Costa Cruises is strengthening its relationship with the Brazilian market by having the Costa Firenze, Costa Favolosa, and Costa Fortuna sailing in South America in 2022-2023.
According to Dario Rustico, executive vice president of Costa Cruises for South and Central America, the program marks the first time in over ten years that three of the company’s ships are sailing in the region at the same time.
Together, the ships will carry out more than 50 cruises departing from Brazil, with a total of over 240,000 lower berths available being offered in the domestic market of the country.
Speaking aboard the Costa Firenze, which arrived for its inaugural season in the country earlier this month, Rustico highlighted the company’s moment.
“We believe in Brazil and are investing in the country. These numbers represent a 75 percent growth compared to the 2019-2020 season, the last before the pandemic,” said Rustico.
After starting its local season in early December, the brand owned by Carnival Corporation will visit 15 different destinations in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay until mid-April.
With the Costa Diadema, Costa Fascinosa, and Costa Favolosa in South America, the 2023-2024 season will see even greater expansion, Rustico said.
“We will grow by about 20 percent, as the ships will stay in the region for a longer period, between November and May,” he noted.
“Costa has a commitment to Brazil, and this has been a fact for the last 75 years. The history of Costa and the cruise industry in South America complement each other,” he said.
After sailing for the first time in the region during its inaugural voyage in 1948, Costa will celebrate its 75 years of service in the country in March 2023.
“Many challenges are being overcome to make the cruise industry grow in the country. I appreciate the support and effort of the players in Brazil’s tourism chain, especially those from the destinations visited by our ships,” concluded Rustico.