YEAR 2008

August 6, 2007 - Costa has extended its Far East programme to introduce Japan with 14 and 15-night sailings for 2008.

It will offer two sailings on Costa Allegra. A 15-night itinerary from June 21 starts from Hong Kong and then calls at Keelung, Naha Okinawa, Kobe, Tokyo, Nagasaki and Cheju before ending in Tianjin.

A14-night journey, departing iOctober 12, begins in Shanghai and then sails to Cheju, Nagasaki, Tokyo, Kobe, Naha Okinawa, Keelung and finally, Hong Kong.

Costa was the first international cruise company authorised to operate in the Chinese market and repositioned Costa Allegra in Hong Kong in 2006. It firmly believes increased interest in the Far East in general and the increased volume of UK visitors to the region the addition of Japan will be a big hit.

Said Costa UK Managing Director Marco Rosa: "We're hoping the addition of Japan will bring extra appeal to our Far East itineraries. The region is increasingly popular and very exciting as a destination. We know that UK cruisers are very adventurous and are always looking for the next new destination as demonstrated by the popularity of our China, Dubai and Indian Ocean itineraries with the UK market."