Costa Venezia, Costa Cruises’ ship for the Asian market, has embarked on its inaugural sailing: a 53-day trip following the tracks of Marco Polo through the Mediterranean to the Middle East, South-east Asia and the Far East before docking in Tokyo.
The ship departed from Trieste on March 8, and has just sailed to Singapore.
Costa Cruises says its new vessel is the largest deployed to Asia. At 135,500 ton and 323m in length, Costa Venezia has a capacity for 5,200 guests.
Roberto Verdino, deputy country manager for Japan, Korea and South-east Asia of Costa Group Asia, said: “Costa Venezia has been designed specifically with Asian travellers in mind. While we continue to offer authentic Italian experience, there are many facilities and specialty restaurants that are catered to Asian guests.”
Costa Venezia‘s theatre is inspired by the Venetian La Fenice opera house; the main atrium is reminiscent of St Mark’s Square, while the main restaurants recall the traditional architecture of Venetian alleys and squares. Actual gondolas, made by the Squero di San Trovaso artisans, can also be found on board.
Guests can savour the delicacies of regional Italian cuisines at the inclusive restaurants, as well as fine dining with menu curated by chef Umberto Bombana of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, 81⁄2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, at Restaurant Casanova, one of the five specialty restaurants.
While bringing Asian guests a taste of Italy, the ship will also help them feel at home with Asian food including hotpot, teppanyaki, dim sum and noodles.
In addition, Costa Venezia features more than 743m2 of retail space amid a two-deck Venetian-style shopping pavilion. The collection includes many famous Italian brands, including first-time-at-sea Max Mara, Salvatore Ferragamo and Bvlgari.
Costa Venezia further appeals to the Asian shopper with “the largest beauty space at sea”, measuring more than 232m2 and counting over 30 international brands such as the first-at-sea Clé de Peau Beauté and Hermès, Yves Saint Laurent, La Prairie, Bvlgari, Chanel, Dior, La Mer, SK-II and more.
Asian beauty brands include Dr Jart+, Sulwhasoo and The History of Whoo. The Merchant of Venice, a refined perfumer that pays homage to the beauty of Venetian culture, also makes its debut both at sea and in Asia.
In another first, Bvlgari joins Costa Cruises and Starboard to present “the Bvlgari Jewelry Show”. The luxury line-up also includes Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre Tiffany & Co, Mikimoto, and many more, tax and duty free.
The ship will also host nightly shows and performances, among which is Venezia Innamorata, a musical inspired by the love stories of Venetian author Giacomo Casanova, specially created for Costa Venezia’s Teatro Rosso. In addition, there will be themed parties such as the Golden Party and Carnival of Venice masked ball.
Soccer fans will find Asia’s exclusive Juventus Football Club at sea and enjoy a total Italian football experience with special facilities on Costa Venezia including an outdoor soccer field, an indoor academy, a museum showcasing historic trophies and memorabilia from as far back as the 1970s, magazine photos from all eras, jerseys and signed shoes from the club’s successful seasons, as well as a retail shop selling limited edition commemorative merchandise.
The ship has both outdoor and indoor swimming pools and jacuzzis, an aqua park with water slides, a mini golf course, a high-rope garden, outdoor fitness facilities, a wellness complex with gym and spa, clubs for teens and kids, and many more.
A second ship designed exclusively for the Asian market, a sister ship to Costa Venezia, is currently under construction by Fincantieri in Marghera and is expected to be delivered in 2020.
