The Queen of the Mediterranean will have Barcelona as its home port and will offer weekly departures from the city every Monday.
She will be the highest representative of The Best of Italy, the shipping company's new positioning.
Costa Cruises reinforces its commitment to Barcelona with its new flagship ship.
Upon arrival in Barcelona, the captain of the Costa Diadema, Massimo Gabarino, received the commemorative plaque for the first stop from the Barcelona Port Authority.
The Costa Diadema, Costa Cruises' new flagship, christened last Friday, November 7th, in Genoa, arrives today for the first time in Barcelona, from where it will offer weekly departures. This ship is the best example of the Italian cruise line's commitment to this city, which will be the departure port for this new jewel in its crown on its Mediterranean routes, bringing the best of Italy to the most beautiful ports of the Mare Nostrum.
On board the Regina del Mediterraneo, the ship's Captain, Massimo Gabarino, received the commemorative plaque from José Alberto Carbonell, Director of the Port Authority of Barcelona. The ceremony, held in the ship's Grand Theatre, was also attended by prominent figures from the political sphere and the Port of Barcelona, including the Consul General of Italy in Spain, His Excellency Stefano Nicoletti, who gave a brief speech during the event; Josep Antón Rojas, Director of Tourism for Barcelona; Santiago García-Milà, Deputy Director General of the Port Authority of Barcelona; Carla Salvadó, Director of Cruises for the Port Authority of Barcelona; and representatives from the Port's Maritime Authority, the National Police, and the Civil Guard.
The event was also attended by 250 prominent members of CostaClub, the successful program that brings together the shipping company's customers and fans.
“The Port of Barcelona has always been a great ally and key partner for Costa Cruises and our operations in the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean, and more specifically Barcelona, is one of the cornerstones of our offering in Europe, which is why we have once again chosen the city as the home port for our new flagship, from which it will depart every Monday. In this way, we offer Spanish cruise passengers an excellent opportunity to enjoy a unique experience and the best of Italy aboard our new jewel in the crown,” explained Massimo Brancaleoni, Managing Director of Costa Cruises in Spain, during his address to the authorities. He added, “The positioning of the new Costa Diadema in the city also reinforces the commitment of both Costa and our parent company, Carnival Corporation, which already has its own terminal – Palacruceros – and which recently announced an investment of more than 20 million euros for its expansion and the construction of a new terminal.”.
With the intention of making this wonderful experience that the Costa Diadema represents, bringing the best of Italy to the greatest number of people, more accessible, the company has reached an agreement with Renfe, giving its passengers the option of combining the entire booking into a Train+Cruise package, including the transfer to Barcelona and its Port at very competitive prices.
The best of Italy aboard the Queen of the Mediterranean
The Costa Diadema is a majestic ship of 132,500 tons, over 300 meters long, 37 meters wide, and with 1,862 cabins to accommodate 4,947 passengers. The ship was inaugurated last Friday, November 7th, in Genoa, thus becoming the new jewel in the crown of the Costa Cruises fleet, the number one cruise company in Europe and the only shipping company flying the Italian flag.
Inspired by royalty, the Costa Diadema will offer seven-day itineraries around the Western Mediterranean starting this November, departing from Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, with stops in Naples, La Spezia, Savona and Marseille, acting as an ambassador for the best of Italian lifestyle, entertainment, gastronomy and hospitality.
Both onboard amenities and shore excursions on the Costa Diadema are characterized by the excellence guaranteed by the cruise line's extensive experience. For example, Costa Diadema passengers can enjoy the sun and spectacular views of the Mediterranean from the largest terrace overlooking the sea, an open-air promenade over 500 meters long. One of the three onboard swimming pools features a retractable roof, offering an unparalleled spectacle under the stars and during parties, live music performances, dancing, entertainment, fun group dances, concerts, and sophisticated tenor performances. The common area around the pool can easily be transformed into a nightclub, thanks to DJs and musicians, while on days at sea, passengers can soak up the sun on the Lido Stella del Sud, Lido Diana, and Lido Burmese Rose before taking a relaxing stroll on the main deck.
