Costa takes delivery of Costa Diadema at Fincantieri's Marghera yard

‘Costa Diadema is the best expression of our new brand positioning: Italy's finest. Its passion and modern Italian lifestyle, hospitality and elegance,’ commented Costa ceo Michael Thamm.

The vessel, representing an investment of around €550m, involved approximately 1,000 shipyard workers plus another 2,500 subcontractors and about 400 contracted suppliers, mostly Italian firms, engaged to outfit the interiors.

The 1,862-cabin Costa Diadema is the 12th cruise ship built in Italy by Fincantieri for Costa, a total investment worth more than €5bn.

Fincantieri ceo Giuseppe Bono noted it is the 44th cruise ship Fincantieri has constructed since 2002. He called the delivery 'a very special occasion,' adding 'We are very proud to present the latest result of the Italian excellence' in cruise ship building, 'a sector without parallel in terms of technological complexity and competitiveness.’

The 132,500gt ship's signature features include an outside promenade on Deck 5 extending over 500mtr meters where passengers can stroll or visit one of several bars and restaurants.

Costa Diadema will cruise in the Adriatic and around the Italian coast from Venice this coming week ahead of her naming ceremony in Genoa on November 7.

Images of the interior, seen for the first time, are posted @SeatradeInsider.