Costa Crociere

Costa Crociere delivers the experience of fine European sophistication with furnishings and accommodations inspired by “Classical Mythology” onboard the new Costa Serena. The new ship boasts the ultimate in luxury cruises with grand stateroom accommodations, a fine selection of on-board activities, world class entertainment, a feast of delectable cuisine and hassle-free port-to-port transportation, sure to charm every traveller.

Costa Serena is the largest Costa cruise ship and the largest European cruise liner in terms of capacity: 114,000 gross tonnage, 290 meters in length and accommodation for up to 3780 guests in 1500 cabins. It was christened in Marseilles on May 19.

“Costa Serena is an innovative ship, a showcase of cutting-edge technology that will set Costa even further apart from other tour operators. We’re now nearing the one million mark, which was our set objective for the end of this year: in just 5 months in 2007 we have already clocked up about 880,000 bookings, equaling the entire volume of Guests carried in 2006,” Costa Crociere SpA Group Chairman & CEO Pier Luigi Foschi said.

Costa Crociere foresees continual growth in guest number with the launch of the flagship space - Costa Serena. The industry outlook remains very strong in Asia Pacific with an increased share of guests expected from the region.

Costa Serena was manufactured by Italy-based Fincantieri, Europe’s leading shipbuilding company. Costa Crociere has invested approximately 450 million euros into Costa Serena which offers highly innovative facilities:

- The prestigious 2154-square meter Samsara Spa is one of the largest wellness centers ever built on a cruise ship. The 99 beautiful Samsara Suites have direct access to the Spa. Well-being menus will be provided in the Samsara Restaurant
- 4 swimming pools, 2 of which are astern and amidships fitted with a sliding glass roof, the central pool area being fitted with a giant 18m² movie screen. The 3500-square-meter enclosable facility is the largest pool area on a cruise ship, enabling use in any weather and ensuring ideal cruise holidays even in mid-winter in the Mediterranean
- A totally authentic Grand Prix driving simulator is the most accurate representation of tournament ever
- Menus in the Costa Serena’s “Club Bacco” à la carte restaurant are devised by the Italian culinary innovator Ettore Bocchia, executive chef at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio and a Michelin restaurateur, with culinary delights based on the finest Italian gastronomic tradition with the accent on the use of fresh ingredients of the highest quality

The Costa Serena interiors are designed by the ingenious American architect Joe Farcus. Greek and Roman mythology is the ship’s central theme - complemented by 5990 art works, including 440 originals contributed by 34 international artists including Omar Galliani, Aldo Spoldi and Nicola Salvatore. Installed in the Pantheon Atrium in a stunning visual scene, “L’Olimpo Spettacoloso” (Spectacular Olympus) is a monumental artwork that encompasses 16 “Sculpture Costumes” created by Alberto Nodolini and inspired by Roman Mythology.