Costa Cruises honours World Tourism Day by celebrating cultures around the world.
For more than 75 years, Costa ships have been taking guests to more than 200 different destinations across the globe, offering unique experiences through warm hospitality, entertainment and gastronomy.
Costa ships explore the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Dubai and the UAE, the Canary Islands and more, shining a spotlight on different cultures.
For travellers who want to see it all, a world cruise lasting more than 100 days offers the opportunity to visit diverse countries around the globe.
“Our destinations are not just touristic locations, they are made up of people with identity, history and culture, they are communities,” said Dario Rustico, general manager of North & South America for Costa Cruises. “We are committed to understanding the nature of the places we visit, appreciating what makes them unique and protecting their future. World Tourism Day shines a spotlight on how tourism supports local economies, and we are proud that cruising is a large factor in economic support.”
During each voyage, Costa promotes local customs through culinary flavors, entertainment and shore excursions. In the dining room, guests can savor ''Destination Dishes'' created by world-renowned chefs Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze and Ángel León — offering a taste of the places the ships will visit the next day. Example “Destination Dishes” include:
- Bari, Italy: Orecchiette in cuttlefish sauce, mozzarella cheese, cashew nuts, oregano oil.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia: Shrimp tartare marinated in white wine, garlic, parsley, citrus and pepper.
- Honningsvag, Norway: Grilled lamb chops, crunchy celeriac confit, herring reduction.
- Lisbon, Portugal: Brandade of cod au gratin with Italian sausage and breadcrumbs.
“One element that characterizes the Costa experience is the relationship we have with local communities,” added Rustico. “Our ships are an integral part of the destinations they visit. This concept is summarized in our ‘manifesto for a tourism of value, sustainability and inclusivity’ in which we have made a series of principles our way of doing business that can be summed up in the will to collaborate with local communities to generate value, making their excellence emerge.”
Costa’s “Sea Destinations” make the travel experience even more unforgettable. These off-the-map destinations are to be discovered on board the ship at sea through out-of-the-ordinary experiences that reveal the secrets of the iconic places included in Costa’s routes. Example “Sea Destinations” include:
- French Breakfast at Dawn: As the ship sails Calanques National Park near Marseille, guests indulge in a French breakfast on board, with music, coffee and croissants to enjoy.
- Sunset Reggae Party: Guests become immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the Caribbean as the ship departs from Kingstown, Jamaica, with live music, irresistible rum cocktails and the warmth of the sunset.
- Dervishes Show: See the gates of the Orient appear in the spiraling veils of the Dervishes, authentic ritual dancers who have practiced a mystical, whirling dance as a form of meditation for centuries.
- Desert on the Sea: In the heart of the Gulf of Oman, the ship transforms into a sea oasis for a "Thousand and One Nights." Among luxurious tents, belly dancers and enchanting music, feel enveloped by the atmosphere of the desert.
Ashore, guests can take part in shore excursions that are deeply immersive. Whether it’s tasting authentic cuisine, hearing the city’s history from a native or seeing performances that bring the destinations’ heritage to life, guests will leave with a better understanding of the places visited. Example shore excursions that offer a deeper look into local cultures:
- Exclusive Tango Show at Madero in Buenos Aires, Brazil
Originally from Argentina, tango is known and loved all over the world. Madero Tango offers an authentic experience where guests can admire a traditional Tango with dancers, singers and a traditional tango orchestra. - Hunting for Palermitan Street Food in Palermo, Sicily
Guests who fancy a real taste of Sicily will join an exclusive Costa guide and a chef who specializes in Sicilian flavors to discover the authentic flavor of the city, captured in its famous street foods. - Dive into Arab Culture & in Muscat’s Breathtaking Seabed in Muscat, Oman
Muscat preserves the most traditional aspects of Arab culture. The colorful stalls of the Muttrah Suk and the ancient palaces create a “thousand and one nights” atmosphere, while the Al Alam Palace opens its doors to an unknown world. - Get to the Roots of St. Lucia with the Banana Growers in St. Lucia
The roots of the people are intertwined with those of the banana tree. Experience a real plantation and discover traditions that are proudly protected and handed down through the generations, from sowing to harvesting to everyday life.
