Costa Diadema, a new flagship of Costa Cruises called in at Valletta today for its maiden voyage.

The 132,500 ton cruise ship's constructions cost a total of €550million. Nicknamed the "Regina del Mediterraneo, the cruise ship represents the best of Italian culture and lifestyle, and transpires Italian hospitality from the entertainment t the design and artworks on board.

The cruise ship features seven restaurants offering a wide range of cousines, from Italian to Japenese. The Vinoteca Gran Duca di Toscana, the Dresden Green Beer-house, the Classic Rock Club as well as many other cocktail bars and dance lounges with live music offer unlimited entertainment options. To this one must add the three-tier Emerald theatre featuring four new productions, the casino and a dazzling discotheque. 

The cruise ship has three swimming pools within a great lido area and the huge 6,200 sqm Samsara spa which is spread on four decks.  Children have their own clubs and animation, swimming pool, games and a large "Laser Room" featuring an array of different laser games.

Photos: Anthony Sultana