The three-year tripartite partnership will leverage Costa’s global presence, Singapore’s cruise hub status and Changi Airport’s air hub connectivity to further enhance south-east Asia’s appeal as a cruise destination.

Costa Cruises has held the traditional coin ceremony for its newest ship, the Costa Venezia, named in honour of the city of Venice. As the first Vista-class ship specifically designed and built for China, Costa Venezia in 2019 will bring the rich culture, history and romance of Venice to its Chinese guests.

Costa Cruises has announced the Costa neoRomantica will be based in Asia. She will be deployed regularly in the region and operated by the Costa Asia brand, offering cruises designed for local guests.

Costa Cruises is to launch a new summer cruise on board the Costa Luminosa, allowing guests the unique opportunity to visit Moscow for a day. The ‘Jewels of the Baltic’ itinerary is available throughout August 2016, with weekly sailings from Stockholm. Costa Luminosa calls at Helsinki, St. Petersburg and Tallinn, before returning to Stockholm

Ralph Remkes has joined Costa Group in the position of general manager Northern Europe, reporting to Massimo Brancaleoni, senior vice president of worldwide sales. In this position Remkes leads the recently created Northern Europe region with a coordination centre at the Costa offices located in Amsterdam.

While many cruise lines now offer vegan or vegetarian options as part of their on-board culinary offering, Costa Cruises have gone one step further and created a dedicated vegan and vegetarian menu that will be available on cruise ships. Created in response to the growing demand for such cuisine, the menu cuts out all dairy products and even eggs, instead using ingredients derived from plants that will produce the same bold Italian flavours that reflect Costa’s proud Mediterranean roots.