Costa Asia in Set for Halal Kitchen Certification and Sailings Departing from Penang

Malaysia, September 2016 – Europe’s number 1 cruising company Costa Cruises is set to obtain certification for a Halal Kitchen onboard Costa Victoria, offering Muslim passengers a hassle-free vacation at sea without any dietary concerns, and an unique “Italy at Sea” cruising experience at the same time . The certification is expected to be achieved and will be fully ready before the inaugural Costa Victoria Southeast Asia sailing kicks off in Singapore, and in Penang for its first time, in October this year.

Costa Asia is devoted to strengthening its commitment to the highest standards of hospitality, especially in view of the rapidly growing demand for cruise holidays among Southeast Asian markets, where there is a significant Muslim population. Currently, the Costa Cruises is actively working with Penang International Halal Hub to ensure the kitchen on Costa Victoria is Halal qualified. This initiative is part of Costa Asia’s dedication to provide tailor-made experiences to the very important Asian market, while offering its guests the finest in Italian cuisine, culture, design and entertainment.

Between October 2016 and January 2017, the Costa Victoria will call at Singapore, Phuket in Thailand, as well as Malacca, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia for itineraries ranging from three to five nights. To enhance accessibility and convenience, guests based in Malaysia will be able to embark and disembark at Penang for departures in October and November 2016. This will enable them to enjoy the unique “Italy at Sea” cruising experience right at their doorsteps.

Mr. Buhdy Bok, President of Costa Group Asia, said, “Costa Asia is delighted to expand its services with its Halal-certified Kitchen onboard Costa Victoria, and the first-ever sailings departing from Penang. Over the past decades, Costa Asia has been providing exclusive “Italy at Sea” cruising experience to Asian travellers with the utmost fun and relaxation. As a market leader, we always look to go an extra mile on our products and services to bring our passengers the most creative and high-quality holiday travels at sea.”

Upon embarking on Costa Victoria from Singapore or Penang, guests will be taken on a remarkable adventure where they can explore the rich and immersive “Italy at Sea” experience and the prestige and mystery behind the City of Water’s “Carnival of Venice at Sea”. Cruise journeys vary from 3 to 5 nights, travelling to popular destinations, including Singapore; Malacca, Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia; and Phuket in Thailand. Highlights of Costa Victoria Southeast Asia sailings include:

• The “Carnival of Venice at Sea” programme, including the Venetian Gala Dinner, Carnival of Venice Theme Party with Carnival Paradeto and Round Dancing session, a collection of Italian theatre shows, as well as a series of workshops to prepare for the parties such as mask painting, costume making workshops or re-creating popular Venetian dishes.
• Exciting theatre shows include “Feel the Beat” mixed percussion and dance performance, “Sapori d’Italia” with a collection of Italy’s most memorable songs and musical, as well as the all-new Michael Jackson Tribute Show which brings the magic of the King of Pop to life.
• In terms of cuisine, a wide range of local and international dishes can be found, with child friendly meals available.
• Providing hassle-free and relaxing cruise holidays for family travellers, Kids under 13 cruise FREE, and the Squok Club is equipped onboard to provide tailored entertainment for children, with activities not limited to mask painting workshops, Venetian costume making workshops, and educational games.

For more information, please visit http://www.costaasia.com/.

About The Author

Shahida Sakeri

Officially a Deputy Editor with over 10 years in travel media. Unofficially? A professional suitcase overpacker with a knack for turning chance encounters and itineraries into vivid, story-driven features. When not fine-tuning articles, she’s likely front row at a concert, taste-testing something spicy, or deep in a conversation that veered wonderfully off-topic.

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