Costa Cruises presents 'Happiness Squared'

To wish its customers a happy start to 2016, the Italian cruise line is offering a wide variety of new ideas and impressive endorsements: a new gala menu created by Michelin-starred chef Bruno Barbieri; exclusive excursions suggested by 'Turisti per Caso' (Tourists by Chance); popular television talent shows, such as 'La Voz del Mar' (The Voice of the Sea), which will be replicated on ships in the fleet; and, for the little ones, all the fun of the Peppa Pig world.
The new communication campaign will be launched soon and will feature a superstar endorsement: Shakira.
Costa Cruises is presenting a series of major innovations that will make vacations aboard its ships even more exclusive and unforgettable starting in 2016.
To make its customers happy, Costa has combined its renowned art of hospitality with spectacular ambassadors: an incredible gala menu created by Michelin-starred chef Bruno Barbieri; must-do excursions thanks to the suggestions of the 'Turisti per Caso' duo, Syusy Blady and Patrizio Roversi; And fun is guaranteed when popular talent shows like 'The Voice of the Sea' are replicated on board. And let's not forget the children, who will be able to meet the legendary Peppa Pig.
Costa's main novelty will be its new international communication campaign, which will be launched soon and includes the slogan “Benvenuti alla felicità al quadrato” (“Welcome to happiness squared”). The star of the campaign's flagship advertisement will also be an incredible ambassador: Shakira.
“Despite steady growth in recent years, the cruise market still has significant growth potential. In Europe, just over 1% of the population chooses cruises. To increase the number of cruise enthusiasts, we have focused both on new builds, ordering two state-of-the-art ships that will run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and will be delivered in 2019 and 2020, and on product innovation on the ships currently in service. Starting in 2016, we will offer a range of unique and exclusive experiences that can only be enjoyed on vacation with us. We are suggesting several distinct options to satisfy the diverse tastes and expectations of even those passengers who have never been on a cruise. Therefore, our communication campaign is based on the idea of ​​happiness squared. When people who vacation with us are happy, our happiness grows exponentially. And this is precisely what will happen on board our ships,” says Neil Palomba, Managing Director of Costa Cruises.
The first major initiative is an agreement focused on the finest Italian cuisine. Starting in January 2016, cruise passengers aboard Costa ships will be able to enjoy a signature menu created by Bruno Barbieri, the Italian chef with the most Michelin stars—a total of seven—during the gala dinner. The menu will be a true journey through traditional Italian flavors, from North to South.
During the cruise, Costa customers will find happiness not only on board the ships but also during the stops at the various destinations along the itinerary. To offer unique and unforgettable experiences, Costa has entrusted the expert travel duo behind 'Turisti per Caso,' who received the award for best tourism website in 2015. Syusy Blady and Patrizio Roversi have selected the best excursions from the more than 2,200 offered on Costa ships, focusing on those that allow passengers to discover the most impressive and distinctive aspects of each destination.
Furthermore, passengers will become true stars in all onboard entertainment activities. Starting in April 2016, Costa cruisers with a special talent for singing won't want to miss the opportunity to participate in the popular singing competition 'The Voice,' broadcast in more than 180 countries worldwide, which will be featured on Costa ships under the name 'The Voice of the Sea.' Participants will be selected during onboard karaoke sessions and will have the opportunity to hone their singing skills by rehearsing with onboard musicians and vocal coaches. Just like on the television show, on the night of the competition, a trio of coaches will choose the singers, without seeing their performances and simply listening to them, and they will become part of their teams. The audience will vote for the final winner.
Onboard fun will also be guaranteed for the youngest cruisers, who will enjoy a truly incredible experience in the company of their favorite cartoon character: Peppa Pig. Beloved by children in over 180 countries worldwide, Peppa Pig will be coming aboard Costa ships in April 2016 for fun-filled adventures. Children can meet and play with her in the Squok Club, a space that recreates locations from the cartoon, with sets that change from ship to ship. There will also be plenty of creative and educational games centered around the world of Peppa Pig for all children, under the constant and attentive supervision of the Squok Club staff.