PHOTO: A new mozzarella bar is just one way Costa is embracing its Italian heritage (Courtesy Costa Cruises)
Can there be a better way to take to the high seas than surrounded by Italy's Finest?
Costa Cruises doesn't think so and to that end has established partnerships with some of Italy's finest and best known brands. Costa's Italy's Finest campaign cements the line's unique Italian heritage and benefits across its fleet with ship and product enhancements geared to ensuring that guests are ensconced in the style, favors and vitality that is synonymous with all things Italian.
Of the many things Italy does well, perhaps one of the most beloved is its food. Costa has partnered with such well-known Italian brands as Illy Coffee, Barilla Pasta, Ferrari sparkling wines and Nutella among others. From sun up to sundown, passengers can immerse themselves in Italian cuisine regardless of whether it's a much-needed mid-morning coffee break or a delightful pasta dinner with the perfect wine as an accompaniment.
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The cruise line has also enlisted one of Italy's most respected chefs, Bruno Barbieri, to create Gala Dinner that will be available fleet-wide. On other nights, a menu from the various regions of Italy has been created to showcase the wide variety of Italian regional specialties.
Onboard enhancements fleetwide include a new Gelateria, a Gelato bar plus 24 flavors of hot chocolate and Nutella crepes; a Pacific Fusion restaurant featuring Asian and Peruvian flavors; a Pizzeria Pummid'oro; a Burger d'Autore, featuring signature burgers from Italian beef; and a Mozzarella Bar with mozzarella made fresh onboard, anti pasta and olive oil.
When it comes to entertainment, Costa Cruises is known for stellar shows, and its latest additions live up to that reputation. Passengers will enjoy its two new shows, "The Flavors of Italy" and Italy's version of "The Voice."
For the younger set, Costa Cruises has just debuted dedicated areas for Peppa Pig onboard the Diadema, and plans are in the works to roll out similar Peppa Pig layouts across nine more of its ships over the course of the summer. Created in conjunction with Leolandia amusement park and Entertainment One, the areas accurately recreate Peppa's stories with green grass hills, puddles, houses, balloons and of course, Peppa and her little brother George. In addition to Peppa-themed games and activities, children will also be able to meet the characters themselves.
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Further, Carnival Corp., Costa's parent company, has commissioned two new ships for the line with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri S.p.A. for Costa Cruises, and will enhance the overall onboard immersion in Italy's unique style, hospitality, entertainment and culinary excellence. The new ships design will be led by Adam D. Tihany,a NY-based hospitality designer. Tiahny will lead an elite group of designers who will be charged with creating an ambiance that embodies "Italy's finest."
"We are fortunate to have Mr. Tihany, the world's preeminent hospitality designer, as creative director for our next-generation ships," said Neil Palomba, president of Costa Cruises. "'Italy's finest' concept represents the roots and the identity of Costa Cruises. It deals with the best things that our Country has to offer: passion, quality, hospitality and, of course, style. I am confident that Mr. Tihany will create a unique style for our new ships, that will help us to offer our guests unforgettable and happy holidays."
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