The 'Fairytale Ship' Completes Sea Trials

Costa Favolosa, the new Costa Cruises flagship, has successfully completed her official sea trials. The ship, the 15th in Costa’s fleet, completed her first crossing during which tests were conducted to verify the correct operation of the various systems, equipment and engines.

During the tests at sea, Favolosa was brought up to her maximum speed (more than 23 knots or 40km/h) which was maintained for eight consecutive hours to test the ship’s endurance. There was also a “crash stop”, meaning a complete stop at maximum speed to determine in how many metres the ship comes to a stop during an emergency.

During the test known as the “UMS”, Favolosa sailed for six straight hours only using the automatic energy and propulsion system controls. Finally, with the “blackout” test, the electric power was cut off to check that all ship functions automatically returned to normal when the power was restored.

After completing her trials, the ship returned to the shipyard in Marghera, Italy, to complete the fitting-out of the interiors prior to being placed into active service. Costa Favolosa will be ready for delivery on June 30, while the naming ceremony will take place two days later in Trieste.

Costa Favolosa - The Fairytale Ship

As her name suggests (Favola is Italian for “fairytale”), Favolosa is a veritable “fairytale ship”, a “contemporary enchanted castle” with a perfect combination of fabulous atmosphere and state-of-the-art hi-tech fun. The main innovations on board include:

Six new veranda suites with their own Jacuzzis

A new entertainment area for teenagers with 4D Cinema, PlayStation World, and a bar with ice-cream, drinks and popcorn

A new children’s open-air Aqua Park water playground with its own pirate galleon

The Samsara Spa, one of the largest and most exclusive wellness centres ever built on a cruise ship

A large central lido extending over two decks, with a sliding glass roof and giant movie screen

A Grand Prix driving simulator

A golf simulator

In addition, the shipboard gym will offer all the latest state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, including machines with Internet access, so you can surf the Internet while guests work out.

The brand new pool area will be particularly large and inviting, with 1,000sq m of space dedicated to relaxation and entertainment, 160 sun loungers and whirlpool tubs and an invigorating waterfall.

Costa Favolosa is set to make her debut on a three-day vernissage cruise departing from Venice on July 4, and calling at Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Koper (Slovenia). This will be followed by her grand inaugural cruise on July 7, an 11-day itinerary taking in Greece, Turkey and Croatia with stopovers in Bari, Izmir, Istanbul, Mykonos, Athens, Olympia and Dubrovnik. Throughout the summer, Favolosa will be offering seven-day cruises from Venice and Bari to Olympia, Izmir, Istanbul and Dubrovnik

For more info, visit www.costacruises.com or The Cruise Line

Oceania Sterling Brochure

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Oceania Cruises have introduced many firsts in their increasingly impressive four-year history, and now comes another one in the shape of their first ever UK-priced brochure for the new winter 2011/12 programme (including sterling pricing also now online at http://www.oceaniacruises.co.uk/).

For the first time, British guests can take advantage of these worldwide, luxury cruises in a currency other than the $US, and our celebratory picture shows Oceania's UK sales manager Bernard Carter, Lynn Burt of The Cruise Line and Sheryl Wilkinson from Our Holiday Centre.

Sterling prices will also be in all Oceania brochures featuring cruises departing from January 1, 2011. The winter 2011/12 brochures were delivered to travel agents throughout September, signifying a new level of commitment from Oceania Cruises to its British guests.

Oceania Cruises offers luxury cruising on board three chic, mid-sized ships, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, to be joined by the brand new Marina in February 2011 and Riviera in April 2012. The line focuses on comfort, cuisine and service, with a strong emphasis on offering the finest dining on the sea.

For more information, visit http://www.oceaniacruises.co.uk/

Want to learn more about Oceania Cruises and cruising in general? Then consider going to the fabulous Daily Telegraph Cruise Show. Venues are in Birmingham's NEC in October (16-17) and London's Olympia (March 26-27, 2011)in March.

Check in for The Cruise Show

We think this is really worth highlighting as the March show in London was an absolute belter (and VERY well attended).

This is the latest step for The Cruise Show organisers and is well worth noting for anyone living in the Midlands (or the north), for whom London is too long a trek. It is a great showcase for the UK cruise business and a lot of fun, whether you're a cruise regular or considering your first voyage.

And don't forget, World of Cruising readers can receive TWO tickets for the price of one to both the Birmingham show in October and the next edition back at London's Olympia in March 2011, when booked in advance. You can receive two £6 tickets for just £3 each (under 16s are free; add £1.50 postage and packing per order). Order online at www.cruisingshow.co.uk or call 0871 620 4024 and quote “WOC”.

The Daily Telegraph presents CRUISE October 16-17 2010, NEC, Birmingham

What’s your idea of a perfect cruise?

A fun-in-the-sun holiday in the Caribbean? A tranquil river cruise through forested valleys? An expedition to Antarctica? Sailing in the South Pacific? Being pampered at sea in a luxurious spa?

Whatever appeals, be sure to make a date with The CRUISE Show, the UK’s only travel exhibition dedicated to cruising, which comes to Birmingham’s NEC in October.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser looking to plan your next voyage, or want to find out more about holidays at sea, this is the place to discover a world of cruising.

All the major and specialist cruise lines will be there, exhibiting under one roof so you can get around and talk to the experts, seeking inspiration, information and practical advice to help you book your next holiday at sea.

They’ll have news about everything from Mediterranean mini-breaks to four-month voyages around the world, and about cruise ships that promise a fun-filled vacation for all the family and small vessels that offer an ultra-luxury holiday at sea or expedition cruises around the Polar regions.

You can also discover more about the fabulous A to Z of destinations you can visit in a cruise – everything from exotic Amazon to Zanzibar, with the magical Mediterranean and colourful Caribbean in between.

There’ll also be a packed programme of free talks, lectures and Q&A sessions led by industry experts and journalists, and exclusive show offers, discounts and competitions not available on the high street.

It’s a great day out for the family – and bring your non-cruising friends as well so they can discover why so many Brits are now turning on to holidays at sea.

You can’t afford not to be there!