Kochi: The shores of Kochi is all set to give a grand welcome to Costa Victoria, the premium class cruise ship that would board passengers from here. Experts predict a giant leap in the cruise tourism sector in India, with more travellers opting for a luxurious cruise trip.
The Costa Cruise which is a prominent Italian cruise ship operator will begin its Mumbai - Goa - Mangaluru – Kochi – Maldives from 9th November onwards. The cruise ship which docks at the Kochi port on 13th morning would depart at 6 in the evening. The passengers on board can enjoy a stunning cruise through the Arabian Sea on 14th November. The ship reaches Maldives on 15th morning and the passengers can see around the tropical nation during the day time. They can return to the ship in the evening for a sumptuous dinner and spend the night in their cabins. They can catch a flight back to Kochi on 16th November in the morning or in the afternoon. There would be many services in this route until March 2020. Later, a stop in Colombo too may be included in the schedule.
The debut cruise of Costa Victoria from India has received overwhelming responses from the travel enthusiasts here. The tickets for luxury cabins with balconies, which can accommodate up to 4 persons, have been sold out. Meanwhile, the bookings are rapidly progressing for the rooms with no windows. A few rooms which have windows opening to the sea are open for booking now.
The Costa Victoria offers two types of cruise schedules:
4 nights from Mumbai to Kochi
3 nights from Kochi to Maldives
The ticket prices from Mumbai to Maldives start from Rs 39,800 onwards, including the taxes.
The ticket prices from Kochi to Maldives start from Rs 28,890 onwards, including the taxes.
The ticket price covers the breakfast, lunch and dinner charges.
The passengers need not apply for visas. However, they should carry their passports.
Free for kids: Children below 18 years, who stay with their parents in the cabins which can accommodate 4 persons, can travel for free.
50% discount in the ticket fares of the third and forth members who stay in the rooms for 4 people
Dates of cruise from Kochi
November 13 and 27, December 11 and 25, 2020 January 8 and 22, February 5 and 19, and March 4.
Costa Victoria
Can accommodate up to 2400 passengers
964 rooms
242 rooms with balconies
20 suite rooms; among them 4 have balconies
Italian dishes prominent on the menu
Vegetarian and Jain dishes would be served
Halls and theatres to host private functions
Cultural programs in the evenings
5 restaurants and 10 bars
3 swimming pools
See Kumbalangi for Rs 4300
The passengers on board Costa Victoria, who are foreigners or from outside Kerala, can enjoy an amazing day at the beautiful village of Kumbalangi. They can try their hands at traditional fishing methods and enjoy the delicious food of Kochi. The trip and food would be arranged by Costa Victoria. A six and half hours long trip around Kumbalangi would cost Rs 4300 for adults. The passengers can also enjoy a trip to Alappuzha for the same duration at the same price. It would cost up to Rs 7000 to enjoy a day long trip to the beautiful backwaters of Alappuzha.
The sights at Maldives
Rs 9000 for a submarine ride up to 40 meters deep into the sea
Mesmerizing sights of the sea bed
Enjoy the charming coral reefs 25 meters under the sea
Visit the Bandos island resort
Trip to the Cinnamon island
Snorkeling
“It is a known fact that Keralites love travelling. Malayalis are settled everywhere around the world. Through cruise tourism, we aim to connect them with Kerala. Kochi port has amazing scope for cruise tourism. It would bring more visitors to the state,” says Nalini Gupta the managing director of Lotus Destination, which coordinates the operations of Costa Cruise in India.
