Costa Cruises has invested approximately €550 million in what will be the largest cruise ship flying the Italian flag - Costa Diadema.

At 132,500 gross tonnage, 306 metres long and 37.2 metres wide, and with a total passenger capacity of 4,947, 1,253 crewmembers and 1,854 cabins, the ship will become the flagship of the Costa fleet.

The Costa Diadema project involves around 1,000 shipyard workers and another 2,500 from linked industries.

The employment benefits not only affect the Fincantieri, Marghera shipyard, where the vessel is being built, but also about 400 outside companies, the majority of which are Italian.

Costa Diadema will be bigger, more spacious and more modern in terms of the services offered.

The layout of public areas have been redesigned to incorporate large environments over multiple levels facing the sea, that recreate the atmosphere of a lively beachside resort, connected by pathways that allow guests to move freely from one area to the other.

Costa Diadema will offer a variety of experiences and activities for guests to enjoy, from new and enticing gastronomic and tasting opportunities, in places like the Vinoteca and the Proseccheria, the Bavarian-style Birreria, the Japanese Teppanyaki, the Piazza Pizza pizzeria and the Gelateria, to fun-filled innovations such as the Country Rock Club or the Lazer Maze, a multifunctional room with interactive games.

Shopaholics will enjoy the Portobello Market Square at the heart of a 1,100m² area filled with shops and can take full advantage of an outside walkway with cabanas and a 500m esplanade to enjoy the sun, the sea and beautiful panoramas while cruising.

The new ship also offers a three-level Samsara Spa with an exclusive outdoor area where guests can enjoy their holiday in an atmosphere of total wellness and relaxation.