Costa Cruises christens two new ships in an Italian extravaganza to be verified by the Guinness Book of Records

Europe’s number one cruise company, Costa Cruises, will hold a spectacular christening and naming event for its two latest ships, the Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica, in a celebration of Italy’s culture and heritage.

The unique event, held at the Port of Genoa (Italy) will be the first time that two new cruise ships will be christened together at the same time and in the same place - and the Guinness Book of Records will be there to verify the event.

The event named “An Italian Portrait in Music and Light” will include displays from some of Italy’s most famous artists including Frecce Tricolori, the Italian Air Force national aerobatic demonstration team, and a special tribute from the Italian Paratroopers. It will culminate in a spectacular lighting, music and fireworks display.

The event will be attended by over 4,000 spectators, including the ships’ first guests and Australians can view the ceremony live at www.worldofcosta.com from 7.00am on Saturday 6 June.

The ships christening
The Costa Luminosa, which is themed around light and considered the jewel of the Costa fleet, will be christened by Italy’s Olympic gold medalist fencing champion, Valentina Vezzali. Vezzali is one of Italy’s most celebrated sportspeople and has been ranked number one in her field for the past 11 years.

Following this, the Costa Pacifica, Costa Cruises’ musical themed ship will be christened by Noa, a highly acclaimed international singer, who has performed for the Vatican for Pope John Paul II.

The christening ceremony will involve Vezzali and Noa, the two godmothers of the new ships, cutting ribbons and breaking a bottle of Italy’s most famous wine, Aneri prosecco, against the bows of the ships.

The event will be attended by the official Patronage of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of the Republic of Italy, and the Municipality and Provincial Administration of Genoa and the Ligurian Regional Government.

Costa Luminosa – the new jewel of the fleet
The new Costa Luminosa is Costa Cruises’ premium ship and considered a trend setter for other cruise liners, based on its unique design and creation from fine materials such as marble and mother of pearl.

It will be the home to a museum of fine art such as the famous “Reclining Woman, 2004” by leading sculptor, Fernando Botero which is displayed in the ship’s atrium.

The ship will appeal to sporting enthusiasts, with the latest golf and grand prix simulator and Playstation World, an area dedicated to Playstation 3 video games.

Team sports can be played on the multipurpose court (for tennis, volleyball, five-a-side soccer) or guests can relax in one of three pools or the luxurious Samsara spa and gym which feature the latest equipment from Technogym.

Alternatively you can relax in the 4D cinema, take in a show at the theatre, which uses the latest lighting technology or party the night away at the disco and casino.

Costa Luminosa itineraries
Currently, the Costa Luminosa is holding 11 and 14 day cruises in Northern Europe before heading to Dubai for seven day cruises in the Australian Summer.

Costa Pacifica - the ship of music
The new Costa Pacifica is themed around music and is the first vessel in the world to have a state-of-the-art recording studio, where passengers can record their own CDs.

Throughout the ship, guests can experience a range of music genres, with each public area playing its own soundtrack, taken from an exclusive compilation by famed Italian musician Mauro Pagani.

Guests can savour the music whilst dining in some of Costa Cruises’ finest restaurants, including the private à la carte

“Blue Moon Club.”
Guests of the Samsara Spa can enjoy the Ristorante Samsara, which features the latest, Italian molecular cuisine – specially prepared, low calorie dishes.

Passengers can relax in one of the ship’s 13 bars which are also themed and include the Cognac & Cigar Bar, the Coffee & Chocolate Bar and the Sport Bar.

Costa Pacifica itineraries
During the 2009/2010 Australian Summer, the Costa Pacifica will port in Rome for 10 and 11 day cruises around the Eastern Mediterranean. In Winter 2010 the Costa Pacifica will then offer seven day Western Mediterranean cruises.

For more information and to book a Costa Cruise visit www.costacruises.com.au.