Sister of 2019's Costa Venezia
The 135,500gt Costa Firenze follows sister Costa Venezia, built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard and introduced in March.
The 323-meter ship has capacity for more than 5,200 passengers. Costa Firenze and Costa Venezia are the biggest vessels Costa has put into the Chinese market, where the line began operating in 2006.
The float-out ceremony included a Champagne smash on the hull by madrina Franca Pierobon, an employee of Marghera shipyard.
Taking 'beauty of the Italian lifestyle to Chinese guests'
Costa Firenze is ‘further proof of Costa Cruises’ long-term commitment to the China market,’ said Vanessa Li, VP marketing, Costa Group Asia. ‘We aim to bring the beauty of the Italian lifestyle to Chinese guests, offering them an authentic Italian vacation experience. Together with Costa Venezia, which is enjoying great success, the arrival of Costa Firenze will help boost the development of the Chinese cruise industry. The potential for future growth remains enormous,’ she added, noting that cruise travelers currently represent less than 2% of the Chinese who take holidays abroad.
Luigi Matarazzo, GM of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, noted Costa Firenze is a product of the ‘historical partnership with Carnival Corporation and Costa Crociere, which enhances the tradition of Italian manufacturing and know-how, projecting them towards other borders.’
Inspired by Florence
Costa Firenze is inspired by the city of Florence, representing centuries of Italian culture and history that will take shape in various aspects of life on board, from interior design to dining, from entertainment to hospitality.
Following delivery, the ship will head to Singapore before beginning cruises from China starting Oct. 20.
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