The celebrations will involve the passengers on board, with numerous events and shows, and the city, with a light show and fireworks.
Genoa hosts today the christening event of the Costa Diadema, the new flagship of Costa Cruises.
Weighing 132,500 tons, measuring over 300 meters long, 37 meters wide, and boasting 1,862 passenger cabins, the Costa Diadema, the Queen of the Mediterranean, was built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Marghera, with a total investment of 550 million euros. The new flagship arrived in Genoa at the end of its maiden voyage, the Baptismal Cruise, which departed from Trieste on November 1st.
“The Costa Diadema is our new flagship and will set new standards in the European cruise industry, as well as reinforcing Costa’s leadership in Europe. It is the best expression of our new brand positioning: the best of Italy. It is passion and lifestyle, Italian hospitality and elegance,” commented Michael Thamm, CEO of Costa Crociere SpA.
The Costa Diadema will be the ambassador of the best of Italy, offering the finest in Italian lifestyle, entertainment, gastronomy, and hospitality. The ship's interiors are even more inviting, spacious, and modern in terms of amenities and the layout of public areas. It is a state-of-the-art ship offering larger, two-level cabins with direct sea views and convenient interconnected layouts, evoking the atmosphere of a lively Italian seaside promenade.
The perfect example is the exterior promenade of bridge five, a Italian terrace , which extends for 500 meters, where passengers can take a stroll and enjoy the spectacular view over the sea or, even better, relax in one of the bars and restaurants, drinking a cocktail or enjoying a romantic dinner.
The celebrations for the christening of the Costa Diadema, docked at Ponte dei Mille in Genoa's historic maritime station, will begin at 5 p.m. and continue into the evening, involving both passengers and the city. The event will commence onboard with the parade of the Godmother, the chosen travel agent, Carolina Miceli, and her international bridesmaids, representing Spain, Germany, France, and China. The ship will be blessed by the Archbishop of Genoa and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco. Following this, on the stage of the elegant Emerald Theatre, the Godmother will pronounce the ritual "I name you Costa Diadema," to which Captain Massimo Gabarino will respond, "In the name of God, Godmother, cut!" A crucial, exciting and traditional moment in which the Godmother will cut the ribbon and break a Jeroboam bottle (3 liters) of Ferrari Gran Cuvée Trento DOC sparkling wine, with a unique label created specifically for this event by the renowned sparkling wine house, on the hull of the new flagship.
At 6:30 p.m., all citizens can admire a magnificent light and fireworks show illuminating the Genoa sky. The evening's celebrations will continue on board with a gala dinner, where passengers will enjoy a special menu combining traditional ingredients with innovative flavors. As an ambassador of the best of Italy, the Costa Diadema will offer its passengers the finest Italian cuisine, renowned and appreciated worldwide. Fresh, regional, and seasonal ingredients will take center stage in the onboard cuisine. To celebrate the christening of the Costa Diadema, Costa's acclaimed Michelin-starred chef, Fabio Cucchelli, has created a special menu inspired by the sea and its vibrant array of colors and flavors.
Throughout the new flagship's lounges, live music, parties, and shows will engage all passengers in the celebrations. They can enjoy the new show, Sapori d'Italia, which joyfully highlights the best of Italy. International artists will impress with their extraordinary performances, such as the talented 18-year-old baritone Simone Baldazzi and the duo Celia & Julien, who will delight audiences with their acrobatic show. Younger guests will love the performances of Phly Boyz, with their repertoire of songs from the 1920s to today. The christening of the Costa Diadema will continue into the evening with a unique masquerade party, La Notte in Maschera (The Night in Masks).
The Costa Diadema will depart Genoa late at night, arriving in Savona on the morning of November 8th for the inauguration of the second terminal at Palacrociere, Savona's cruise terminal operated by Costa Cruises. As the Regina del Mediterraneo, the Costa Diadema will sail the Mediterranean Sea. From November 10th until the end of the 2015 summer season, the new flagship will depart from Barcelona on seven-day Mediterranean cruises, calling each week at Palma de Mallorca (where embarkation will also be available), Naples, La Spezia/Florence, Savona, and Marseille.
