Costa calls its next China newbuild Firenze

The 135,500gt Costa Firenze, with capacity for more than 5,200 passengers, is under construction at Fincantieri's Marghera yard.

Full month in the Mediterranean

Before being positioned in Asia, Costa Firenze will spend a whole month in the Mediterranean on cruises open to customers in Europe and around the world. Sales open Tuesday for five five- to 7-day cruises and one 51-day positioning voyage to Hong Kong.

'Given the success of the inaugural cruises of Costa Venezia, we have decided to keep Costa Firenze in the Mediterranean for a whole month before its positioning in Asia,' Costa President Neil Palomba said.

Costa Firenze's first cruise will sail from Trieste to Savona on Oct. 1, 2020, calling at Bari, Barcelona and Marseilles. On Oct. 8, the ship will leave Savona for a short cruise to Marseilles, Barcelona and Savona. On Oct. 12, 19 and 26, Costa Firenze will depart Savona for three weeklong cruises including Naples (replaced by Civitavecchia for the Oct. 19 sailing), Messina (replaced by Palermo for the Oct. 19 cruise), Valencia, Barcelona and Marseilles.

Savona to Hong Kong

The 51-day repositioning voyage starts in Savona on Nov. 2, and ends at Hong Kong on Dec. 22, 2020. From the Mediterranean, the ship will sail to Dubai, via the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, and calling at Naples, Messina, Greece, Israel, Jordan and Oman. From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Costa Firenze will continue to India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia. The final part of the cruise will be devoted to the Far East: Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and, finally, China.

Three combinable segments are available: Savona-Dubai (19 days), Dubai-Singapore (20 days) and Singapore-Hong Kong (14 days).

Like Costa Venezia, Costa Firenze be adapted for the Chinese market while offering travelers the chance to experience Italian culture and lifestyle.

Long-term commitment to China

Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze prove Costa's long-term commitment to China market, according to Mario Zanetti, president of Costa Group Asia. 'Together with Costa Venezia, the arrival of Costa Firenze will help boost the development of Chinese cruise industry,' he said.

The ship is inspired by Florence, representing centuries of Italian culture and history. This will be reflected in the interior design, dining, entertainment and hospitality.