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 cruise, called "O Cruzeiro de Pelé – Sabor Brasil," is organized by Grupo Olympia, a company with more than 20 years of entertainment experience in Brazil.
During the cruise presentation press conference, held in Madrid, Spain, 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".
The cruise will include conferences and meetings dedicated to "today's football."
"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 flavors 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 Brazilian rhythms, atmospheres and flavors, promises to get even the shiest guest 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" added Pelé.
Gastronomy will also be on center stage, with events based on Brazilian delicacies, including theme parties, like "Brasil em Alto 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 Brazilian cruise that puts football, samba and "feijoada" in the spotlight, with everything flavored to perfection by delicious caipirinhas.
Mercopress