Costa Cruises Named a Top-Five Ocean Cruise Line in 2017 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

MIAMI (Jan. 3, 2018) — The largest Italian travel company and Europe's favorite cruise line, Costa Cruises, was voted fourth in the “Best Ocean Cruise Line” and ninth in the “Best Cruise Line for Millennials” categories of the 2017 edition of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts, which includes a combination of editors from USA Today, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors and sources for those media and other Gannett properties. Award rules allow the public to vote online over four weeks.

“It’s an amazing honor for Costa Cruises to have been voted among the top 10 in two incredibly competitive categories,” said Ruben Perez, general manager, Costa Cruises North America. “It’s a great way to kick off our 70th anniversary year in 2018 with savvy cruisers and our fans taking us to new heights as they show their love for the Costa product.”

With a strong international consumer base, Costa has continued to position itself as one of the ideal choices in cruising for millennial travelers. From exotic destinations and shore excursions to creative culinary and wellness experiences, it’s no wonder why voters not only chose Costa Cruises as one the best ocean cruise lines but also as one of the best cruise lines for this experience-minded generation seeking to fulfill their wanderlust.

Currently, the Costa fleet has 15 ships in service, all flying the Italian flag with two new vessels fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) to be delivered in 2019 and 2021. Costa’s ships sail 140 different routes and call at 250 destinations around the world. Costa provides Italian excellence across its onboard experiences from unique entertainment options to partnerships with wellknown Italian brands such as illycaffè, Barilla, Ferrari Trento wines and Nutella.

To learn more about Costa Cruises, visit www.costacruise.com. For reservations, call a travel agent or 800-GO-COSTA. Connect directly with Costa socially on Costa's official Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.

About Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises is an Italian company that is part of Carnival Corporation & plc, the largest cruise group in the world. For 69 years the ships of the Costa fleet have been travelling the world's seas offering hospitality and authentic Italian style holidays, distinguished by exquisite food, fine wines, unique shopping experiences, and a comprehensive selection of famous Italian brands. Currently the Costa fleet has 15 ships in service, all flying the Italian flag. Two new latest generation vessels are expected in 2019 and 2021. They will be fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world's "cleanest fossil fuel", and a real environmental innovation. Costa represents Italian excellence, and every day surpasses the expectations of its guests with a unique and unforgettable holiday experience. It does this thanks to the approximately 19,000 employees around the world who work to provide the best of Italy on board, with 140 different routes, 250 destinations and 60 ports of embarkation.