Costa Cruise’s 1991 built Costa NeoClassica returns to the Mediterranean in 2017 to sail on a new, week long itinerary from the Italian port of Bari, on the heel of southern Italy.
Commencing on May 13th and running through until September 30th, this new itinerary sees the 1991 built ship calling in at Corfu, Heraklion in Crete, plus a call in Santorini lasting until midnight, and an overnight stay in Mykonos on each sailing.
Originally built by Fincantieri as the Costa Classica, the ship-along with her near twin sister, Costa NeoRomantica – were said at the time to be the most expensive cruise ships ever built. In 2014, the ship was restyled as the Costa NeoClassica and subjected to some extensive rebuilding to prepare her for a role on longer, moire destination intensive itineraries.
She sailed on several Indian Ocean and China bound cruises, seemingly with great success. Hence, her return to short, seven night cruises comes as something of a surprise.
That said, the late stays in Santorini, not to mention the overnight calls in famously hedonistic Mykonos, should prove immensely popular. Plus, the opportunity to embark in an Italian port as far south as Bari, puts the ship almost right in the centre of the Aegean itself on each sailing.
Interesting times, for sure. As ever, stay tuned.
travelswithanthonytwo 
Didn’t the Classica once display the builder’s model of the “Michelangelo”? Seeing that might be worth the fare for me.
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I have heard that story, but I don’t know if it’s true. But you’re quite right- it would certainly be well worth seeing.
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Anthony, I always look forward to your posts. Excellent writing, sir.
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Thanks so much- it’s a pleasure to write for people who appreciate this stuff
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This model is (was? I heard that models were removed) on Costa Fortuna. Another 1:50 model is (was? I have not been there for a while 😉 ) in the maritime museum in Venice.
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I’m planning a trip to Venice and hope to see it then. Does that museum have a large collection of models?
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I would guess so. Thus far, have never made it to that museum. Clearly, I need to change that 😉
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