Italian cruise line Costa Cruises has a number of tempting cruises around the Mediterranean for the upcoming May bank holidays.
With a fleet of 12 cruise ships plus five new ships due to enter service by 2012, Costa Cruises claims to be the leading cruise line in the Med, carrying more than 1.1 million passengers last year.
For the early May bank holiday Costa Cruises has a choice of itineraries. Departing on 2nd May from Barcelona in Spain the Costa Magica takes in some of the highlights of the Riviera. The ship calls at Marseille and Naples, from where shore excursions can be taken to Capri or the ruins of Pompeii. Next stop is the Sicilian capital of Palermo, then the exotic markets of Tunis and the lively city of Palma de Mallorca before the return to Barcelona. Prices start from £606.50 per person.
Sailing on 3rd May from Savona in Italy, the Costa Classica embarks on a five night cruise discovering the history and landscapes of the Mediterranean. First port of call is Ajaccio in Corsica, followed by Tunis and La Valetta in Malta. Last stop is Naples before the return to Savona. Prices from £451.50 per person.
For the late May bank holiday Costa also offers a choice of cruises. An eight night cruise around Italy, Spain and Portugal leaves from Savona on 24th May. The cruise onboard the Costa Classica takes in Barcelona, Alicante, Gibraltar, Lisbon, and Cadiz [for excursions to Seville and Malaga]. Prices from £774 per person.
For a taste of northern Europe the Costa Mediterranea departs from Copenhagen on 25th May for a seven night cruise. Cities visited include Tallinn in Estonia, St Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm. The lead in price is £803.50 per person.
Written by: Nick Purdom