In a move that is sure to make families take their teens out of school, Costa Cruises is feature 10N and 11N Mediterranean sailings, before Christmas, at super discounted prices. New packages begin at just $1,408 per person and include cruise fare, air fare, air tax, transfers and a one-night post hotel stay, if necessary.

For this rate, $1,408 per person for a 10N sailing, or $1,545 for an 11N sailing, guests may sail aboard sister ships Costa Pacifica or Costa Serena on Eastern or Western Mediterranean itineraries.

Starting fares are based on RT airfare from New York's JFK to Rome for the 10N sailing aboard the Costa Pacifica, departing from Civitavecchia, Italy on December 9, 2009. This sailing features stops in Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Egypt. Fares for the 11-night sailings are based on airfare from JFK to Savona, Italy for the December 8, 2009 sailing aboard the Costa Serena with stops in Spain, Morocco, the Canary Islands and Madeira.

Numerous additional airport gateways are available from the United States and Canada, for an additional fee, as are other departure dates and a variety of itineraries.  Since this is not the high season for Europe at all, and weather can be chilly, there are many bargains to be had through spring.

Costa offers a special brand of Italian warmth and European sophistication which distinguishes it from other carriers. From delectable fresh pastas, warm cappuccinos, international guests who become friends from around the world, and the constant "buongiorno" and "buonasera" from the crew, you'll know you're in Europe. Don't believe us? Read this review of a family cruise aboard Costa Cruises.

Both recently built vessels feature two pools with retractable glass magrodomes or roofs, ensuring pool time is enjoyable at any time of the year. In addition, the ships feature the award-winning Samsara Spa which, at over 23,000-square-feet, is one of the largest spas at sea. If you're planning to bring little ones along, be sure to check whether or not their fun Costa Kids Club will be operating during your cruise dates.

Families will also appreciate that all ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA's Green Star notation for environemntal compliance, and the company is an official partner of the WWF for the protection of the marine eco-regions of the Mediterranean, the Greater Antilles and Brazil.

For complete information regarding Costa's winter Europe Air/Sea packages, families may contact a travel agent, call 800/GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.