Construction on Costa Diadema is well underway in Italy with the passenger cruise ship’s fore-end block having been installed.

The fore-end section that has been placed weighs a total of 392 tonnes, is eight metres high and has a maximum breadth of 36.11 metres.

Scheduled for delivery on October 30th 2014, Costa Diadema is set to be the largest cruise ship flying the Italian flag.

Sitting at 306m in length and 37.2m in width, Costa Cruises’ future flagship will have a total passenger capacity of 4,947 and 1,253 crew members.

Following the entry of Costa Diadema into service, the Costa fleet, already the largest in Europe, will be able to accommodate up to 45,000 guests.

Costa Diadema will be more spacious and modern in terms of the services offered by her predecessors.

While the layout of public areas has been redesigned to recreate the atmosphere of a lively beachside resort, the new cruise ship will offer a variety of experiences and activities for guests to enjoy.

Enticing epicurean opportunities can be found in the Vinoteca and the Proseccheria, as well as the Bavarian-style Birreria, the Japanese Teppanyaki and the Piazza Pizza pizzeria and the Gelateria, while fun-filled innovations such as the Country Rock Club or the Lazer Maze will provide hours of entertainment for all.

Inviting shopaholics, the Portobello Market Square at the heart of a 1,100m² area is filled with shops where passengers 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.

Similar to other Costa cruise liners, the new ship will appeal to lovers of wellness as it incorporates the deluxe three-level Samsara Spa, one of the largest purpose-built wellness centres ever constructed on a cruise ship.