Cruise Match

Enjoy a splash of summer on Costa Cruises as it sets sail to picturesque cities in Korea and China

Tuesday, 7 June 2011 (Travel Blackboard: Cruise News)

First-time calling for Qingdao this summer

As summer approaches, Costa Cruises, Europe's no.1 cruise company, has launched new 5-night and 6-night sailings on Costa Classica at special promotional rates. From June to August, Costa Classica will set sail from spectacular Shanghai to Incheon, Qingdao and Cheju. Family travelers can enjoy the incredible benefits from Costa's family value plan with kids cruise free offer*. They can free themselves from the hassle of packing their luggage from city to city, and let their children enjoy a variety of complimentary fun onboard programs to fully indulge in a refreshing summer vacation.   

Qingdao – "Switzerland of the Orient" 
This summer marks Costa's first calling at Qingdao, the hometown of A-list celebrities Fan Bingbing and Wang Xiaoming. Commonly known as the "Switzerland of the Orient", the panoramic city is located on the southern coastline of the Shandong Peninsula. As a former colony of Germany and Japan, Qingdao is embellished with awe-inspiring European architecture such as the Gothic-style Qingdao Catholic Church. 

To ensure guests make the most out of their visit to Qingdao, Costa Cruises offers a fun array of excursion activities. Guests will be taken on a tour of the Qingdao Naval Museum on the seashore, Qingdao Guest House where Mao Zedong used to summer, Xiaoyushan Park on the top of Little Fish Hill, which offers a magnificent view of the city, and the century-old Qingdao Beer Museum where guests can sip and taste different varieties of the world famous beer.  

Multi-faceted Shanghai 
Costa Classica takes guests to another iconic China city – the culturally rich port of Shanghai. For art aficionados, be sure to reserve plenty of time for strolling through some 120,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art pieces in the Shanghai Museum, featuring bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy, to name but a few. A sightseeing tour to the art-deco-style French Concession district adds a European twist, while the famous Xintiandi district provides a tempting line-up of dining, shopping and entertainment options. 

Panorama of Incheon 
Incheon city is located in northwestern South Korea and is the third most populous Korean city after Seoul and Busan. As the host city of the 17th Asian Games in 2014, Incheon boasts spectacular views and artistic aura. Costa's excursions allow you to indulge in the panorama of downtown Incheon from Freedom Park, and the precious Korean art pieces at the Insa-dong Palace. 

Resembling the shape of the tail of a half moon, Wolmi Island is a popular destination. Thrill-seekers can pay a visit to the Play Hill amusement park, taking rides on Apollo Disco and Viking. Guests can even go on a cultural exploration journey to the Doodle Pillar, Meeting Square, Arts Square, Performance Square and Good Harvest Square. 

Natural Wonders of Cheju 
The breathtaking Cheju is the southernmost and largest island off the Korean peninsula. Chosen as one of the 28 finalists of the new Seven Wonders of Nature campaign, the volcanic island boasts a tantalizing range of natural vistas. Guests can immerse themselves in the kingdom of rare plants, the underground world of Hyeopjae and Ssangyong Caves, the exhibition of world stones and bonsai artworks at the Hallim Park. Meanwhile the Teddy Bear Museum delights guests with a collection of antique teddy bears from all over the world. 

Heartwarming Family Cruising 
Costa Classica offers a tantalizing array of onboard activities for family travelers. Parents can embrace the relaxed, Italian style of Costa through onboard activities, including Italian theater shows, dance lessons and pizza cooking demonstrations, and savor the finger-licking Italian delicacies. 

Meanwhile, children can immerse into an array of fun games and activities at the Squok Club, including Italian mask making, face painting, karaoke competition and treasure hunt. What's more, Costa's chef will craft a sumptuous and nutritious "Fun @ Sea" dinner just for the kids#. 

Come aboard Costa Cruises with your beloved family and enjoy a splash of summer at sea. 

*Children under 18 years old sharing cabins with their parents can sail free on Costa Cruises (excluding port and insurance charges). Children between 14-17 years old sailing with parents and staying in the same room need only pay 50% service charge, whereas service charge is waived for children under 14 years old. 

**Fares are per person in US dollar based on twin accommodation and are subject to availability. Fares do not include port charges, service charges, visa expenses, excursion fee and other expenses. 

#Onboard activities may vary depending on sailing.