American Express offers card members trip on Costa Concordia

CAN American Express outdo the newspapers and Google with their Costa Concordia promotion? Seventeen bodies have been found so far on the Italian ship that ran aground. The blurb for the American Express Costa Concordia Experience – a $749 tour of Spin, Italy and France – runs:

“When you choose Costa Cruises, you don’t just see Europe — you live it. From authentic cuisine and beverages to dazzling decor and exhilarating celebrations, it’s easy to fall in love with the rich cultural heritage that inspires ‘Cruising Italian Style’. On an Eastern or Western Mediterranean vacation, you cruise through thousands of years of history, pampered with posh resort amenities in a floating environment of art and beauty. You’ll visit picturesque harbours, ancient ruins, busy markets and bustling boutiques — destinations that won Costa Cruises the Porthole Cruise Magazine Reader’s Choice Award for ‘Best Mediterranean Itineraries. On board you can relax in the dazzling casino, romantic piano bar, internet cafe or on a dance floor. Dine amidst Roman pillars and Italian marble in the main restaurant, savour a gourmet spa menu, or visit a cosy bistro for authentic pizza, gelato and cappuccino. Take time for a state of the art Technogym workout, a private golf lesson, pick-up water polo or bocce ball. Indulge in a Turkish or Roman steam bath. Or just linger on a spacious teak sun deck and savour la dolce vita. You can meet fascinating global travellers and dedicated staff with distinctively Continental perspectives. Barriers can dissolve in the high jinks of theme nights on board — tarantella dancing, ice carving or a Roman Toga party. As a member of the World’s Leading Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises offers a luxury cruise experience to cherish.”

American Express spokeswoman Christine Elliot tells media: ‘The mailing was already underway when the accident occurred.”

That’s unlucky. So. Is it worse than these efforts?

Il Gazzettino (Italy):