Costa Cruises launches the "Costa Voyages Special Edition" cruises aboard the Costa Smeralda, with unique itineraries that will take guests to discover Africa and offer an exclusive program of experiences on board and on land.
The first cruise departs from Genoa on November 15, 2024, arriving in Dubai on December 21. The second cruise follows the reverse route, departing from Dubai on March 1, 2025, and returning to Genoa on April 7. During the 36-day voyage, the Costa Smeralda will circumnavigate West Africa, visiting destinations such as Namibia (Walvis Bay) and South Africa (Cape Town and Port Elizabeth), as well as the Canary Islands (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), Mauritius, and Oman (Muscat).
WELLNESS PROGRAMS WITH TECHNOGYM®
For the first time, with the exclusive "Costa Voyages Special Edition" cruises, Costa will offer wellness programs in collaboration with Technogym®, allowing guests to perfectly combine exercise and vacation.
The program, included in the cruise price, offers weekly check-ins with Technogym® equipment, access to instructor-led classes, wellness seminars, and use of the Technogym App for individual workouts. In addition, the optional "Premium Health" package includes a personal trainer, a customized exercise plan, exclusive gifts, treatment advice at the Solemio Spa, and healthy menus created in collaboration with Technogym® specialists, available at the Arlecchino Restaurant.
For the "Costa Voyages Special Edition," two marine destinations have been created focused on stargazing, taking advantage of the profound darkness of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The captain will guide this unique experience, allowing you to admire planets and constellations from a privileged vantage point.
The shore excursions on Costa Voyages Special Edition cruises offer experiences such as a three-day tour along South Africa's famous Garden Route, connecting Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, passing beaches, lagoons, and forests. Another option is a three-day safari to observe the Big Five of the African savanna, with accommodation in luxury suites. Additionally, travelers can explore the 7,500-hectare Lalibela Game Reserve for two days, discovering the African plains at sunrise and sunset, or embark on an expedition through the Namib Desert, traversing the dunes in a 4x4 and enjoying a 1920s-style camp.
In addition to this exclusive program, the Costa Smeralda's "Special Edition" cruises will offer the same experiences as "Costa Voyages," the new way to experience extended cruises available only with Costa. Onboard, guests can enjoy desserts created in collaboration with master pastry chef Iginio Massari. Three exclusive dinners with menus designed by renowned chefs—Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze, and Ángel León—will also be included in the fare. Another highlight is the Banquet Night Party, featuring a buffet accompanied by ice sculptures and a live DJ. Furthermore, "Costa Voyages" also offers the opportunity to toast with the captain during dinner, crowning the cruise with a truly memorable moment.
Onboard entertainment includes dance classes, art workshops, bridge competitions, and the "Behind the Scenes" guided tour. There will be three elegant evenings: Gala Night, Fashion Night, and Glamour Night, featuring dance competitions and parades.
For music lovers, the show produced in collaboration with Rolling Stone offers a journey through the history of rock, where the audience chooses the setlist. The cruises will also feature photography workshops led by Canon experts who will explain firsthand to guests how to capture unforgettable vacation memories (not available on the "Costa Voyages Special Edition").
In addition to the Costa Smeralda, "Costa Voyages" cruises are available on the Costa Fortuna, Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa ships, with 11- to 15-day itineraries visiting destinations such as the Canary Islands, the Azores, Greek villages, the souks of Morocco and the beaches of Normandy, providing unconventional onshore experiences.
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