Loaded with Italian flair—Costa Cruises' new Costa neoRomantica sets sail in Asia for the first time

▲ The Costa neoRomantica sets sail on its maiden voyage today. (Photo provided by Costa Cruises)

Reported and photographed by Jiayun Yu / Taipei

The international Carnival Cruise brand “Costa Cruises” has made its debut in Taiwan, holding a grand maiden voyage ceremony for the Costa neoRomantica at Keelung Port today (April 12), marking Costa Cruises’ official entry into Taiwan’s cruise market. In 2016, Costa Cruises was honored with Japan’s “Best Cruise of the Year 2016” award. This launch in Taiwan is not only the ship’s first voyage in Asia but also a special limited-time opportunity exclusive to Taiwan. Three Keelung–Japan routes have been planned, including: Keelung–Miyako Island–Okinawa–Ishigaki Island, Keelung–Kagoshima–Nagasaki, and Keelung–Miyako–Ishigaki Island, inviting Taiwanese travelers to experience the charm of “Italy at sea.”

▲ Tang Fengrong, Vice President of Sales for China, Japan, and North Asia at Costa Cruises.

Tang Fengrong, Vice President of Sales for China, Japan, and North Asia at Costa Cruises, said: “Given the rapid growth of the cruise market in the Asia-Pacific region in recent years, with Taiwan becoming the second-largest cruise passenger source market in the region, Costa Cruises established an office in Taiwan last year. Today, we are making our inaugural departure from Keelung Port, bringing the essence of ‘Italy at sea’ to Taiwanese travelers and offering them a brand-new cruise vacation experience.”

The Costa neoRomantica inherits the brand’s authentic Italian spirit. Not only is it crafted with a low-key luxury style, but it also offers genuine Italian cuisine, a rich variety of themed parties and activities, as well as diverse leisure and entertainment facilities—providing travelers with a premium “Italy at sea” cruise holiday. Its decor, dining style, and entertainment programming are all infused with strong Italian character. The main spaces are adorned with original artworks and contemporary crafts, creating an elegant and fashionable atmosphere that showcases the exceptional quality of the Costa neoRomantica. Coupled with thoughtfully designed cabins and top-tier leisure amenities, it delivers a splendid, refined, and exquisitely enjoyable experience. The classic and charming color palette highlights Italy’s elegant and stylish taste.

▲ Spaces on board filled with Italian ambiance.

▲ Outdoor deck pool area.

The Costa neoRomantica features several elegant and tasteful specialty restaurants, serving primarily authentic Italian cuisine that brings the culinary delights of the Apennine Peninsula to the ship, alongside refined Japanese-style dishes to create a supremely satisfying gastronomic journey. The ship also specially arranges a variety of multicultural performances and themed parties, inviting guests to relax both body and mind, enjoy artistic enrichment, and deeply immerse themselves in Italian cultural charm.

▲ The ship’s refined steakhouse.

The Costa neoRomantica offers eight meticulously designed cabin types with a range of service options, tailored to provide passengers with comfortable and delightful personalized experiences. The leisure facilities are equally comprehensive, featuring not only a sophisticated gym, outdoor swimming pool, and open-air hot tubs, but also saunas, marine therapy pools, a spa center, a Japanese tea room, the Cecil Casino, and the Biarritz open-air pool bar—offering guests a wealth of experiences to fully enjoy their vacation on board. Additionally, meeting rooms and the Condotti Avenue shopping area are available, catering not only to business and conference needs but also providing opportunities for shopping enjoyment during the cruise.

▲ A leisure and entertainment space with transparent glass walls.

Costa Cruises has specifically planned three Keelung–Japan routes for the Costa neoRomantica’s inaugural voyage in Taiwan: April 12 [Keelung–Miyako Island–Okinawa–Ishigaki Island], a 5-day/4-night itinerary; April 16 [Keelung–Kagoshima–Nagasaki], a 6-day/5-night itinerary; and April 21 [Keelung–Miyako–Ishigaki Island], a 4-day/3-night itinerary. These are not only exclusive limited-time voyages but also the first Asian departures for the Costa neoRomantica. Travelers can enjoy a premium, luxurious, and elegant cruise experience while visiting famous attractions in Japan.