Costa Cruises’ new flagship is one step closer to completion.
For the past two weeks, Costa Toscana has been out at sea to perform its necessary sea trials, during which it successfully passed a series of tests to verify that its systems, equipment, and LNG (liquefied natural gas) engines are working properly.
Today, at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the second part of Toscana‘s traditional coin ceremony took place, attended by the ship’s captain Pietro Sinisi and by shipyard and cruise line management. In keeping with maritime tradition, commemorative coins were placed on the ship as good luck charms for her future crew members, guests, and itineraries.
Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises, said “These additional key steps in the completion of the Costa Toscana confirm our commitment to evolution towards an increasingly sustainable cruise model. At the same time Costa Toscana, thanks to her excellent and innovative services, will be able to attract new cruise guests, helping us to consolidate our presence in the Mediterranean and our gradual restart plan.”
MORE: MSC Cruises Launches Design Contest For Hull of Upcoming Ship
Like her sister ship Costa Smeralda, Costa Toscana is powered by liquefied natural gas, the marine industry’s most advanced fuel technology that’s currently available for reducing emissions. The Costa Group, which includes Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises, currently has two LNG-powered vessels in service: AIDANova and Costa Smeralda. Two more are soon to be delivered: Costa Toscana and AIDACosma.
Costa Cruises’ new flagship is, as the name suggests, a tribute to Tuscany. On board furnishings, lighting, fabrics, and accessories will all be made in Italy and have been designed specifically for this vessel by 15 partners. Venues and amenities will include the Solemio Spa, themed coffee bars created with major Italian brands, and 16 restaurants and areas dedicated to the “food experience.”
Toscana‘s inaugural seven-night cruise will set sail from Savona, Italy on March 5, 2022 with calls to Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Palermo, and Civitavecchia (the port for Rome).
Following her debut, the vessel will stay in the western Mediterranean. Over the summer, Smeralda will call in Savona, Civitavecchia, Naples, Ibiza, Valencia, and Marseille. In the fall, Palma de Mallorca will replace Ibiza.
READ NEXT: CDC Extends Conditional Sailing Order Into January 2022
