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Costa cruisesHistory
Costa company was established in 1854 under the name of the founder “Giacomo Costa fu Andrea” and was so successful in the trading of fabrics and olive oil between the markets of Genoa and Sardinia that it soon set up a fleet of ships transporting goods all over the world. The destruction of the Italian passenger fleet, the growing demand for passenger traffic, the economic crisis and the flood of emigrants across the ocean drew the attention of the far-sighted Costa family, and in 1947 they inaugurated a new passenger service. It was the steam ship Maria C. that began to meet the first demand for passenger transport, quickly followed by the Anna C., the first Italian transatlantic to cross the western Atlantic after the war. In 1953 the Franca C. opened new routes towards Venezuela and the Antilles. The launching of luxurious, new ships, equipped with air conditioning in first and second class and with comfortable and elegant rooms, impeccable service offering hospitality, comfort and the best of traditional Mediterranean cuisine denoted the unmistakable Italian style. In 1959 Costa realised the first ship in the world completely dedicated to pleasure cruises of 7 and 14 days in the United States and the Caribbean: the Franca C. During the eighties the idea of the ship as a floating hotel became increasing accepted. In 1997 the company was purchased by the American firm Carnival (50%) and the English firm Airtours (50%), increasing the investment capacity of the Genoese company while maintaining its identity as an Italian company. At the end of September 2000, The Carnival Corporation, having purchased all shares from Airtours, became the sole shareholder of Costa Crociere, Genoa. Costa Cruises has been part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, the world leader in the cruise sector, since April 2003. From November 1st, 2004 the brands AIDA Cruises and Costa Crociere will belong to Costa Crociere S.p.A., including a total of 15 ships in active service and 4 on order. All ships fly the Italian flag.
