Costa Christen Fascinosa While Remembering Concordia

2012-05-08

Costa Cruises this week christened their newest ship, Costa Fascinosa, but in respect to the Concordia disaster, the event — which would usually be a flamboyant, firework-filled affair — was kept to a low-key affair.

The 114,500 tonne, 3,000 passenger ship made its debut over the weekend, where even the choice of godmother was a low-key choice — with Elsa Gnudi, the daughter of Italy's minister of tourism, Pier Gnudi, chosen for the role. The ceremony included a minutes silence for the 32 people who lost their lives onboard Costa Concordia.

Despite the tragedy earlier in the year, Costa Cruises executives are positive of an upturn in fortunes for the cruise line, and the launch of the Costa Fascinosa seems like the most apt way to show that. Costa's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pier Luigi Foschi, said the company has "bounced back... [and that] booking volumes are back to the same levels recorded this time last year... Our share of the market in the main countries where we operate has not been affected. We were, are and will remain number one in Europe."

Another aspect of the christening related to the Concordia tragedy, was the launch of Costa's new real-time route monitoring system. This falls into place with last month's new safety procedures announcement from the Cruise Lines International Associated. The new safety legislation includes the implementation of passage planning, where each passage plan is thoroughly briefed to all bridge team members and has to be drafted by a designated officer and approved by the ship's master.

Costa Fascinosa departed on her pre-inaugural five night cruise visiting ports in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia over the weekend and will take her inaugural cruise on Friday — a ten night sailing around the Eastern Med.

Written by Stephen Adam
© Iglucruise

Costa Concordia Update: Fuel Removal Begins

2012-02-13

According to the Associated Press, the process to remove 2,300 tonnes of fuel from the Costa Concordia is finally underway. The pumping began on Sunday afternoon, with the work being done by Dutch Salvage company Smit.

The initial plans are to concentrate on the first of fifteen tanks that are believed to hold 84% of the ship's fuel. The process involves attaching two valves to each fuel tank, one at the bottom and one at the top and slowly pumping the fuel out. The engineers will also need to carefully warm the fuel to reduce viscosity in order to make the process more efficient.

The fuel is then being pumped to crane barge alongside the ship, before being transferred to a waiting oil tanker. The process is expected to take four weeks to complete.

Costa have been waiting two weeks for the process to begin due to various weather conditions making it too unsafe to begin, as there were fears the ship could move from its resting place. There is now a matter of urgency to prevent any fuel leaking onto Giglio's pristine coastline, though no major leaks have been reported as yet.

Costa have yet to announce whether the ship will be salvaged or taken apart for removal, though the entire process is expected to take seven to ten months, regardless of how the Costa Concordia is moved.

On Sunday Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and other senior officials attended a memorial mass in Rome for the victims of the tragedy.

Napolitano said: "[he was sorry that what transpired] was the responsibility of Italy and Italians... We must continue to investigate. Prosecutors deserve respect for the job they're doing."

Written by Stephen Adam
© Iglucruise

Costa Deliziosa now in service

2010-03-02

Costa Cruises officially inaugurated Costa Deliziosa into its fleet of ships at a ceremony held in the Middle Eastern destination of Dubai.

Some 2,200 maiden voyage passengers and thousands of other guests were on hand to witness the launch of the vessel, which is capable of catering for 2,100 cruise lovers, with an accompanying crew of over 900.

Members of Dubai's royal family were also present as the launch coincided with the official opening of Dubai's new cruise terminal, which is expected to handle 125 cruise ship calls this year.

Alongside sister ship Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa will be based in the emirate, which is looking forwarding to receiving around 325,000 passengers this year alone.

Costa chairman and chief executive Pier Luigi Foschi highlighted the company's track record in serving the destination.

He is quoted by TTG Live as saying: "We were the first company in the world to offer regular cruises from Dubai in 2006 when we carried 44,000 people. This year, it will be 150,000."

Written by Chris Smith.

Costa Deliziosa to offer gold facial mask

2010-02-17

Cruise lovers opting for a voyage on Costa Deliziosa will be able to sample Europe' first ever real gold facial mask, which is now available on the brand new ship.

Made from 24-carat gold leaf, the world's most luxurious facial treatment can be enjoyed on the ship's Samsara Spa, which also boasts being the largest health retreat afloat.

According to Costa Cruises, the mask is "heralded as the ultimate in rejuvenation" and those treating themselves to it will have the gold "applied and massaged into their skin until it disappears".

The firm said that the 24-carat application "is reputed to lift and firm skin, reduce wrinkles and clarify the complexion by speeding up cell renewal through powerful magnetic forces".

The treatment draws inspiration from Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, who is believed to have applied a gold mask every night.

Costa Cruises operates 15 ships offering a wide range of itineraries to various destinations around the world.

Written by Chris Smith.

Costa Serena in new National Geographic Channel documentary

2010-02-05

Cruise lovers will have a chance to see life aboard one of the world's most spectacular cruise ships in a new reality TV series featuring Costa Serena.

The 3,800-passenger vessel, which is operated by Costa Cruises, is to be featured in a six-part documentary on the National Geographic Channel, making its premier Sunday February 7th at 7:00pm.

Cruise Ship Diaries will explore how the ship's 1,000 crew members go about ensuring holidaymakers on the Italian vessel have the experience expected of a holiday at sea.

Behind-the-scenes footage will allow cruise lovers to access all areas of the ship, including restricted segments, which they would not be able to view on a routine voyage.

As well as four pools and 14 guest decks, the luxury cruise ship has 230,000 kilogrammes of food each week, 2,500 kilos of which are tomatoes, according to the documentary.

More Brits are choosing to take cruise holidays as the sector expands with the introduction of new ships and a greater choice of itineraries.

Written by Chris Smith.

Kick off 2010 with Costa Cruises' Samsara Spa breaks

2009-12-15

Holidaymakers wishing to start 2010 with a bit of pampering have been advised to treat themselves to a cruise holiday on one of Costa Cruises' luxury vessels.

The company said a relaxing Samsara Spa break on the sea is an ideal way to bring in the new year and recommended its vessels, home to some of the largest and most luxurious spas afloat.

Costa Concordia, Costa Serena, Costa Pacifica and Costa Luminosa all boast Samsara Spas, which feature a Thalassotherapy bath, a rock sauna, a Turkish bath and a host of treatments.

Holidaymakers can also get a healthy start to the year by spending some time in the onboard fitness centre or pop into the dedicated wellness restaurant for some healthy treats.

Several voyages ranging from seven-night cruises to 11-night itineraries are currently being offered across the aforementioned ships in early January.

Prices start from £949 per person on a cruise-only basis, with all meals, entertainment and activities included.

Cruise holidays are expected to hit 1.65 million in 2010, according to the Passenger Shipping Association.

Written by Chris Smith.

Costa Deliziosa to offer 'incredible' inaugural journey

2009-12-08

Costa Cruises is inviting holidaymakers on "an incredible journey" taking in destinations such as Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Oman and Abu Dhabi as its new vessel goes on its inaugural voyage.

A 20-night itinerary makes up the first voyage of Costa Deliziosa, which will depart Dubai on February 5th 2010 after its naming ceremony.

Holidaymakers opting for the voyage will be among the first people to enjoy "some of the most fantastic facilities in the world of cruising", such as an exceptional 4D cinema, according to Costa Cruises.

Other features in the new ship include a Grand Prix driving simulator, a roller-skating track, an exclusive golf simulator complete with an outdoor putting green and a PlayStation Experience.

Those eager for some pampering while at sea will have their wishes fulfilled in the Samsara Spa, which is one of the largest spas on a ship, according to the cruise operator.

More than 1.65 million British people are expected to take a cruise holiday next year, according to the Passenger Shipping Association.

Written by Chris Smith.

Costa Cruises to begin 2010 with 'a big splash'

2009-12-01

Cruise lovers can look forward to enjoying more voyages, countries and itineraries thanks to Costa Cruises, which has revealed that it is going into 2010 with "a big splash".

After taking delivery of its latest ship Costa Deliziosa, which has boosted its fleet to 15 cruise ships, the company is offering a variety of enticing itineraries and dates next year.

Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa, which have been dubbed the "jewels of the Emirates", are offering cruise lovers seven-night voyages from £499, a saving of £230 off the full brochure price.

A new April sailing to Canada and the US is available through Costa Atlantica, which has an 11-night itinerary from £789, nearly £400 off the full brochure price.

Holidaymakers can also enjoy a saving of £670 off the full brochure price on Costa Romantica, which has 21 nights from £1,479, with "the most exotic and must-see places in the world" on the itinerary.

Costa Deliziosa is scheduled to be launched in Dubai on February 23rd 2010.

Written by Chris Smith.

Costa Cruises prepares Deliziosa for launch

2009-11-26

Costa Cruises has completed the official technical trials of its latest vessel in the open sea, paving the way for its inauguration next year.

Scheduled to be launched in Dubai on February 23rd 2010, Costa Deliziosa came through her sea trials successfully after she was put through an endurance test and other exercises.

The luxury cruise ship, which is Costa Cruises' 15th vessel, will bring to the market a new level of refinement designed to deliver "an experience of 'sheer pleasure', according to the company.

Costa added that "this is readily apparent in her cutting-edge design and use of premium materials" including a variety of marble and granite, as well as hand-moulded stucco.

Other decorative interior finishes include "parchment scroll" lame, polished Zebrano wood and Wenge timber and Murano glass and stylish polished and glazed steel.

Ships operated by Costa Cruises, which is an Italian company, include Costa Europa, Costa Luminosa and Costa Atlantica.

Written by Chris Smith.

Costa Cruises names two new ships

2009-11-05

Costa Cruises has announced the expansion of its fleet of ships with the naming of two new vessels that will make their debut in 2011 and 2012.

The company has named the ships Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa after considering over 16,000 suggestions from more than 40,000 travel agents and cruise lovers around the world.

According to the cruise operator, the names for the 16th and 17th ships were chosen "based on their definition of the all-encompassing magic, glamour, emotion and passion" reflected across its line.

Part of a major expansion strategy, the sister ships will be capable of accommodating 3,780 passengers each and will enhance the company's reach across its 250 destinations including the Mediterranean and northern Europe.

While Costa Favolosa is meant to be the "the epitome of ship interior design" as well as a "contemporary enchanted castle", its sister vessel is design to represent the "glamour of a cruise ship".

Other ships operated by the company include Costa Atlantica and Costa Luminosa.

Written by Chris Smith.

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