HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (Nov. 8, 2011) — Costa Voyager has been officially transferred to Costa Cruises’ fleet from Costa Crociere’s Spanish brand Iberocruceros, where it sailed as Grand Voyager. Costa Voyager will operate weeklong cruises in the Red Sea calling at destinations in Egypt, Israel and Jordan throughout 2012. The ship’s 15-day repositioning cruise will depart Savona, Italy, Nov. 20, 2011.
The 24,400-gross-ton, 927-guest Costa Voyager will undergo a $3.44 million renovation at the San Giorgio shipyard at the Port of Genoa in Italy Nov. 9-19. The work includes painting the current funnel with Costa CruisesÂ’ traditional yellow color and blue “C,” and customization to meet CostaÂ’s standards in public areas and cabins.
Costa Voyager — which was built by German yard Blohm & Voss and entered service in 2000 — has 416 cabins, including 16 panoramic suites and 12 suites with private balcony. The ship features three restaurants, four bars, a theater, wellness center with gym, treatment rooms, sauna and Turkish bath; swimming pool, disco, shopping center and Squok club for children.
Costa Voyager’s first cruise will be the 15-day journey from Savona to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, departing Nov. 20. From Dec. 5 to the end of 2012, Costa Voyager will sail seven-night Red Sea cruises, embarking Mondays at Sharm el-Sheikh where the ship will overnight before cruising to Eilat, Israel (overnight); Aqaba, Jordan, and Safaga and Sokhna, Egypt, returning to Sharm el-Sheikh.
The itinerary visits some of the most culturally rich and scenic ports in the region. From Eilat, excursions organized by Costa Cruises visit a natural oasis in the Negev desert, the fortress of Masada or the wonderful landscapes of the Dead Sea. From Aqaba, tours visit the pink city of Petra that is carved into the mountain. From Safaga there are excursions to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, or guests can enjoy the natural beauty of Hurghada and the crystal waters of the island of Mahamya. Sokhna provides access to some of the regionÂ’s most beautiful beaches.
Source: Costa Cruises
