Costa Concordia Christened in Italy

Costa Cruises' newest ship, the 112,000-ton Costa Concordia, was christened in Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, on Friday night by its godmother, supermodel Eva Herzigova. The dramatic christening included an original theatrical extravaganza entitled "The Waters of Rome," produced by Valerio Festi. Costa is known throughout the industry for its grand christenings and this was no exception. VIP guests, government officials and media, viewed a massive video screen and on-site "live" action by mermaids, Triton, sea gods, stilt walkers, dancers, and finally, a giant shell emerging from the water that revealed Venus. At that point, the stage turned into a display of haute couture by the Italian fashion house Gattinoni. The ship itself has several distinctive features including a two-deck fitness area, Samsara Suites with direct spa access, four swimming pools (two with retractable roofs), 13 bars, more than 500 cabins with balconies and the first Formula One race car simulator at sea. The ship, which can serve 3,780 guests, will sail the Mediterranean this summer. It departed on its inaugural cruise July 9.