Costa Becomes First Cruise Company to Offer Regularly Scheduled Routes from Mauritius

MIAMI, June 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning in December 2007, Costa, Europe and South America's Number One Cruise Line, will become the first cruise operator worldwide to offer Indian Ocean cruises departing from Mauritius. The news was officially announced Monday in the beautiful island locale during a press conference co-hosted by Costa Crociere SpA Chairman & CEO Pier Luigi Foschi and Xavier Luc Duval, Mauritius's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications.

"In 2008 we will confirm our role as leaders in innovation by offering our customers a truly unique holiday destination, never before marketed by a cruise operator," said Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman & CEO of Costa Crociere SpA. "Following the opening of new routes in Asia and Dubai last year, next winter we will also offer cruises from Mauritius, itineraries which are already proving to be popular judging from the advance bookings. I would like to thank the authorities of Mauritius for their cooperation and commitment, which have enabled us to be the first to offer cruise departures from this splendid island."

"We are proud to have such a prestigious partner bringing quality visitors to our island," said Xavier Luc Duval, Mauritius's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications. "Thanks to the high standard of the tourist facilities and the wide range of excursions, Mauritius is the ideal base for this operation, which will reveal to an international clientele not only our turquoise sea, but also the rich heritage of our culture and our traditions. We are sure this operation will have beneficial effects on our tourist industry and on other sectors of our economy."

In the course of the 2007/2008 winter season, the 25,600-ton Costa Marina, which features a total guest capacity of 1,000, will set sail from Mauritius every Saturday on six 14-day cruises in the Indian Ocean. The first departure is scheduled for December 22, 2007, with the last one on March 1, 2008. The itinerary includes two day stopovers in Mauritius and Mahe (Seychelles), and one-day calls at Mombasa (Kenya), Mayotte, Nosy Be (Madagascar), Toamasina (Madagascar) and Reunion.

In addition, there will be two exciting 27-day positioning cruises from Savona to Mauritius, the first leaving November 26, 2007 with stops in Egypt, Jordan, the Seychelles, Kenya, Mayotte and Madagascar, while the other will sail from Mauritius to Savona, with a departure on March 14, 2008 covering the same route in the opposite direction. The Costa Marina will bring a total of around 11,000 passengers to Mauritius. Prices for the 14-night cruises begin at $1,879 per person. Government taxes are additional and all fares are subject to change and based on availability

The cruises out of Mauritius on the Costa Marina will feature guided shore excursions in each port of call, with the chance to visit some of the local highlights. Of all highlights, the stunning beaches are most certainly the main one -- from Mauritius, Mahe in the Seychelles, and Mayotte, Reunion. However, there is also a wealth of sightseeing excursions, including the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, which first opened in 1735, Tsavo East National Park, safaris in Kenya (in one of the world's largest game sanctuaries), and daytrips to see the wildlife at Parc Ivoloina in Madagascar. In addition, guests may enjoy a tour of Mombasa Old Town with a spectacular "son et lumiere" presentation portraying the historical struggles between the Arabs and the Portuguese for control of the city, as well as dolphin-watching trips in Mayotte or the blue safari in Mauritius, exploring the superb barrier reef and coral gardens.

Costa, named "one of the top 10 cruise lines" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, offers an experience that is delightfully different in service and cuisine, in an atmosphere filled with love, laughter and la dolce vita. It's called "Cruising Italian Style" and true to its heritage, no detail has been overlooked in bringing the beauty and hospitality of Italy to the sea. Cruising Italian Style ... that's Amore!

The ships of Costa, Europe's Number One Cruise Line, range in size from 30,000-tons to 114,000-tons, and provide an ambience that is distinctly Italian -e from the progressive architecture and stylish design to the unforgettable cuisine and gracious hospitality. With twelve ships in service and three on order, Costa offers cruises that span the globe on itineraries of three nights and longer throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Transatlantic, Far East, Dubai; and at the end of 2007, the Indian Ocean.

For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit http://www.costacruises.com/.

Costa Cruises is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc .

Costa Cruises is RINA certified with the BEST 4, a highly structured system of certifications involving social responsibility (SA 8000, 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 1996), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). Costa Cruises is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.