Costa Crociere, the Italian unit in the Carnival Corp & plc group, has taken delivery of Costa Diadema, its largest ship so far while the interior design philosophy represents "sophisticated, contemporary approach," the company said in a statement.
The design philosophy of Costa Diadema is an evolution of Joe Farcus' style: new functions and circulation patterns were created for Costa Diadema, as well as a new ship layout, giving guests the possibility to experience something unlike any other cruise ship, Costa said. Farcus, who lives in Miami, has designed the interiors of Costa newbuildings since Costa Atlantica in 2000.
"The design philosophy is a sophisticated contemporary approach," said Farcus. "We have been trying to create special designs, which affect the emotions of the guests indicating to them they are sailing in a very special environment created for their leisure and delivering them to a dream destination."
"What guests on the quay will notice first is the ship’s added height resulting from an added deck. The top area has been expanded and there will be more areas dedicated to sunbathing and sports as well as a children’s park and pool. Furthermore, the bow and stern have been redesigned giving a more streamlined appearance. However the most notable feature will be the wide, open promenade that wraps around the ship on deck 5."
From Costa Diadema’s outdoor promenade, it will be possible to enjoy a spectacular view of the sea. With the longest promenade of the fleet, it features a yacht-like design and will offer a 500 metre walk around all four sides of the ship. Bars and restaurants overlooking it will add to the atmosphere of a Mediterranean summer outdoors.
The interior design of Costa Diadema exhibits stylish décor with an Italian touch. Ninety per cent of the chairs on board are products of Italian designers. Refined details are present in each corner of Costa Diadema, like the glass mosaics that tastefully decorate many areas of the flagship, including the open-air promenade and the Pizzeria. Chic details are present in other spaces like the Samsara Restaurant, where the striped marble wall includes art recesses with artworks inspired by Japanese theatrical masks. Moreover, the onboard Casino features golden walls where small light bulbs light the room giving a sparkling effect.
The 'Eliodoro Atrium' is the first place guests will see when getting on board. It is a crossroad for everyone and the busiest, liveliest place of the ship. It is a grand sight especially for guests descending in one of the four panoramic lifts. Cascading droplets of light resembling real jewels, curvy, wavy designs, mother-of-pearl decorations and the marble help create a three-dimensional, fluidic effect that reflects the modernity and grandiosity of Costa Diadema.
The main pool area, Lido Diana on deck 10, is a place where guests can comfortably sunbathe on the luxurious water sofas, built into the pool on at both sides. The white fiberglass walls trimmed in teak wood add a luxurious yacht-like appearance to the open-air promenade on deck 5.
The shopping area, on deck 4, is the largest ever on any Costa’s ship. The space extends beam to beam on the ship with a walkway running through it. "We have worked very closely with Costa’s shop experts to create a layout of the highest standard for today’s shopping trends to give the guests the most pleasant shopping experience second to none ashore," says Joseph Farcus. "We even have a dedicated Portobello Road area for super sale events and merchandise, adding to the unique shopping experience this ship offers."
As well as the wrap-around promenade, Deck 5 includes a variety of dining venues. At the Birreria Dresden Garden, for instance, guests can experience a beer garden on the water, with a décor that uses rustic wood. Also on Deck 5 is the Japanese Teppenyaki restaurant, where chefs cook on a grill while guests watch, sat at the polished granite counter so that they can experience Japanese cuisine in a distinctive and social setting. For those wanting something sophisticated to drink, the Costa Diadema offers Vinoteca Grand Duca di Toscana and the Bollicine Bar. Other dining options include the exclusive Samsara Restaurant, and the à la carte Diadema Club Restaurant. Furthermore, children will love indulging at the Gelateria Amarilla, Costa said.
