On June 16, 2022, Costa Cruises celebrated the official christening of its Costa Toscana, the newest Italian ship in the fleet in the port of Barcelona (Spain).
Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises, said it was a great thrill to celebrate the christening of their Costa Toscana in Barcelona, a city to which they were particularly attached and where they had been at home since the beginning of their history. For this occasion, they had organized "an event to celebrate the start of a summer that marks the serene resumption of travel and vacations.”
The newbuild’s Godmother is the singer, actress, and dancer Chanel who represented Spain in the last edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. She joined the ship’s Captain Pietro Sinisi for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The event was hosted by the two Spanish television stars Carlos Sobera and Flora Gonzales. During the ceremony, a bottle was shattered on the liner’s prow as a tradition for good luck. The christening ceremony was closed with a performance by Italian violinist Andrea Casta who has performed around the globe with his electric violinist and bow. To top off the night, the Italian trio of house music producers, Meduza, hosted an exclusive set onboard.
Spanish chef Angel Leon, popular as the “chef of sea,” signed the gala dinner. Chef Angel Leon and Costa Cruises are joining to support a seafood project addressing sustainability. Both parties support the project and the development of the marine grain through the Costa Cruises Foundation.
Costa Toscana is from the new Helios-class vessels ordered by Carnival Corporation. The ship order agreement with Meyer Werft was signed in July 2015 and included the construction of all 4 new ships. The contract was finalized in April 2016. Of these 4 vessels, 2 are for Costa Cruises and the other 2 for AIDA Cruises (Carnival's German brand). Other Excellence-Class liners (Costa Toscana's sisterships) are Costa Smeralda (2019), Carnival Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Celebration (2022), Carnival Jubilee (2023), P&O Iona (2020), P&O Arvia (2022), AIDAnova (2018), AIDAcosma (2021).