Costa Cruises set for a return to the Indian Ocean for Vanilla Island tours

COSTA TO RETURN TO INDIAN OCEAN FOR VANILLA ISLAND CRUISES FROM EARLY 2015

(Posted 06th March 2014)

The Indian Ocean Vanilla Island Organization landed a major coup when it was confirmed yesterday that Costa Cruises will return to the islands with two ships and a capacity of 1.600 passengers each from early January next year, once again offering the classic island hopping itineraries from Reunion over Madagascar, Mauritius to the Seychelles.

With the security situation in these waters vastly improved, courtesy of a determined Seychelles taking the fight to the pirates and the international naval coalition guarding the sea lanes, Costa is the first of the major cruise lines to commit to a return although it is now thought that others may soon follow suit to avoid missing out on demand, once the market knows the Vanilla Islands are once again open for cruise business.

The organization will now assist to put the logistics in place, with the respective port authorities, hotels, resorts and DMC’s to be ready when Costa representatives come for site inspections which are expected over the coming months. Key to the success was reportedly the Mauritius Minister for Tourism Michael Sik Yuen who had on the opening day of this year’s ITB met the Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing of Costa Cruises Mr. Norbert Stiekema to discuss a return of the cruise line to the Indian Ocean although the Vanilla Island Organization’s new standing and cooperation between members was undoubtedly a major magnet for Costa to signal a return.

The last time a Costa cruise liner was in the region was a year ago, coinciding with the Carnival International de Victoria in the Seychelles, after being towed into port after an engine problem. The tourism sectors of the islands will be happy to hear about the new 14 day cruises coming their way and mainland ports like Mombasa will now, that the news are out, almost certainly take the opportunity and also knock on Costa’s and other cruise companies doors’ to offer attractive itineraries combining the various islands with safaris to East Africa’s famous national parks. Watch this space for future updates on this development.