August 10, 2009 - Costa Cruises has landed the title of Best Cruise Operator at the 2009 China Travel & Meeting Industry Awards.

The award, initiated by Travel Weekly China, is the only all-round recognition prize for the cruise industry in the 2009 China Travel & Meeting Industry Awards. Costa Cruises was nominated by a professional jury and won the votes of almost 600,000 readers of Travel Weekly China. As the first international cruise company to enter China, just three years ago, Costa Cruises has quickly established a solid reputation at the helm of the Chinese market. In April 2009, Costa Cruises welcomed its second cruise ship to China, the Costa Classica, and is the first and only international cruise company to have two ships operating simultaneously in the region. In January 2010, Costa will become the first international cruise company to operate regular Taiwan cruise itineraries for mainland tour groups. Costa Classica will offer 15 cruises departing from Hong Kong, visiting some of Taiwan's most appealing cities: Taipei, Keelung and Taichung. Costa Cruises will be increasing its investment in the Far East by replacing Costa Allegra (25,600tons, 1,000 total guests) with the larger Costa Romantica (53,000 tons, 1,697 total guests) in 2010. Costa Romantica will join her sister ship Costa Classica in China in June 2010, to allow even more passengers to enjoy a wonderful and memorable cruise journey.