Costa Commemorates Diamond Anniversary Jubilee with Incredible Savings on Europe 2008 Cruises

MIAMI, May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Costa, Europe's Number One Cruise Line, is kicking off its Diamond Anniversary in 2008 with incredible savings of up to 60% on most Europe 2008 itineraries. The "Diamond Anniversary Jubilee," which begins today, offers North Americans outstanding values for sailing Europe with Costa, the cruise line that offers the biggest and best selections in the region. In 2008, Costa will celebrate 60 years of "Cruising Italian Style," an experience that travelers around the world continue to come back to for its unique feeling of "love, laughter and la dolce vita."

The "Diamond Anniversary Jubilee" fares begin at just $549 per person for seven-night itineraries. Special fares are also available on Costa's two newest ships - the Costa Serena and Costa Concordia. Seven-night Eastern Mediterranean sailings aboard the Costa Serena from Venice begin at just $799 per person, while seven-night Western Mediterranean sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome), begin at just $649 per person on the Costa Concordia. Government taxes are additional and all fares are subject to change and based on availability. In addition, travel agents are invited to inquire about outstanding group fares, which are available for groups booked by July 31.

Costa offers a "true European experience" for travelers wherever they sail in the world, highlighted by the warm, authentic Italian hospitality that's become synonymous with the brand. With Costa's Europe, guests can explore the historic and beautiful reaches of Italy - one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world; the sun-soaked beaches of the Greek Isles and picturesque landscape of the Dalmatian Coast, the Mediterranean romance of France and Spain, the unique charm of the Canary Islands, the majestic fjords and medieval villages of Northern Europe, and so much more. With nearly 60 years of cruising the region and a fleet of innovative, new ships, Costa provides guests the best of the "old world" in a "new world" setting.

"There's simply never been a better time for travelers to enjoy the true European experience of sailing with Costa than with our incredible Diamond Anniversary Jubilee fares," said Lynn Torrent, President & CEO of Costa Cruise Lines-North America. "With more ships and more sailings in the region than any other cruise line, we truly offer the biggest and best selection for travelers to choose from in order to make their dream European getaway a reality at an outstanding value."

The Diamond Anniversary Jubilee fares kick off a series of celebrations forthcoming in months ahead that will celebrate Costa's 60 years of cruising. From contests, parties and more, Costa aficionados and novices alike are invited to share in the celebration of "Cruising Italian Style ... that's Amore," with Costa.

Costa, named "one of the top 10 cruise lines" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, offers an experience that is delightfully different in service and cuisine, in an atmosphere filled with love, laughter and la dolce vita. It's called "Cruising Italian Style" and true to its heritage, no detail has been overlooked in bringing the beauty and hospitality of Italy to the sea. Cruising Italian Style ... that's Amore!

The ships of Costa, Europe's Number One Cruise Line, range in size from 30,000-tons to 112,000-tons, and provide an ambience that is distinctly Italian - from the progressive architecture and stylish design to the unforgettable cuisine and gracious hospitality. With eleven ships in service and four on order, Costa offers cruises that span the globe on itineraries of three nights and longer throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Transatlantic, Far East, Dubai; and at the end of 2007, the Indian Ocean.

For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit http://www.costacruises.com/.

Costa Cruises is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc .

Costa Cruises is RINA certified with the BEST 4, a highly structured system of certifications involving social responsibility (SA 8000, 2001), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 1996), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). Costa Cruises is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.