Costa Asia has announced the successful return of China’s first cruise to the South Pacific Islands.  

The Costa Atlantica set sail on this 46-day voyage from Tianjin International Cruise Terminal on November 30, 2016, taking more than 2,000 passengers across two continents, visiting 12 islands in nine countries.

“In line with China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, Costa Asia has put in tremendous effort, together with Caissa Touristic, to design this new itinerary,” stated Buhdy Bok, president of Costa Group Asia. “After the success of the World Cruise in 2015 and this 46-day cruise to the South Pacific, we will keep providing our esteemed Chinese guests with the most creative and high-quality cruise products.”

The voyage saw enhanced cooperation between China and South Pacific island countries in tourism exchanges, cultural communication and shared economic growth.

This was seen on calls to Vanuatu, Tonga, French Polynesia, American Samoa, New Caledonia, and Papua New Guinea, where passengers were welcomed with the highest honors by local governments and citizens. Heads of state and government officials explored Costa Altantica and exchanged gifts with Captain Nicolo Alba to express friendship, said Costa, in a prepared statement. 

The Costa Atlantica will continue providing offers to more Chinese guests, now homeporting from Tianjian and then Shanghai starting in March.