YSA Design's vision for Costa Firenze captures Tuscan culture and heritage

Authentic materials have been sourced for design of the vessel, with colour palettes and adornments that recreate the character of Tuscany.

Modernity reflected in Lounge della Moda

Lounge della Moda located at the aft of deck five is accessed via a ‘catwalk’ showcasing Italian fashion through the ages. ‘As well as being an architectural marvel, Florence is an international capital of fashion and home to some of the world’s biggest and best-known clothing brands,’ explained Anne Mari Gullikstad, chief executive, YSA Design. ‘The idea with this bar was to highlight another important side of the city’s identity.’  

Traditional themes resonate in dining areas

The backdrop of fine-dining Italian Ristorante dei Medici in the aft section of decks three and four is white and green marble walls, reflecting the façade of Florence’s Piazza del Duomo while paying homage to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. 

Ristorante Palazzo Vecchio on deck three speaks to the grandeur of its namesake, Palazzo Vecchio, plus another Florentine palace, Palazzo Pitti, housing an art gallery displaying classical Italian paintings. 

Materials and decorative elements include marble flooring, ornate gilding and panel work, chandeliers and tactile velvet.

Relaxed, Tuscan countryside settings 

Versilia Deck at deck 10, where informal dining, pool and lounge are located, has the atmosphere of the courtyard and gardens of a Tuscan country palace, says YSA Design. Port side at the forward end of the venue is Bar del Conte, a small corner spot designed by YSA to recall Florence’s Santa Maria Novella - the world’s oldest pharmacy.

Avoiding clichés

According to Gullikstad, the project echoes YSA Design’s work on Costa Firenze’s sister ship, Costa Venezia, where it was responsible for the design of several spaces. ‘Like Venice, Florence is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and enchanting cities in the world,’ she said, ‘therefore, as with Costa Venezia, the challenge with Costa Firenze was to recreate this charm while avoiding cliché.’

In the past, the company designed the magrodome pool area on board Costa Serena. 

The 323-mtr Vista-class Fincantieri-built vessel begins its maiden voyage from Savona, Italy on July 4.