Costa Concordia Raises the Costa Funnel

The construction of the Costa Concordia, Costa Crociere’s new flagship, that will become the largest Italian passenger vessel when it enters service in July 2006, marks yet another important milestone at the Fincantieri shipyards in Sestri Ponente (Genoa). Yesterday, the shipyard raised the vessel’s distinctive yellow funnel with the blue “C”, the symbol that identifies all ships operated by Costa Crociere, the Italian cruise company leader in Europe.

The launch for the new flagship is scheduled for 2 September 2005, when the dry-dock where the vessel is currently under construction will be flooded and the hull of the Costa Concordia will touch the sea for the first time. This will be followed by the fitting-out activities, which are expected to be completed in about 10 months.

The Costa Concordia will have a gross tonnage of 112,000 tons, an overall length of 290 metres, 1,500 cabins and a total capacity of 3,780 passengers. Built to operate in the Mediterranean year round, the Costa Concordia is the perfect ship for a winter vacation, thanks to some very special features: these include an exclusive 1,900 m² wellness area, extending over two decks, and two (out of three) coverable swimming pools.