Costa Cruises to the rescue
Costa Cruises, Italy and Europe’s leading international cruise company, have saved the latest leg of Graham Hughes’ high profile ‘Odyssey Expedition’. Hughes’ attempt to break the world record for the fastest surface journey to 200 sovereign states across the globe.
This feat is to raise money for the international charity Water-Aid. Hughes must physically set foot on dry land within the continuous border of every nation state of the UN and many more territories, within one year, without flying or using private transport.With over 150 miles to cover every single day, the expedition hit a major snag as travel arrangements fell through, leaving Graham stranded in the port of St Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hearing of his plight, Costa Cruises kindly offered a lifeline as he continued in his journey to the Dominican Republic, amid the luxurious surroundings of the Costa Fortuna.
Costa Fortuna entered service in November 2003 and together with sister ship Costa Magica, was the largest passenger ship flying the Italian flag at the time. The Costa Fortuna, whose interiors were designed by the American architect Joe Farcus, is dedicated to the legendary Italian liners, the transatlantic vessels that sailed the route between Italy and the Americas.
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Having previously visited Puerto Rico and Florida, Costa Fortuna arrived in St Thomas and agreed to assist Graham with his record attempt. Following a short stop off in La Romana, guests enjoyed an array of shore excursions and Graham left the ship and continued on his adventure. The Costa Fortuna then carried on through the Caribbean to the breathtaking Turks and Caicos islands.
As thousands follow his progress online, Lonely Planet, National Geographic Adventure and BBC Worldwide intend to team up to produce an eight-part television series that will give an in-depth behind the scenes look into Graham’s around the globe adventure.
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