Getaways These are the 10 best Spanish cities to travel with children
Leisure This is the oldest hotel in Madrid: from 10 pesetas a night to an urban oasis of glamor
Up to 1,550 balcony staterooms (75% of the total), a water park, 13 swimming pools and whirlpools,
11 specialty restaurants,
19 themed bars and
lounges
, a theater, live music, children's and youth clubs, spa,
gym with personal trainer ,
casino, cinema, shops... These are some of the attractions in figures of the
Costa Toscana
, the new flagship of the famous Italian shipping company with more than 70 years of history that has just been
launched in the port of Barcelona
.
Yesterday, the
opening ceremony
had all the extravagance of fantasy and glamor that a ship of its characteristics deserves.
And one piece of information is missing: the ship's godmother was none other than
Chanel,
the singer who represented
Spain at Eurovision.
"It's a real honor to be the godmother of Costa Toscana; I couldn't be more excited," said the Barcelonan at the
Colosseo, the nerve center of the new ship,
in an event presented by television channels
Carlos Sobera and Flora González.
The baptism also featured a performance by
Andrea Casta
, a globetrotting violinist who has traveled the world with his electronic instrument and his unique luminous act.
The new Costa Cruises ship, docked in Barcelona.
After the traditional baptism in which Chanel crashed a bottle as a sign of good fortune, it was possible to enjoy the
Molecule Show
, a show in which 300 spheres inflated with helium raised an acrobat on a trapeze, allowing her to fly over
the sky of Barcelona
.
These were some of the surprises that the inauguration of the new creation of Costa Cruises brought.
Its president, Mario Zanetti, justified the choice of Barcelona for the launch due to
the "historical link" with Spain
since the beginning of the Italian shipping company.
"We want to celebrate the start of a summer that marks the serene resumption of travel and vacation."
One of the cabins of the 'Costa Toscana'.
Not in vain, according to a recent survey, nearly 14 million Europeans dream of going on a cruise in the next 12 months, with Germany, France, Italy and Spain being the main countries interested in this type of experience.
In this sense, Zanetti advanced the virtues of the Costa Toscana,
"probably the most beautiful ship in the world"
, as the legend of it says.
With
a length of 337 meters and a beam of 42,
it is capable of accommodating a maximum of 6,544 passengers and 1,682 crew members, which would translate into a
space-customer ratio of 29,
perfect for guaranteeing customer comfort at all times.
The Italian violinist Andrea Casta, at the opening.
The new giant on the high seas has been conceived in the image and likeness of its already successful twin brother
Costa Smeralda.
Both belong to the same category,
Excellence-Helios,
the most exclusive of the shipping company.
That
feeling of freedom
and of sailing in a number one is felt as soon as you set foot on the boat, which takes you directly to the magic of Italy.
Sustainability by flag
The novelties of the
Costa Toscana
do not end here, since it is also one of the current ships that pays the most attention to
the environment
, being equipped with
LNG
(Liquefied Natural Gas) propulsion engines, the cleanest fossil fuel in the world, which allows travel in a more sustainable way.
Not surprisingly, the entire ship is considered a full-fledged
smart city
as
it
has a design that combines comfort with the
latest technology and the
eco
seal
.
"We must take advantage of this post-pandemic tourism boom to promote more sustainable tourism that respects the environment and values local communities," Zanetti added.
One of the slides in the ship's water park.
The
ship's name, Toscana
, pays tribute to one of the most beautiful regions of the Alpine country (and the world).
In fact, its Renaissance essence seeps into every corner.
From the common spaces such as the 20 decks (17 for passengers) to the open-air staircase of
Piazza del Campo
;
the
Colosseo,
the heart of the ship where the main entertainment proposals take place;
or the
Sky Walk,
the open-air walk from which to enjoy a panoramic view of the sea at a height of 65 metres.
In addition, all the furniture, fabrics, lighting or accessories on the ship have been chosen in collaboration with prestigious Italian companies such as
Molteni & C
, in the case of the sofas and chairs, or Roda, in the case of interior and exterior furniture.
The exclusive cabins are also imbued with the uniqueness of the region thanks to the design of the
Milanese studio Dordoni Architetti
.
To do this, they have used vibrant colors.
Many of the cabins also have a
terrace literally suspended over the sea.
A recommendation: ask to have breakfast at least one day in it.
You will not regret.
Exterior view of the new 'Costa Toscana'.
Italian
gastronomy
is also, without a doubt, one of the protagonists.
Not only is it possible to taste the best artisan pizzas on board, but the jewel in the culinary crown,
Archipelago
, is led by three world-famous chefs:
Ángel León
from Cádiz , Hélène Darro from France and
Bruno Barbieri from Italy,
with three, six and seven Michelin stars respectively.
Each one creates a different recipe under the name
Dishes of Destiny
, a prelude to what will be visited on the excursions the next day.
Ángel León
himself
was present at the baptism of the ship.
The first thing he wanted to do is thank Costa Cruises for their support in his research into the
development of marine cereals
.
"It has not been easy for them to help me carry out this project, for which I am very grateful to Costa Cruises and its foundation for betting on a much more sustainable future and food," says León.
What's more, his
Aponiente restaurant
has started the cultivation of seagrass in
the Bay of Cádiz
, a plant that helps generate greater biodiversity in the oceans.
The Spanish chef Ángel Léon, in the presentation of the ship.
On the other hand, the Italian Barbieri is clear that what he is looking for with his creations is to
convey "the love" that he finds in his travels
.
"I hope that the guests, when tasting my menu, feel more and more curious about discovering the world traveling", explains the chef, famous in his country for participating in several television programs in the style of
Masterchef
.
The possibilities of the
Costa Toscana
continue for fans of
Asian flavors
with the Tepanyaki restaurant
or
the
Sushino at Costa
, the first sushi bistro at sea with nigiris, makis, sashimis, mochis and other Japanese-style
delicatessen
.
As for the themed bars, you have to visit the
Aperol Spritz Bar,
focused on the drink par excellence at the time of the Italian aperitif;
the
Ferrari Spazio Bollicine winery
or the world's first floating
Heineken Star Club & Bistro
, a "contemporary pub", as they like to say here, where the gastronomic offer merges with entertainment through live performances, among other experiences.
Piazza del Campo, the outdoor enjoyment area.
The route on board continues in the
360º running circuit with views of the sea
or in the spa, with all kinds of
à la carte
wellness treatments, as well as a
sauna and
hammam,
the perfect option for a relaxing time before or after
excursions
.
The possibilities of these are multiplied depending on the chosen itinerary.
Those who bet on the
Mediterranean
(eight days from 550 euros) will be able to get to know cities such as Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille,
Savona, Civitavecchia
(Rome) or Naples in depth.
Another attractive tour for next year is the one that crosses the Persian Gulf (five days from 534 euros) getting to know Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
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El Mundo Viajes
on
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and
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