Costa has returned to service in Asia with Costa Serena. Following two May departures around Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, Costa Serena departed June 1 from Busan, South Korea, heading to Nagasaki and Yatsushiro, Japan. This is the first outbound cruise to resume in South Korea after the end of cruise travel restrictions.
“With the departure of Costa Serena from Busan, we celebrate a historic event for cruises in Asia. We are, in fact, the first company to resume outbound cruises dedicated to South Korea, and soon also to Taiwan, after the pause due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. It’s a very important moment for the recovery of the cruise industry in Asia. We achieved this significant result thanks to our historic presence in Asia and established relationship with local partners and institutions,” said Mario Zanetti, president of Costa Cruises.
From June to October 2023, Costa Serena will operate a program of “charter” cruises in Asia, in cooperation with local travel partners. The total number of cruises is 35: eight cruises in June and October 2023 will be dedicated to the South Korean market, while another 27 cruises are planned for the Taiwan market from July to October 2023.
The itineraries, lasting from four to seven days, include some of the most beautiful destinations in East Asia, particularly Japan, such as Otaru, Muroran, Hakodate, Aomori, Fukuoka, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Yatsushiro, Kagoshima, Naha, Ishigaki and Miyakojima. Departures are scheduled from the ports of Busan, Sokcho and Pohang in South Korea, as well as from Keelung and Kaohsiung in Taiwan.
Costa Serena is an Italian-flagged ship built by Fincantieri shipyard that entered service in 2007. It is 114,000 gross tons and can accommodate up to 3,780 guests. On board Costa Serena, guests are able to enjoy a wide range of Italian-style gastronomic and entertainment experiences enriched with a local touch.