The first section of the new 114,500-ton Costa Pacifica, sister ship to the Costa Serena and Costa Concordia, was launched today in Palermo from the Fincantieri shipyard. Costa, Europe’s and South America’s Number One Cruise Line, marked the occasion by announcing the name of the ship to the public for the first time.
The future bow section of the Costa Pacifica (maximum capacity: 3,780) is 127 meters long, nearly 30 meters high, and weighs almost 8,000 tons. It was launched using the spectacular “bow sliding” method. After being positioned on a slide, the first section slid into the sea with the bow facing the water after the nearly 400 props supporting it were removed. In August, it will be transferred by sea to the Genoa Sestri Ponente shipyard where construction will continue, and where she is scheduled to be delivered in the Spring of 2009. As sister ship to the Costa Serena and Costa Concordia, the company’s current flagships, the Costa Pacifica will share the distinction of being the largest passenger vessel flying the Italian flag. Moreover, she will boast the same exciting innovations, including the Samsara Spa—one of the largest spas at sea, two swimming pools with retractable magrodomes, and an authentic Grand Prix race car driving simulator.
Costa currently has three new ships on order or under construction in Italy with Fincantieri. In addition to the Costa Pacifica, two additional ships, the Costa Luminosa (92,700-tons with a maximum capacity of 2,828 passengers) and her sister ship will be delivered by the Marghera shipyard in the Spring of 2009 and March 2010 respectively. At the end of 2010, when the last of the three ships currently on order is delivered, Costa’s fleet will be 15 vessels strong and will offer more than 30,000 lower berths. This will further strengthen the fleet’s position as Europe’s largest and most modern fleet, while also increasing its capacity by more than 30%.
Since 2000, Costa has invested approximately €3.5 billion in Italy to build seven new ships, all ordered from Fincantieri. These orders are part of an expansion program worth €4.5 billion to introduce 11 ships from 2000 to 2010.
Costa, named “one of the top 10 cruise lines” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, offers an experience that is delightfully different in service and cuisine, in an atmosphere filled with love, laughter and la dolce vita. It’s called “Cruising Italian Style” and true to its heritage, no detail has been overlooked in bringing the beauty and hospitality of Italy to the sea. Cruising Italian Style…that’s Amore!
The ships of Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line, range in size from 30,000-tons to 114,000-tons, and provide an ambience that is distinctly Italian – from the progressive architecture and stylish design to the unforgettable cuisine and gracious hospitality. With twelve ships in service and three on order, Costa offers cruises that span the globe on itineraries of three nights and longer throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Transatlantic, Far East, Dubai; and at the end of 2007, the Indian Ocean.
For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.
