The arrival of Costa Cruises’ new flagship, Costa Smeralda, has been put back to November because of construction delays at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.
It means the ship, the first in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) , will now begin her inaugural program of 7-day Mediterranean cruises from Savona on 30 November, and that all initial cruises and inaugural activities have had to be cancelled.
A disappointed Costa Cruises president Neil Palomba said: “Our priority is always to offer our guests a unique vacation experience that exceeds their expectations. Unfortunately the Meyer Turku yard needs more time to ensure that Costa Smeralda will do just that.
“We deeply regret this delay and apologise for the inconvenience caused to all our guests who’ve already booked a cruise on Costa Smeralda sailing prior to November 30. We have already made the necessary arrangements so as to offer them a new choice of departure dates.”
Like her sister ship Costa Toscana, due for delivery in 2021, Costa Smeralda will be powered both in port and at sea by LNG, the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, thereby minimising environmental impact by virtually eliminating sulphur dioxide emissions.
She will be a showcase for the very best of Italy. All her decks and public areas are named after – and designed based on – iconic Italian places.
Food and wine offerings on board will feature the finest Italian culinary traditions, with the collaboration of prestigious partner suppliers.
The ship will have 11 different restaurants (including one specifically conceived for casual family dining), 19 bars, a splendid spa area with 16 treatment rooms, an onboard waterpark with waterslides, four pools and a dedicated facility where kids can hang out and make new friends their age.
Costa Smeralda will also have her very own museum: the CoDe – Costa Design Museum, displaying the excellence of Italian design.