The first of Costa two latest sisiterships the Costa Favolosa, the new flagship of Costa Cruises, has entered dry dock at the Port of Trieste, Italy, until mid-May, for the final stages of construction. While in dry dock, the ship's hull will be cleaned and coated in preparation for sea trials scheduled later this month. During sea trials, the ship will be put through its paces in the open sea, with a series of tests on its systems, machinery and engines.

The two new sister ships (114,500 tons and 3,780 total guests), being built by Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard with the Favolosa due for delivery in summer 2011 and the Fascinosa in the spring of  2012, respectively, complete Costa’s fleet expansion program, following entry into service of the Costa Luminosa (in May 2009) and the Costa Pacifica (in June 2009), and at the end of January 2010 the Costa Deliziosa.

When it enters service this summer, the 114,500-ton, 3,800-passenger Costa Favolosa it will be the largest Italian-flagged cruise ship and the 15th vessel in the Costa fleet. Its July 2 naming ceremony, which will take place in Trieste’s Piazza Unità d’Italia, will be open to the public, and its theme will be a tribute to Italy