Keen to tap the burgeoning demand for cruise tourism in the Indian outbound travel market, Genoa-based Italian cruise company, Costa Cruises, which is part of Carnival Cruises, the world’s largest cruise company, has enhanced its distribution network in India by appointing three more Preferred Sales Agents (PSA).

This was announced at a press conference organised in New Delhi on Friday by Costa Cruises, its first-ever in India. Addressing the conference, Mirco Vassallo, International Sales Director, Costa Cruises, said that the new Indian travel partners, namely Rayna Tours, Sharaf Travel, and Cruise Carrot, in addition to Lotus Aero Enterprise that was already representing Costa in the country, will extend the opportunity to made Costa cruises available to local consumers.

Mirco Vassallo

Vassallo said that now with a team of four PSAs, Costa aims at offering its cruises to both the incentive market and to those customers who prefer an international style holiday and want to explore Europe by visiting different countries and destinations in a one single voyage, like a cruise with Costa can offer. 

“We are thrilled to be represented in the Indian market by our selected travel partners and cruise specialists. I am confident that through their collaboration and mutual exchange, we will be able to introduce more Indian guests to our product proposition made of hospitality, entertainment, and culinary offerings,’’ Vassallo said in the conference.

Costa Cruises is also looking to broaden its appeal in the Indian market to different segments of travellers. “We have been managing a lot of corporate events in the past, so now the attention is more focussed on the leisure segment, as packaged holidays for the leisure traveller. I think that we can be the aspirational product for families and couples that want to to experience our journey. We want to sell experiences, we don’t want to sell the ship itself or the travel itself. And we want to be a bit aspirational, with a bit of luxury and an aspirational product at a very, very convenient price. And this is our sale proposition,’’ Vassallo told India Outbound.

In terms of culinary options, he said all Costa Cruise ships come with a rich variety, depending on the geography. “We will have a buffet menu in the Emirates cruise dedicated to India because a lot of Indians want to find a bit of local food on board the ships. But with our culinary offer is absolutely international, let me say with an Italian caring for food, so we absolutely offer to the Indian guests an amazing food and beverage experience. It is our point of strength overall and we are very, very strong on this,’’ Vassallo added.

He added that the company was also looking to widen its source markets within India, expanding beyond Mumbai and Delhi. “We are here today because we are enlarging our distribution. So I think that we are not present all over India and mainly present in Mumbai and Delhi. So, we are here this morning to communicate our new commercial set up because we want to enlarge our distribution,’’ Vassallo said.

Costa says it can offer Indian travellers a wide range of opportunities thanks to its itineraries in the Western Mediterranean, covering Italy, France and Spain, the Eastern Mediterranean including Greece and Türkiye, Northern Europe, Caribbean and in the United Arab Emirates during the winter season. 

Nalini Gupta

It adds that it has customised the offer for Indian market as onboard, the passengers can enjoy themed restaurants, including the famous Teppanyaki and Archipelago restaurants as well as a diverse gastronomy offer with an international dining experience, vegetarian options and Indian tastes. It says that the ships also have a great entertainment offer, including shows with international artists and live performances. 

“As Costa Cruises’ General Sales Agent in India for over a decade, Lotus Aero enterprises has been a driving force for the Indian cruise market. Our dedication and innovative strategies have not only fostered significant presence of Costa brand but have also inspired other ocean liners to explore the opportunities within the Indian market. We look forward to continuing our journey together with Costa in elevating the cruising experience for Indian consumers,” said Nalini Gupta, Owner and General Manager, Lotus Aero Enterprise.

Senthil Velan

“We are excited to partner with Costa Crociere and bring their exceptional cruise experiences to the Indian market. Our deep understanding of the local market combined with Costa’s unparalleled offerings will undoubtedly create unforgettable journeys for our customers,’’ said Senthil Velan, Chief Executive Officer, Rayna Tours.

Leena Brahme

“Partnering with Costa Crociere allows us to offer our clients a unique and luxurious cruise experience. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will enhance the travel options available to Indian customers,’’ said Leena Brahme, Business Head, Sharaf Travel.

“Joining forces with Costa Crociere is an exciting opportunity for us. We are eager to contribute to the success of Costa’s cruises on the Indian market and provide our clients with wonderful holiday experiences,’’ said Neeraj Sharma, Director, Cruise Carrot.

Costa Cruises says that since 2024 its itineraries have been enriched with a great new feature making its cruises even more unique and unforgettable. 

It adds that on board Costa ships, Indian customers will enjoy a range of opportunities, including high-quality entertainment featuring international artists, music, and shows that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The ships also come with a wide variety of international dining options with a special focus on vegetarian cuisine and during the Emirates season also on Indian cuisine, ensuring that passengers feel at home while exploring new flavours, says the cruise operator. 

Neeraj Sharma

 It adds that its cruises come with unforgettable experiences such as ‘Desert on the Sea’ on Costa Smeralda where passengers can enjoy a desert oasis in the Persian Gulf with luxurious tents, belly dancers, desert-inspired music, and the soothing sounds of the sea for a truly immersive escape.

The ‘Dervish Show’ on board Costa Fortuna allows travellers to witness the mystical Dervish dance as the ship crosses the Dardanelles at sunset, offering a unique view of the Orient through the spiralling veils of authentic ritual dancers. 

Yet another unique experience, says Costa Cruises, is ‘Bay of Formentera – Sunset Party’ on Costa Toscana where passengers can experience Formentera’s vibrant atmosphere at sunset with a hippy chic party on board Costa Toscana, featuring cocktails, top island DJs, and a “chiringuito” style setting.