MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazilian football super star Pelé joins the cruise industry

“O Rey” Pele

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

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 organized by Grupo Olympia, a company with more than 20 years of entertainment experience in Brazil. During the cruise presentation press conference, held 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". 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 "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 Brazilian cruise that puts football, samba and "feijoada" in the spotlight, with everything flavored to perfection by delicious caipiriñas.