Cruising gets caught in the web
By: Louise Goldsbury and Bruce Piper, Cruise Weekly

Hate waiting for what seems like hours before you can get your cruise holiday started? Well now you can check-in online!

Costa Cruises has echoed the approach of several competitors by introducing a new web check-in service across its entire range of itineraries and vessels.

The three-step check-in process, which asks passengers to enter their booking number, fill out their personal details and print their boarding form for collection at the port, is now available to Australian clients via the Costa website.

The service effectively allows passengers to skip the sometimes lengthy check-in process and proceed directly to boarding.

"We are confident this new service will reduce waiting times at the pier, so passengers can board their cruise and start enjoying their holiday quicker," said Costa's Asia Pacific sales director, Dario Rustico.

The launch of web check-in here coincides with Costa's plans to place its two newest vessels in the United Arab Emirates.

From Dec this year, the new Costa Luminosa will sail a series of seven-day cruises from Dubai, where it will be joined by the Costa Deliziosa when it launches in early 2010.

The Arabian Gulf itineraries take in Muscat, Fujayah, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain and start from $952 per person.

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