On 28 June 2009, the flagship of the Costa fleet will sail the first cruise dedicated to “O’ Rey”, the King of world football. Pelé will be joined by some of Europe’s top footballers of the 20th century, presidents of football federations, confederations and clubs, plus great Brazilian performers like Toquinho and Alexandre Pires.

On 28 June 2009, the Costa Serena, the flagship of the Italian fleet of Costa Cruises, will depart from Venice on the first cruise dedicated to Edson Arantes Do Nascimento, better known as “Pelé”, the “O’ Rey” (the King) of world football.

The cruise, called “El crucero de Pelé – Sabor Brasil”, an exclusive and totally innovative event in the world tourism industry, is organised by Grupo Olympia, a company with more than 20 years of entertainment experience in Brazil.

During the cruise presentation press conference, held yesterday in Madrid, Pelé stated: “I would like to take this occasion to invite some of Europe’s best footballers of the 20th century to take this cruise. Passengers will include presidents of football confederations, federations and clubs as well as other big names from the sports and media world. Conferences and meetings dedicated to “today’s football” will also be held during the cruise. During my career as a footballer, I was often far from my family and my friends, but I have never forgotten the special atmosphere and the unique flavours of my country. When I began to feel “saudade”, meaning when I was homesick, what I wanted the most was to be able to experience the traditions and customs of my beloved Brazil. The Costa Serena cruise, during which everything will be focused on Brazil, will spread joy throughout the entire eastern Mediterranean, with stops in Italy, Croatia and Greece. I look forward to seeing you all on board.”

The cruise program, based on “brasileñi” (Brazilian) rhythms, atmospheres and flavours, promises to get even the most reserved of guests totally involved. The cruise will be the perfect combination of pleasure and fun, with lots of parties, festivities and musical shows involving great Brazilian performers such Alexandre Pires, Toquinho and the Grupo Sereno.

Gastronomy will also be on centre stage, with events based on Brazilian delicacies, including theme parties, like “Brasíl en Alta Mar“. There will also be an exhibition of historic collectors’ items tied to some of the great moments in Pelé’s life, with never-seen-before video clips. In other words, a real “brazileña” cruise that puts football, samba and “feijoada” in the spotlight, with everything flavoured to perfection by delicious caipiriñas.

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