Anna C. 1948 - 1971
A new beauty model is born
The first passenger ship in the Costa fleet started service from Genoa to Buenos Aires on March 31, 1948. Innovative and pioneering, every passenger cabin was air conditioned. A professional partnership with architect Giovanni Zoncada began with the Anna C.: the interiors of the Costa fleet were marked by his prestigious style for thirty years.
Andrea C. 1948 - 1981
The ship for new travellers
The ship set sail on June 26, 1948 for its inaugural trip to Brazil and La Plata, Argentina.
Eleven years later, the drop in emigration flows to South America and altered social-economic conditions made the reconverting of the ship necessary.
Giovanna C. 1949 - 1953
Towards the new world: the emigration flow
In 1949, the Eastern Trader ship, purchased by Giacomo Costa, was renamed the Giovanna C. Five months later, the ship set sail from Genoa bound for South America: there were fifty passengers on board. The ship was renovated in the "Officine Allestimento e Riparazione Navi" in Genoa to include 1,300 accommodations: thus equipped, it was used to transport emigrants to South America.
Franca C. 1952 - 1977
The new route to Central America
The Franca C. inaugurated its service for Venezuela on January 31, 1953. The new route included stops in Naples, Barcelona, Funchal, Las Palmas, Curaçao, Fort de France and Point à Pitre. The new itinerary consolidated service to South America. While supporting the emigration flow, Costa prudently maintained limited luxury service, inaugurating the first and second class categories.
Bianca C. - Mélanésien 1956 - 1963
A significant presence
The ship was baptised Bianca C. in 1957 with the intent to use it for passenger transport. The project was abandoned due to high costs. In 1958, the ship was rented by the French company Messaggeries Maritimes that renamed it Mélanésien.
Federico C. 1958 - 1983
Innovation as a distinctive figure
Launched on March 31, 1957, the Federico C. was the first transatlantic specifically built for Costa, icon of the company's innovative and pioneering spirit. The first ship in service between Europe and South America to have Denny Brown type of stabilizers, the Federico C. is an extraordinary example that would soon be imitated by all other large transatlantic ships.
Andrea C. 1948 - 1981
Renewal
The ship was renovated in 1959 to adapt to the new type of travellers: having removed the emigrant bunks, the Andrea C. was equipped with new and more powerful engines.
Franca C. 1952 - 1977
Renewal
The ship was completely renovated in 1959 to give life to Mediterranean cruises.
Bianca C. 1958 - 1961
On board beauty and elegance
The Bianca C. sailed its inaugural trip to Venezuela and Central America on April 2, 1959. The launch marked another finish line for Costa: Bianca C. was the largest and fastest passenger ship in service between the Mediterranean and the American continent. The elegant first class winter garden on the Bianca C. was one of the most popular spots with passengers during crossings.
Enrico C. 1966 - 1994
The birth of pleasure cruises
Purchased in 1965 and renovated in the Mariotti ship yards, the sparkling Enrico C. alternated service transport with cruises.
Eugenio C. 1966 - 1996
The last great transatlantic
The last great transatlantic constructed for the national mercantile fleet. Eugenio C. was Nicolò Costanzi's last project whose hull design applied his ideas like the wave seat, special bow shape, and flow guide stern, able to enhance the hull's traditional shape. The interiors were designed by Nino Zoncada.
Carla C. 1968 - 1992
The Caribbean routes
Purchased in 1968, the future Carla C. was fully renovated and reconverted into a cruise ship in the same year. It began service in 1970 and was quickly recognised as one of the most famous Costa ships in service in the Caribbean. It was long used in weekly cruises from San Juan to Curaçao, La Guaira, Grenada, Martinique, St. Thomas until it retired in 1994.
Flavia C. 1968 - 1982
The Costa fleet grows
In 1968, the Flavia C., reconverted in Genoa, set sail from Miami for its first cruise in the Caribbean. Starting in 1969, the Costa fleet considerably grew with the purchase of the Italnavi fleet, managed by the Costa group on the Latin American routes.
Italia 1967 - 1983
The birth of floating resorts
Transformed in Genoa into a cruise ship with a broad lido deck with pool, Italia can host up to 600 passengers in a single class. Beginning service in 1967, Italia was one of the most advanced cruise ships of its time. It alternated cruises in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
Federico C. 1958 - 1983
Renewal
With the ship renovations in 1970, class divisions were abolished.
Daphne 1979 - 1997
Expansion of cruise circuits
In 1984, after the expiration of a 5-year rental contract, the Daphne was purchased by Costa. Along with Danae, it was a successful ship used on the traditional Costa cruise circuits: summer in the Mediterranean and winter in the Caribbean and South America.
Danae 1979 - 1992
The luxury cruise ship era
Along with its twin ship Daphne, Danae was converted into a luxury cruise ship in the Chalkis ship yards. In 1977, it sailed its inaugural 88-day voyage in the Orient. In 1984, after the expiration of a 5-year rental contract, the Danae was purchased by Costa.
Enrico C. 1966 - 1994
Renewal
In 1979, the ship was remodeled: abandoning the class division, it was equipped to transport and entertain 742 passengers.
Columbus C. 1981 - 1984
New communications
Since 1981, the colours and new Costa logo sail on the ship's smokestack, navigating its inaugural voyage to South America.
Columbus C. 1981 - 1984
Renewal
In 1983, the ship was remodeled at the Mariotti ship yard in Genoa and equipped with a new large lido with pool.
Costa Riviera 1985 - 2002
The Mediterranean all year long
Purchased by Costa in 1983, the ship was fully renovated in the Mariotti ship yard in Genoa. The Costa Riviera's inaugural voyage sailed passengers along the Ligurian coast. Before being finally chosen for the Western Mediterranean in 1994, for one year the Costa Riviera serviced the American market as the American Adventure for America Family Cruises.
Eugenio C. 1966 - 1996
Renewal
The ship was embellished in 1987 at the Mariotti ship yard in Genoa with the addition of an on-board theatre. Eugenio C. was remodeled with the overhaul of its turbine ratings.
Costa Marina 1990
The new vacation fleet
On December 16, 1990, the Costa Marina launched its inaugural cruise in the Caribbean from Miami. The Costa Marina smokestack became the brand of the new Costa fleet, synonym of cruise vacation excellence.
Costa Classica 1991
A new generation of ships
A new generation of passenger ships takes shape: engineers, architects, interior designers and artists join the team that designed and embellished the new fleet gems. The ship includes a new teak sea terrace and a beautify mosaic by Emilio Tadini in the theatre. Costa Classica took the high seas in April 1991.
Costa Allegra 1992
The unmistakable Costa profile
The inaugural voyage in 1992 sailed Costa Allegra passengers to Miami for the first winter cruise. The Costa Allegra, nicknamed the "Crystal Ship", featured typical elements from ships from the past such as ventilators and vertical smokestacks; the stern was made up of a vertical glass wall that encased the halls.
Mermoz 1993 - 1999
Cultural itineraries
In July 1993, the two ships, Mermoz and Pearl - the future Costa Playa - sailing under the French brand Croisières Paquet, joined the Costa group. Mermoz is a famous ship on the French market, known for its cultural and theme itineraries.
Costa Romantica 1993
Original design
The technical launch occurred on November 28, 1992 and as of 1993, the Costa Romantica began winter cruise service in the Caribbean and summer cruise service in the Mediterranean. Costa Romantica is a charming ship with light and relaxing colours. Pierluigi Cerri, architect who already took part in the Costa Classica design team, was responsible for the ship's interior design. Art work by Susumu Shingu consolidates the success of the art on board season.
Costa Playa 1995 - 1998
Communications pioneers
On November 12, 1995, the Costa Playa (former Pearl) left Genoa for its inaugural crossing to Puerto Plata and was later used for cruises to Santiago de Cuba, Montego Bay, Havana and Baia Nipe. The ship remained in yearly service on Cuban itineraries.
Costa Victoria 1996
Design meetings
The inaugural crossing set sail on October 31, 1996. The interiors were designed by Pierluigi Cerri, Ivana Porfiri in association with the Swedish designer Robert Tillberg. Inside, a mosaic by Emilio Tadini and the original spa centre equipped with an indoor pool. The ship's unmistakable personality - a mix between Mediterranean design and the Nordic concept of space - marks another success for Costa.
Costa Atlantica 2000
Full speed ahead towards success
The new Costa Crociera flagship inaugurated in 2000 is the largest passenger ship to sail under the Italian flag and open outwards thanks to the balconies. The large Costa Altlantica smokestack towers 60.8 meters above the ship's keel. Inspired by the works of Federico Fellini, the ship is a tribute to the great director: photos of "La dolce vita", original film drawings by Milo Manara.
Costa Tropicale 2001 - 2005
The charm of the Mediterranean
Costa Tropicale spent its first season in 2001 with the Costa fleet, cruising from Venice to the Aegean sea.
Costa Classica
Renewal
The ship was fully renovated in 2001.
Costa Marina
Renewal
The ship was fully renovated in 2002. The interior design reflects that of large yachts: the main halls wind in harmonic succession, with prestigious finishes and maritime style details.
Costa Europa 2002
The continental style
In 2002, the former Westerdam of Holland America joins the Costa fleet. Costa Europa summarises European styles in its name and furnishings. An extraordinary art collection is found on board: antiques, Flemish artwork, Chinese bronzes and a seventeenth century naval cannon.
Costa Mediterranea 2003
Noble elegance
Entering service in 2003, Costa Mediterranea was inspired by the ancient royal palaces in Italy. The new way to conceive vacations inaugurated by Costa Mediterranea is joyful, colourful, elegant and rich in artwork. The elegant details and Renaissance and Baroque styles make this ship special.
Costa Fortuna 2003
Unstoppable growth
Inaugurated in 2003, Costa Fortuna is the heir of past luxury transatlantics inspired by the legendary Rex, Vulcania, Conte di Savoia and Raffaello. The 26 most beautiful Costa ship models tracing the company's history make for a beautiful display in the central hall.
Costa Romantica
Renewal
The ship was fully renovated in 2003.
Costa Magica 2004
True Italian for more than fifty years
Entering service in 2004, Costa Magica is the ship dedicated to magical sites in Italy, reflected in the elegant internal rooms and magnificent external bridges: the Emerald Coast, Antique Ostia, the coast from Positano to Portofino and from Capri to Grado inspired the interior design. Italian - in taste, in style and in guest hospitality - has been a distinctive feature of Costa ships for over fifty years.
Costa Victoria
Renewal
With the ship's renovations in 2004, external balconies were added after in-depth engineering studies.
AIDA Cruises 2004
Costa Cruises acquires German leader
Costa Crociere SpA acquires the brand AIDA Cruises, the cruise leader in Germany.
Costa Concordia 2006
Fitness on board
Inaugurated in 2006, the Costa Concordia marks a new success for Costa: the magnificent Samsara Spa area, with direct access suites and ancient wellness rituals, meet new travellers' needs for entertainment, culture and relax.
The first Grand Prix simulator and a giant screen near the pool are also on board. The new Costa gem is also the largest and most impressive ship in the fleet.
Costa Allegra
Renewal
In 2006, the ship was completely renovated, keeping the Italian style. Icon of the company's pioneering spirit, Costa Allega is the first ship to open to the Oriental market.
Costa Serena 2007
A new god is born
Costa Serena is the fun and relaxing ship. Rooms are inspired by the legends and architecture of Ancient Rome. Spacious and panoramic bridges, four pool, one with a moving glass roof, entertainment spaces, sports areas and the Samsara Spa make this ship a true floating resort.
Born Iberocruceros 2007
The new Costa Cruises brand in Spain
A joint venture is announced between Carnival Corporation plc and Orizonia Corporacion to create the brand Iberocruceros, operating in the Spanish market under the Costa Crociere SpA Group
Costa Pacifica 2009
Music takes a new shape
Discover the wonders of Costa Pacifica. Inspired by music, it draws beauty and energy from a variety of styles: rooms were conceived and designed to take the best from the four previous ships. On board, Samsara Spa, Grand Prix simulator, external bridge with glass roof and theatre with exclusive sound technology.
Costa Luminosa 2009
Light takes a new shape
Costa Luminosa is ready to welcome you with all its magic. The real jewel in the fleet, it will enrapture you with its dazzling lights and stylish environments, works of art and sophisticated technology. You'll find a range of essential comforts and exclusive innovations on board: Samsara Spa, Golf simulator, 4D cinema and 800 seat theatre.
Costa Armatori S.p.A. 1968
A new corporate structure
In 1968, the company's radical internal reorganisation, the exponential growth enjoyed by the cruise sector and the need to manage the fleet in a streamlined, financially viable manner led to some inevitable changes in the corporate structure. As a result, the company Costa Armatori S.p.A. was established, following the merger of Lloyd Tirrenico and Lloyd Tigullio, with the "Giacomo Costa fu Andrea" fleet coming under the management of this new company.
Costa Crociere S.p.A. 1986
A new dimension for the company
In the 1980s the group began to focus on the cruise sector, and in 1986, following a radical internal reorganisation, Costa Crociere S.p.A. was established. As from this time, the full inscription "Costa" appeared on the side of the ships, alongside their name.
Costa flies the Italian flag 2000
Italian pride
The ships of the Costa fleet were able once more to fly the Italian flag; the construction of the sister ship of Costa Atlantica and two new ships, to be built by Fincantieri in Genoa, was announced. Costa Crociere continued to be the symbol of Italian Style worldwide.
Savona's Palacrociere 2003
Architectural grandeur
Savona's new Cruise Terminal, designed by the Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill and co-financed and managed by Costa Crociere, was opened on November 24th. A few vital statistics: over 8000 sq.m. on three floors, 5000 of which for departures, bar, restaurant, VIP lounge, Children & Teen club, Internet Café, conference hall, newsagent and interactive spaces.
BEST 4 2004
BEST 4
Today Costa Crociere effort in quality, safety, environmental protection and social responsibility has also been recognised through RINA
certification, a confirmation of our respect for the highest international standards. We are proud to be the first company to have received these four evidences of excellence, all at the same time and in a single symbol: BEST 4.
Costa and the environment 2005
Costa Crociere alongside the W.W.F.
Together, Costa Crociere and the W.W.F. protect and safeguard the sea. Costa Crociere has been operating alongside the W.W.F. (World Wildlife Fund) since July 2005 to protect three precious maritime ecoregions: the Mediterranean Sea, the Greater Antilles and North-Eastern Brazil. The partnership focuses on areas such as training, education and economic support.
Green Star 2005
Another important environmental acknowledgement
In 2005, the R.I.N.A (Registro Italiano Navale) awarded a voluntary Green Star rating to the Costa Crociere fleet. The Green Star trademark certifies that the Costa ships do not damage the environment, and contribute to keeping the sea and air clean. The Green Star rating complies with the highest standards of environmental protection in terms of prevention of sea and air pollution.
New itineraries 2006
An open door onto Dubai and the East
This was a crucial year for the expansion of Costa Crociere in Asia. In summer 2006, a ship - the Costa Allegra - began to plough through the seas of China, and in winter 2006/2007 two of the Group's ships - Costa Classica and AIDA Cara - began operating in Dubai. Also that same year, Costa Marina set sail from Singapore.
Indian Ocean 2007
Indian pearls
Costa Crociere stood out increasingly for its international destinations, offering new, evermore surprising itineraries every year. In February 2007, an exclusive journey to the Mauritius, the pearls of the Indian Ocean, was announced for the 2007/2008 winter season.
Barcelona's Palacrociere 2007
Unstoppable growth
Barcelona's new Cruise Terminal (Palacruceros) is a concrete sign of the company's growth and success. This architectural marvel, designed by the "Studio Vicini", is entirely managed and financed by the Italian company. The new Spanish terminal, which came officially into operation on 24 April 2007, is the second terminal in the Mediterranean, after the one in Savona, to be entirely dedicated to Costa travellers.
A million guests 2007
A historical record
On 17 July 2007, Costa Crociere reached historical record figures, with over one million guests booked onto its ships in a single year. This record places the company in a leading position in the cruise sector. With twelve ships on active service and another five on their way by 2012, the Costa fleet is the largest and most modern of all European operators.
The big anniversary 2008
Costa Cruises celebrates 60 years!
Costa Cruises celebrates 60 years of cruising. It was 31 March 1948 when "Anna C", the first ship solely dedicated to the passengers of the Costa fleet, left Genoa on her inaugural cruise. The event was celebrated with an exhibition, a book, a website and a series of three Great Anniversary cruises.
New destinations 2008
Cruises in the Far East and North America
Costa Cruises announces the placement of two ships in the Far East from spring 2009 and new routes in North America from autumn 2009.
"Palazzo Costa" begins 2008
The Genoese Head Office of Costa Cruises begins renovation
Costa Cruises officially begins work on the "Palazzo Costa", an innovative architectural design for the extension and restyling of the company headquarters in Genoa.
The conquest of Spain 2009
Costa Cruises takes control of Iberocruceros
Costa Cruises acquires full control of Iberocruceros, operating in the Spanish market with three ships in service and one on order.
Guinness World Records 2009
A Guinness record-breaking naming ceremony
For the first time in Italian naval history, two cruise ships were christened in the same place, at the same time, in a single grand ceremony: an exceptional event that was certified by the Guinness World Records. Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica are therefore born under a beautiful star: that of the Guinness World Records.