Europe Welcomes China’s First Around-the-world Cruise With Highest Honor
China’s first around-the-world cruise visited its first stop in Europe–Greece, from March 27, receiving warm greetings from the local governments with highest honor.
After visiting the most fascinating places in Asia since her departure from Shanghai on March 1, Costa Atlantica has taken nearly 1,000 passengers on China’s first around-the-world cruise to Greece, as the first stop in Europe from March 27 to 29, and received warm greetings from the local government and residents.
The following port cities on the itinerary along the Mediterranean coast are also in preparation to welcome the world-travellers from China.
The Greek government held traditional ceremonies in Heraklion and Athens in celebration of China’s first around-the-world cruise. In Heraklion, Mr. Michalis Vamiedaki, Commissioner of Tourism Hellenic Republic Region of Crete, and Mr. Yannis Mpras, CEO of Heraklion Port Authority, greeted the Chinese passengers from Costa Atlantica at the port, presenting them the Palace of Knossos, landmark of Crete, followed by Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, the epitome of local culture and the second largest in Greece.
In Athens, Chinese passenger representatives were welcomed by Elena Kountoura, the Minister of Greek National Tourism Organization, and Mr.& Mrs. Zou, China Ambassadors to Greece, with a welcome ceremony held in Acropolis Museum and a luncheon particularly prepared. The arrival of Costa Atlantica was an occasion of celebration for the whole city, with mainstream local media gathering and reporting this historical moment with coincidence of Chinese President Xi recent announcement of detailed strategy of the “Silk Road at Sea”, the route of which is very similar to the first world cruise in China .
After Greece, Costa Atlantica will sail to Rome (Civitavecchia port) and Barcelona, where water cannons will salute her arrival, delivering a warm welcome and blessing for the success of the extraordinary voyage.
Departed from Shanghai, passengers on board the world cruise have taken in the splendour and modern-day vibrancy in Asia, the beauties of tropical island paradises. Afterwards they are going to enjoy the classic culture and history of profound Europe and the modernization of American metropolis. Particularly in Europe, where the cruise holiday came into its being, passengers will stop in Heraklion, Athens and Santorini in Greece, then continue westwards heading to Catania and Rome (Civitavecchia port) in Italy, Marseilles in France, Barcelona in Spain and Lisbon and Ponta Delgada in Portugal to enjoy the hospitalities from the local governments and residents, experience the best of Western Europe from fine wines and dines as well as beautiful scenery and rich culture.
The successful departure of China’s first around-the-world cruise reflects a new chapter in China’s tourism industry, bringing China into the World Cruise Era. It has offered an exceptional travel opportunity to a broad target audience with an eventful and exciting world cruise premiere. With the support of local government, tourism boards, and Costa’s trade partners, this world cruise will have a tremendous impact on the Chinese cruise industry.
