The countdown has begun to Friday, June 5 when Genoa will be hosting the big event with the joint christening of the Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica, the two new members of the Costa Cruises fleet: this Guinness record breaking event will involve the whole city in a spectacle of light and music dedicated to Italian-made excellence.

A highlight of the celebrations will be an extraordinary display by the Frecce Tricolori national aerobatic team – another ambassador for the “Made in Italy” label – in the skies of Genoa.

For the first time in the history of Italian shipping, two cruise ships will be christened together at the same time in the same place. This is a unique event, not only for Costa Cruises, which has been synonymous with cruising in Italy for over 60 years, but for the country as a whole; accordingly, the Genoa-based Company, whose ships all fly the Italian flag, is staging the day as a tribute to the nation. It comes as no surprise then, that the Event has obtained the official Patronage of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of the Republic of Italy.

“An Italian Portrait in Music and Light” is the name of the show that will be staged as part of the christening celebrations, in a tribute to the all-Italian ability for making dreams come true. Starting from the inspirational themes for the ships – music for the Costa Pacifica and light for the Costa Luminosa – the production will be a journey through the finest Italian talent, acclaimed and appreciated worldwide. This will include musical and artistic performances by some of the most important figures on the Italian and international scene, accompanied by Maestro Mauro Pagani, a professional musician with a highly successful career spanning 30 years; Pagani, who is the founder of Premiata Forneria Marconi, composed the sound track for the Costa Pacifica, the first “ship of music”. The climax of the soirée will be a spectacle involving the entire city and featuring special lighting effects, music and a fireworks display.

The event will be broadcast live on the Internet from 10.00 pm at www.rai.tv and www.worldofcosta.com

On Friday, June 5 the Costa Pacifica and Costa Luminosa will be moored in the Port of Genoa at Ponte Andrea Doria Dock, forming a highly original amphitheater with – arranged inside – a big stage and a grandstand with seating for 4000; for the first time at such an event, the audience will include the cruise Guests traveling on the two liners.