As reported by Cruise Industry News in April, Costa Crociere will enter the India market later this year with the neoClassica.

“For the first time, Indians can look forward to embarking from Mumbai and going to enchanting destinations within India such as Goa and Cochin and also to the very popular Maldives and Colombo. Costa neoClassica will perform a series of weekly sailings from 16th Dec 2016 – 18th March 2017,” said Costa in a prepared statement.

Speaking about the launch, Buhdy Bok, President of Costa Group Asia said: “We are delighted to bring cruising to Indians at their doorstep. For many travellers, the holiday often starts after some sort of a long journey. Now like never before, Indians will have the opportunity to start holidaying — right from their door-step — from India’s largest metropolis, Mumbai”

Commenting on the home porting of Costa neoClassica in Mumbai Port, Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of Mumbai Port said: “It is a proud moment for us to have Costa neoClassica to be homeported at India’s premier Mumbai Port. The Mumbai Port has long been the principal gateway to India, playing a crucial role in sea trade and the development of the national economy, trade & commerce and the prosperity of Mumbai city in particular.”

Photo: Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of Mumbai Port, giving his speech