Costa Toscana has successfully completed sea trials—a series of tests to verify the proper functioning of systems, equipment and LNG (liquefied natural gas) engines. Now, the ship is back at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, for additional work as prior to the vessel's delivery to Costa Cruises in December 2021.
In addition, the second part of the traditional maritime "coin ceremony" took place at the Finnish shipyard this week with the ship's captain, Pietro Sinisi, shipyard managers and the cruise company's management in attendance. Commemorative coins were placed on the ship as a good luck charm for crew members, guests and future itineraries.
LNG-Powered
Costa Toscana is powered by liquefied natural gas, or LNG, the marine industry’s most advanced fuel technology currently available for reducing emissions, both at sea and during port calls. Costa Group—which includes Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises—currently has four LNG-powered ships, two of which are already in service: AIDAnova and Costa Smeralda, and two soon to be delivered, Costa Toscana and AIDACosma.
Mario Zanetti, president of Costa Cruises, said about the sea trials, LNG usage and continuing construction: "These additional key steps in the completion of the Costa Toscana confirm our commitment to evolution towards an increasingly sustainable cruise model." He also believes the new ship with its innovative onboard services and features will help the line attract new cruise guests, "helping us to consolidate our presence in the Mediterranean and our gradual restart plan."
The new flagship is a tribute to Tuscany and will reflect the interior design vision of Adam D. Tihany. All furnishings, lighting, fabrics and accessories will be made in Italy. The 2,600-cabin ship will have 16 restaurants and areas dedicated to the "food experience" as well as a Solemio Spa.
Homeporting at Savona, Italy, Costa Toscana's first cruise will set sail on March 5, 2022; the week-long itinerary will include port calls at Marseille, France; Barcelona and Valencia, Spain; and Palermo, Sicily and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Costa's newest flagship then will remain deployed in the western Mediterranean throughout the year.
During the summer season, sister LNG-powered ship, Costa Smeralda will call at Savona, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Naples, Italy, as well as Marseille, France, and Ibiza and Valencia, Spain. During the fall season itinerary, Palma de Mallorca will replace Ibiza as a port of call.
For more information, visit www.costacruises.com.