Marghera, November 7, 2019. Costa Cruises , the Italian brand of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest leisure travel company and cruise operator, held the official launching ceremony for its newest ship, the Costa Firenze, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera , one of the world's largest shipbuilding complexes.
The ship, Costa's second designed specifically for the Chinese market, touched the sea for the first time as part of a ceremony held at the shipyard. Delivery of the new vessel is scheduled for September 30, 2020, once the interiors are completed.
Costa Firenze is the sister ship of Costa Venezia, built by Fincantieri at the Monfalcone shipyard and launched in Trieste on March 1st of this year. Both projects have required thousands of Fincantieri workers, as well as auxiliary employees. Thus, the construction of these ships has had a positive impact on employment for both the shipbuilding company and other external companies, especially Italian firms specializing in interior design.
With over 135,500 gross tons, a length of 323 meters, and a capacity for more than 5,200 guests, the Costa Firenze and Costa Venezia are the largest ships in the Costa Cruises fleet operating in the Chinese market, where the Italian company was the first to begin offering its services in 2006 and is currently the leader. The two vessels are part of the Costa Group's fleet expansion plan, which will add seven new ships by 2023 and represents an investment of over six billion euros.
The new ship will be inspired by the city of Florence, representing centuries of Italian culture and history. Aboard the Costa Firenze, guests, accompanied by family or friends, will be able to immerse themselves in Italian aesthetics and beauty, present in every aspect of onboard life. The interior design, hospitality, and various dining options embody the most authentic aspects of Italian culture. Furthermore, like its sister ship, the Costa Venezia, the Costa Firenze will offer innovations designed exclusively for the Chinese market.
After its scheduled delivery on September 30, 2020, the new vessel will head to Singapore, where it will begin operations on October 20, 2020.
