Size and sophistication
With its LNG propulsion system and ‘many sophisticated rooms with stage and audiovideo equipment, the complexity and sophistication of the ship is very high,’ the shipyard said. Aside from Costa Smeralda's design features, the 180,000gt size is much larger than ships recently built at Turku.
‘In getting this all to work together with many involved persons and companies, Meyer Turku had a slower progress speed than needed, despite counter-actions,’ the yard said, adding its apology to all those affected by the change.
Inaugural cruise to sail Nov. 30
As a result, Costa Smeralda’s inaugural cruise will now depart from Savona on Nov. 30. Travel agents and passengers are being notified and offered new sailing dates.
‘Our priority is always to offer our guests a unique vacation experience that exceeds their expectations. Unfortunately, the Meyer Turku yard needs more time to ensure that Costa Smeralda will do just that and this is absolutely crucial as far as we’re concerned,’ Costa Cruises President Neal Palomba said.
He added that the ship will be ‘totally innovative’ in terms of technology and the product offered and apologized for the delay's inconvenience to booked customers.
Weekly sailings from Savona
Costa Smeralda will operate a weeklong Western Mediterranean itinerary through April 2021. Saiiling Saturdays from Savona, the ship will visit Marseille (Sunday), Barcelona (Monday), Palma de Mallorca (Tuesday), Civitavecchia (Thursday) and La Spezia (Friday).
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