On Thursday 29th July, 2021 the 2020 built Vista Class Cruise Ship COSTA FIRENZE entered Grand Harbour for the first time with passengers but the second time she passed breakwaters upon her entry.
She was built by Fincantieri at their Marghera Yard in Italy and she’s a sistership to COSTA VENEZIA. On 6th May 2019, Costa Cruises announced that the second of the two vessels built specifically for the Chinese market would be named COSTA FIRENZE named after Florence, Italy, and have interior features inspired by Florentine history and culture. The ship was floated out from the shipyard on 6th November 2019 and called at Grand Harbour, Malta for Palumbo Malta Shipyards as Hull 6273 though still named as COSTA FIRENZE from 5th to 14th October 2020 – An article was also published – https://maltashipnews.com/2020/10/18/palumbo-malta-shipyard-costa-firenze-05-10-to-14-10-2020/
Her building cost was 780 million USD with 324 metres as length with 37 metres beam with a 135,225 GRT. She has 14 decks including 12 cabin decks (2,116). Passenger capacity is 5,078 with 1,278 crew.
The ship made her maiden voyage in early summer operating between Italian ports. She started calling at Grand Harbour, Malta weekly until September, to start the new Malta-to-Malta cruises. After departing from Malta, the ship visited Sardinia, Savona, Rome, Naples and Palermo before returning to Malta.
Her berthing place was always Pinto 1 and 2 Wharves at the Valletta Cruise Port.
Costa Crociere is represented in Malta by SMS Shipping – www.sms.com.mt
Watermarked Photos are by Capt. Lawrence Dalli. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
Published – Thursday 7th October, 2021