23 October 2009

Cruise line to maintain use of private island

Costa Cruises has been granted a five year extension for the use of Catalina Island off the Dominican Republic as a private beach resort.

The Italian line’s ships have made regular stopovers since 1993, bringing around 60,000 passengers to the Dominican Republic in the winter 2008/09 season.

Costa has invested million of dollars in tourism infrastructure on Catalina Island over 16 years.

The ten km² island is home to a barrier reef and nature reserve and is part of Costa Mediterranea’s itinerary on 2009/10 winter Caribbean cruises.

The ship will be in Catalina, originally discovered by Christopher Columbus, every Tuesday between December 22 and April 13.

With the vessel anchored a few hundred meters from the shore, there is a shuttle service by tender to and from the island. The beach resort is equipped with deckchairs, sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as barbecue and bar facilities.

Costa Mediterranea will be offering seven-night cruises from Guadeloupe to St. Maarten, La Romana, Catalina Island, Tortola, Antigua, and St. Lucia.

The cruise company said the renewal of the concession for Catalina Island was also made possible due its commitment to the promotion of responsible tourism, playing an active part in cleaning and preserving the beach where waste streams are collected separately for recycling.

Shore excursions are organised in accordance with the principles of environmental compliance and sustainable tourism, with the company’s 2010 brochure including around 240 eco-tourism excursions comprising visits to parks, oases and nature reserves.

by Phil Davies