Lotte Tour to operate cruise to Hong Kong

South Korea's Lotte Tour Development Co. announced on Tuesday that it signed a charter agreement with global cruise line Costa Cruises to operate a cruise to Hong Kong, marking the first time a Korean company has done so.

Under this agreement, Lotte Tour plans to operate a 10-night, 11-day long-distance cruise from Incheon to Hong Kong starting next January.

The itinerary includes departure from Incheon Port, stops in Okinawa and Ishigaki, Japan, a 2-day stay in Hong Kong, followed by a visit to Keelung, Taiwan, and concluding at Busan Port.

This itinerary is the first of its kind, departing from Incheon and catering to winter cruises, a new travel segment for the Korean market.

Costa Serena, a 114,500-ton ship with a capacity of over 1,400 passengers, will be used for the voyage.

The vessel boasts amenities including multiple swimming pools and a grand theater.

Write to Sun A Lee at suna@hankyung.com