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Place the cursor over the photos to read the
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There used to be a time when all newly built cruise ships
would head straight for U.S. waters. Not anymore! Europe is
HOT and most cruise lines are cashing in on booming European
cruise market. An Italian company by origin, Carnival-owned
Costa Crociere is growing at an unprecedented rate, with new
ships being introduced annually. Latest in the fleet is also
the largest Costa vessel ever:
Costa Concordia.
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Costa has
been very eager to point out that the 112,000 ton, 3,000
guest Costa Concordia was built in Italy, flies the
Italian flag and is home ported in Italy year-round.
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Still, the vessel's design is
obviously a
modification of Carnival's Conquest Class and her whimsical interiors have been
devised
by Miami-based Joe Farcus, house designer of the Carnival Corporation. That
said, Costa Concordia brings some novelties to the Mediterranean like a
Formula 1 race car simulator, two pools that can both be covered by sliding glass roofs and the huge Samsara Spa with adjoining "Spa
Suites". Ship Parade's Italian correspondent Stefania Silvestri joined
the maiden voyage of Costa Concordia and thankfully took her camera
along. Grazie! |
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Cruise Line: |
Costa Crociere |
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Built: |
2006 |
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Building Yard: |
Fincantieri,
Sestri Ponente |
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Gross Tonnage: |
112,000 |
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Length: |
290.2 m (951.8 ft) |
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Beam: |
35.5 m (116.4 ft) |
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Passengers
(norm.): |
3,000 |
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Passengers
(max): |
3,700 |
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Crew: |
1,100 |
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Service speed: |
20.0 knots |
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