Costa Serena, a prestigious Italian cruise ship, has arrived in the Maldives with more than 3,000 tourists aboard. The ship, worth USD 450 million, set sail from the ports of Goa and Cochin in India and is currently moored near Male City.
The Costa Serena has brought a varied mix of travelers to the Maldives, with a majority being European and Asian tourists, including a significant number from India. This increase in tourist arrivals is anticipated to significantly benefit the local tourism sector.
The Costa Serena in Maldives has remarkable specifications, with a length of 950 feet and a crew capacity of 1,100. With room for 3,700 passengers, it is one of the larger ships to visit the Maldives, highlighting the increasing popularity of the island nation as a top destination for cruise ships.
The Costa Serena's arrival is a direct outcome of collaborative efforts between the Maldives government and the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA). In response to MAYA members' requests, the government proactively eliminated specific taxable provisions. This action has eased the arrival of Costa Serena and is expected to promote similar visits in the future.
