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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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