Cruises is proud to cooperate with the city of Hangzhou in support of its first ever Global Tour. Bringing China to the world is ever more essential in the future of the country’s development, and as the leader in China’s cruise industry, we continue to support sharing China and her historic legacies in the world by pioneering global cruises and expanding tourism’s horizons,” stated Buhdy Bok, President Costa Asia, Costa Cruises Asia Pacific & China.

The inaugural success of the 86-day trip concluded when she returned on May 26, having taken her passengers across five continents, 18 countries and 28 destinations. The success of the World Cruise has been followed by Costa Cruise’s recent announcement of a 46-day voyage through the South Pacific in 2016. The start of world cruises in the China market will join excited Chinese visitors with far flung destinations around the globe.

“We are proud to open a new chapter in China’s tourism industry with the World Cruise Era. Costa Cruises is committed to pioneering new cruise experiences for the Chinese market and sharing the world with China. On the other hand, we also take pride in sharing China with the world, particularly as Hangzhou is a premier tourist destination with hundreds of years of legacy,” stated Helen Huang, General Manager China, Costa Cruises Asia Pacific & China.

With this current leg of the Hangzhou Ambassador Global Tour landing in the East Mediterranean route of the original Silk Road route, the Costa Deliziosa will bring the charm of Italian style and luxury to guests. Visitors will enjoy authentic European style and her spectacular details, immersing themselves in culture and Mediterranean charm. Costa Deliziosa is the ideal guide to the Silk Road’s European destination, an “Italy at sea”, with her years spent gliding over the calm pristine waters.

Costa Cruises entered China in 2006 as the first international cruise line operating homeport cruises, pioneering China’s cruise industry in to its bright, exciting future. Costa Cruises is committed to sharing more innovative vacations through continued investment in China, and will continue strengthening its partnerships and commitment to a one of the leading cruise markets in the world.