The new flagship of the Italian cruise company Costa Crociere was christened in Marseille last month. The event was marked with a spectacular light show and fireworks display entitled “Mediterranean Serenade”. In line with Costa Crociera’s commitment to advanced technology, the inaugural event was also available on-line.

All users who registered on www.secondlife.com had the opportunity of taking part in the virtual ceremony with entertainment, a DJ party, a treasure hunt and a fireworks display. Sam Mifsud, managing director of SMS Travel & Tourism, attended the inauguration.

Costa Crociere is the number one cruise company in Europe and South America experiencing growth in 2006, in terms of: total passengers (880,000), passenger/days (6,900,000) and ship occupancy rate (100 per cent).

The Costa Serena is the 12th member of the Costa fleet, which is Europe’s largest and most advanced. The Costa Serena is the largest vessel to fly the Italian flag, with a gross tonnage of 112,000 GRT, 290 metres in length, 1,500 cabins and total guest capacity of 3,780.

The Costa Serena entered service last month with her maiden cruise from Venice. Every Sunday, from June through November, the Costa Serena will depart from the port of the city of canals on a seven-day cruise calling at Bari, Olympia (Greece), Izmir and Istanbul (Turkey) and Dubrovnik (Croatia).

In winter 2007/2008, the Costa Serena will offer 10- and 11-day cruise holidays to the Canary Islands and has also included Malta in some of its winter itineraries

SMS Travel is the sales agent in Malta for Costa Crociere.