OREANDA-NEWS. February 01, 2016. Costa Cruises and the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome have announced an innovative initiative in keeping with Italy’s finest and its inimitable musical traditions.  From January until the end of May 2016, the best young talent from the prestigious conservatory will be performing on the Costa neoClassica on cruises to the loveliest destinations in Ancient Greece and spectacular Meteora.

The ship will host a group of 14 students from the Conservatory of Santa Cecilia, who will alternate in four matinee performances on each cruise.  The small orchestra will consist of a conductor and 7 members:  piano, violin, strings, woodwinds, guitar, a tenor and a soprano.  They will perform in different formations, with solos and ensembles, interpreting pieces ranging from classical, baroque and opera to the soundtracks of some of the great films of the 20th century.                               

During these special events the Italian and international classical musical tradition will take center stage together with some modern offerings, in splendid shows that will allow all the guests to share a unique experience.  The matinees, open to all Costa neoClassica guests, were organized to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the CostaClub, the loyalty program of the Italian company. They will be added to Costa’s already rich array of entertainment, characterized by Broadway-style productions with casts of leading professionals. Also on the bill are exciting dance performances and lessons for the guests with professional dancers.

“Ancient Greece”

From January 31 through May 18, 2016 the Costa neoClassica is sailing on 13-day cruises that allows you to discover the mythical places of Ancient Greece:  for example, during the long port calls (until midnight) at Kalamata and Nauplia guests can visit ancient Messene, Mycenae and Corinth as well lesser known highlights like the Byzantine ghost town of Mystra and Palamidi Castle; in Athens, of course, a visit to the Acropolis is a must.  The neoClassica also calls at Volos, the gateway for tours to spectacular Meteora, with the ancient orthodox monasteries built into and on top of huge pinnacles of smooth rock.  Before and after Greece, the cruise takes in some of the other pearls of the Mediterranean like Marseille, from where you can go on an excursion to Avignon and Provence, Naples, Trapani, where there are also tours to the Egadi, Erice, Segesta and Marsala, and Savona, with the chance to see the medieval village of Finalborgo.

Like the other Costa neoCollection itineraries, this one on the Costa neoClassica is ideal for anyone seeking a more leisurely and relaxing vacation with more flexibility on board and ashore, and authentic experiences in the heart of each destination.  The shore tours are very enticing:  from the discovery of artistic and natural attractions that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites to exciting experiences with longer stopovers and “premium” tours specially designed for small groups.  On board, guests will find the best in Italian hospitality, cuisine and entertainment, with many of Italy’s top brand names, for a truly unforgettable vacation.  Guests should look out for the meetings with port lecturers, who will brief them on the history and natural scenery of each destination on the Costa neoClassica.

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With the happiness of its guests in mind, starting in 2016 Costa Cruises is offering a host of innovations with celebrity endorsements:  on board Costa ships you can sample a new menu created by Michelin-starred chef Bruno Barbieri thanks to a partnership fostering the very best Italian cuisine.  The cruisers will themselves be the stars of the entertainment on board when they appear on the stage of famous TV talent shows like The Voice of the Sea, which will be reproduced in the ships’ theaters.  For the youngest guests too, the cruise will be an even more thrilling and unforgettable experience, thanks to the arrival on board of Peppa Pig, the star of the animated children’s television series of the same name.  The introduction of these unique exclusive experiences marks Costa Cruises’ invitation to all its guests to enjoy "happiness squared", as portrayed in the new advertising campaign starring Shakira:  the principle is that your own happiness is enhanced, or rather multiplied, because you can also see it in the eyes of your fellow Guests.