Fincantieri Floats-Out Costa Cruises’ Future Flagship

Costa Cruises’ future flagship, the $739 million Costa Diadema, was floated out few days ago during a technical launch ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. 

“Costa Diadema will be our new flagship and our tangible commitment to the future success and growth of our company,” said Michael Thamm, chief executive officer of Costa Crociere S.p.A. “She is the 10th cruise ship built in Italy by Fincantieri for Costa since 2000, with a total investment worth almost US$6.7 billion.”

The ships godmother, Franca Grasso, a member of CostaClub chosen from among more than 12,000 guests who sailed on Costa ships in the Mediterranean during October and November 2013, cut the ribbon to break a bottle of champagne against the bow of the ship. The dry-dock basin was filled with water, and the ship was floated for the first time.

Costa Diadema will be the largest cruise ship flying the Italian flag, at 132,500 gross tons, 1,004 feet long, 122 feet in the beam, carrying 4,947 total guests and 1,253 crewmembers, with 1,854 guest cabins.

Among many innovations on Costa Diadema will be food and wine venues Vinoteca, Birreria (beer house), Japanese Teppanyaki, Piazza Pizza and Gelateria. New entertainment offerings include Country Rock Club, featuring “classic rock” music, and the Star Laser room, offering interactive laser games including Laser Maze. Portobello Market Piazza is an 11,840-square-foot area with designer stores and retail outlets.

Construction and fitting out will continue until Oct. 30, 2014, the scheduled date of delivery.

[mappress]
Source: costacruises, November 18, 2013