Today, at the Meyer shipyard in Turku (Finland), Costa Cruises has taken delivery of its newest ship, Costa Toscana, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the maritime sector’s most advanced technology for reducing emissions.

The Costa Group – which includes the Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises brands – was the first in the world to pioneer liquefied natural gas on cruise ships. Its LNG-powered ships include AIDAnova and Costa Smeralda, already in service; Costa Toscana, delivered today; and AIDACosma, coming soon.

LNG represents a breakthrough in improving the environmental performance of cruise ships, both at sea and during calls in ports. Its use enables the almost complete elimination of sulfur oxide emissions (zero emissions) and particulate matter (95-100% reduction), while also significantly reducing nitrogen oxide emissions (direct reduction of 85%) and CO2 (reduction of up to 20%).

“Costa Toscana reinforces our commitment to sustainable innovation by further contributing to the use of LNG applied to cruise ships, a technology that we pioneered. It is an innovation that is part of a constantly evolving path of ecological transition. Indeed, we are also working on testing further innovations, such as fuel cells and batteries, with the aim of eventually achieving the first cruise ship with net zero emissions,” – said Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises. “At the same time, thanks to her excellent and innovative features and services, Costa Toscana will be able to attract new cruise guests, supporting us in consolidating our presence in the Mediterranean and our gradual restart plan”.

Costa Toscana’s first cruise will depart from Savona, Italy, on March 5, 2022, with a week-long itinerary visiting Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Palermo and Civitavecchia/Rome. Following her debut, the new flagship will remain deployed in the Western Mediterranean throughout the year. During the summer season, she will call at Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Naples, Ibiza, Valencia, Marseille, while during the autumn season Palma de Mallorca will replace Ibiza.

Costa Toscana is a veritable travelling “smart city”. In addition to being powered by LNG, the ship features a series of cutting-edge technological innovations designed to further reduce environmental impact. The entire daily water requirement is met by transforming seawater using desalination plants. Energy consumption is minimized thanks to an intelligent energy efficiency system. In addition, 100% separate waste collection and recycling of materials such as plastic, paper, glass and aluminum will be carried out on board, as part of an integrated approach aimed at implementing circular economy projects.

The driftwood used to furnish the islands of the new Archipelago restaurant has been collected thanks to the “Guardians of the Coast”, the environmental education program for the protection of the Italian coastline promoted by the Costa Crociere Foundation. For every dinner served at Archipelago, Costa Cruises will donate part of the proceeds to the Costa Cruises Foundation to support environmental and social projects.

Costa’s new flagship is a tribute to Tuscany, the result of an extraordinary creative project, curated by Adam D. Tihany, designed to enhance and bring to life in a single location the best of this wonderful Italian region, which gives its name to the ship, its decks and main public areas.

The furnishings, lighting, fabrics and accessories are all Made in Italy, and have been designed specifically for the Costa Toscana by 15 partners who are highly representative of Italian excellence. The on-board offer will fit perfectly into this extraordinary context: from the Solemio Spa to the entertainment areas; from the themed bars, in collaboration with major Italian and international brands, to the 21 restaurants and areas dedicated to the “food experience”.

Comfortable and elegant, the over 2,600 cabins also perfectly reflect Italian style and taste. The “terrace over the sea” cabin’s category will offer a splendid outbuilding where guests can have breakfast, sip an aperitif or simply enjoy the view.