Costa Diadema is inaugurated in Genoa festivities

Miceli was accompanied on the stage of Costa Diadema's Emerald Theater by Capt. Massimo Garbarino, Costa Crociere ceo Michael Thamm and maids of honor representing Germany, France, Spain and China.

Also on hand were Costa chairman Howard Frank and Carnival Corp. & plc ceo Arnold Donald, who had zipped over to Genoa following Wednesday night's inaugural for Regal Princess in Fort Lauderdale.

Costa Diadema was alongside at Ponte dei Mille at Genoa's Stazione Marittima. For the christening, the ship blessed by Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, archbishop of Genoa and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

Following a light show and fireworks, the celebrations continued on board with a gala dinner featuring a special menu created by Costa's Michelin-star chef Fabio Cucchelli.

The evening's entertainment included the new production show 'Flavors of Italy,' 18-year-old baritone Simone Baldazzi, the acrobatic duo Celia & Julien and the Phly Boyz performing songs from the 1920s to today. The masked party La Notte in Maschera capped the festivities.

Costa Diadema was due at nearby Savona on Saturday for the inauguration of the second cruise terminal at the Palacrociere, managed by Costa.

From Nov. 8 until the end of the 2015 summer Mediterranean season, the new ship will sail from Savona on weekly cruises to Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Naples and La Spezia.