The 16th and 17th ships in the fleet of Costa Cruises will be called the Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa.

The two new sister ships (114,500 tons and 3,780 total guests), being built by Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard and due for delivery in summer 2011 and spring 2012, respectively, complete Costa’s fleet expansion program, following entry into service this year of the Costa Luminosa (in May) and the Costa Pacifica (in June), and at the end of January 2010 of the Costa Deliziosa.

The choice of names was guided by about 40,000 travel agents in over 40 countries, who submitted more than 16,000 pairs of names as part of the “Send us a sea of names” project, whereby travel agents, customers and web users all over the world took part in the search for the names for the two new Costa Cruises flagships. A shortlist of 25 pairs of names was posted at www.worldofcosta.com, and all visitors to the website were invited to choose their favorite pairing. More than 42,000 preferences were expressed.

The names chosen reflect the way that those who took part in “Send us a sea of names”, in particular the travel agents, see Costa’s ships as “magical” and “glamorous” places.

The Costa Favolosa is intended to be the epitome of ship interior design, interpreting the excitement and emotion of people who view the cruise as a magical voyage in a “contemporary enchanted castle”.

The Costa Fascinosa is designed to express that special glamour of a cruise ship and her capacity to arouse strong emotion and passion.

Magic and glamour, emotion and passion: these are the elements that have always inspired Costa Cruises in the design of the ships for its fleet and the creation of a unique and unforgettable cruise experience.

The Costa Favolosa will be the first of the two new vessels to enter service. The laying of the first “building block” is set to take place on Nov. 5 in Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard.

The Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa will be delivered in summer 2011 and spring 2012, respectively. They are part of a major fleet expansion program which, with 5 new ships due for delivery between 2009 and 2012 entailing a total investment worth some 2.4 billion euros, is presently the largest of its kind in the world.