The “Costa Victoria”, an Italian cruise ship (75200 gross tonnage / 2394 total passenger capacity) docked at Hakata Port on 20th of May for the first time in 2012. This magical ship carries “Italian Style” of unforgettable enjoyment to all passengers!

Fukuoka City Visitor’s Guide and the map of Fukuoka are given out to Chinese tourists from their arrival at the port of hakata.

They received a cordial welcome from Volunteer interpreters known as “Welcome-Supporters” .

The shopping streets in Fukuoka, which is known as the ‘gateway to Asia’, were fully crowded with Chinese shoppers on that day.
The temporary ‘’Tourist Information’’ has opened in the first floor of Fukuoka City-hall and Volunteer interpreters known as “Welcome-Supporters” welcomed Chinese visitors.

Meanwhile, at the official welcoming ceremony on board, Mayor Takashima opened the ceremony with his speech and gave a memorial gift to Costa Victoria as a token of their friendship. Mayor Takashima said Fukuoka city continues to work on improving the facility and reception capacity of the Port to make administrative aspect of cruise ship calls smoother and easier, so that the increasing number and variety of cruise visitors would have a memorable time in Fukuoka. Also, Governor of Fukuoka prefecture Hiroshi Ogawa expressed himself how extremely honored they are to welcome Costa Victoria.

After the ceremony with a speech, we enjoyed a special performance.

 

Then, they gave us a special tour inside the ship with detailed explanation about the interior facilities and the ship’s operation and it did bring us joy and dream for a while!

There were many tourists who took picture in front of a huge Costa Victoria after a short stay in Fukuoka. Traditional Japanese performers ‘’Chindon-ya’’ and traditional Japanese dance ‘’Hakata-kenban’’ were popular with tourist.

 ’Chindon-ya’’

 ‘’Hakata-kenban’’

Passengers of Costa Victoria enjoyed last minute shopping for Hakata confectionaries and souvenirs at the ”Promotion Space ” which is located by the pier.

After a half-day stay in Fukuoka, Costa Victoria headed for the next destination Kagoshima around 7:00 pm. Enjoy the rest of your trip and See you again!