Carnival Firenze

The 2021-built (as Costa Firenze) cruise ship Carnival Firenze joined the CCL fleet in February 2024. This is the second newbuild liner ordered for Costa Cruises, following the 2019-built sistership Costa Venezia (Carnival Venezia since 2023). Both ships were built in Italy by Fincantieri—Venezia at the Monfalcone Shipyard (near Trieste) and Firenze at the Marghera Shipyard (near Venice). Each vessel has a volume of 135,500 GT, 2,116 cabins, and a passenger capacity of 4,200 (max 5,260).

Under the "COSTA by CARNIVAL" brand, the vessel (IMO number 9801691) is currently Panama-flagged (MMSI 352003546) and registered in Colon. Costa Firenze was previously Italy-flagged (MMSI 247431800) and registered in Genoa.

Other Vista-class sisterships include Carnival Vista (2016), Carnival Horizon (2018), and Carnival Panorama (2019), as well as Adora Cruises' Adora Magic City (2023) and Adora TBN (2024).

In June 2022, Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) and Costa Cruises launched the "COSTA by CARNIVAL" cruise program, targeting North American travelers. The program features two Costa newbuilds—Venezia (starting in 2023 from New York City) and Firenze (starting in 2024 from Long Beach/Los Angeles). Both ships are operated by CCL while sailing from US homeports and underwent refurbishment prior to entering Carnival service.

History - construction and ownership

Costa Cruises is a Genoa-based subsidiary of Carnival Corporation. It is Europe’s second-largest cruise line (after MSC), operating year-round in the Mediterranean. Founded in 1854 as a cargo shipping company, Costa began passenger services in 1947 with transatlantic crossings between Italy and South America. Carnival Corporation acquired Costa Cruises in 2000.

The ship's design optimizes indoor and open-deck spaces with several multifunctional areas. The activity (Lido) deck includes an aqua park with a waterslide, a high-ropes garden, and a mini-golf course. The pool deck is covered by a retractable glass roof. The adults-only Beach Club, located beneath the glass roof, features a swimming pool, waterslides, a rock-climbing wall, and a Sports Deck. This deck also includes a giant LED screen for movies and outdoor video entertainment.

The ship offers dedicated lounges for teens, kids, and toddlers. Panoramic glass elevators connect outdoor areas. Other features include a glass-bottom skywalk, a large wellness center (Organic Spa and Fitness), the Plaza (with bars and shops), the Atrium Lobby Lounge (featuring a stage for street performers), and a large-capacity Theater.

Another shipbuilding agreement, signed in July 2015 with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft, included four newbuilds. Finalized in April 2016, this order covered two ships for Costa Cruises (Costa Smeralda, from the new Helios-class) and two for AIDA Cruises (Carnival’s German brand).

Managed by Costa Group, the combined fleet of Costa and AIDA is Europe’s largest. In 2014, half of all European cruise tourists sailed with either Costa or AIDA.

As of 2015, Costa Group operated 20 offices across 14 countries, employed approximately 27,000 shipyard workers, and had a fleet capacity exceeding 68,000 berths. The group also leads China's fast-growing cruise market.

In addition to the ship's crew, Costa passengers are assisted by Pepper robots—humanoid robots introduced fleetwide in 2016. These cyborgs welcome guests upon embarkation and assist throughout the voyage with information on dining, entertainment, workshops, events, casino, shopping, and shore excursions. The mobile robots communicate in English, German, and Italian, and can recognize emotions by analyzing voice tone and facial expressions.

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Firenze staterooms (2,116 total) are available in four main categories: Balcony Suites, Balcony Cabins, Oceanview (with picture windows), and Inside Cabins.

All staterooms include a bathroom with shower, twin beds (convertible to a queen-size bed), hairdryer, electronic safe (in the closet), mirrored vanity desk with chair, and smart HDTV. Balcony Staterooms also offer sofa beds and stocked minibars (extra charge). Wi-Fi is available in all cabins and public areas (extra charge). Suite guests enjoy free 24-hour room service, bathrobes, slippers, drinks package, and valet service.

The ship has 14 decks (all accessible to passengers), of which 12 contain cabins.

CARNIVAL Firenze review

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Palazzo Restaurant and Medici Restaurant are complimentary, waiter-served main dining rooms (MDRs) open for breakfast, brunch (sea days only), lunch (sea days only), and dinner. On port days, breakfast is served from 7:30-9:30 am. Dining hours may vary based on itinerary and onboard activities. On sea days, one MDR hosts the "Punchliner Comedy Brunch" (8:30 am - 1 pm), while the other serves breakfast (8-10 am) and lunch (12-noon - 1:30 pm). Afternoon Tea (3-4 pm on sea days) includes tea, mini sandwiches, and desserts. Dinner includes Early (6 pm) and Late (8:15 pm) seatings, plus "Your Time Dining" (5:45-9:30 pm). The Dr. Seuss-themed "Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast" (cover charge $5 pp, reservations recommended) is held once per cruise on a sea day at 8:30 am and 9:30 am.

Lido Marketplace (complimentary, 826 seats) is the buffet venue, offering open seating for breakfast (7:30 am - 12-noon, with omelet station), lunch (12-noon - 2:30 pm), dinner (6-9:30 pm, Good Eats buffet), and late-night snacks (11 pm - 1 am). The Good Eats buffet menu is an alternative to MDR dinner and features steaks, prime rib, grilled chicken, pastas, salads, desserts, and a daily Chef's Special. The Marketplace includes multiple food stations and themed bars such as Carnival Deli, Mongolian Wok, The Captain’s Pasta Bar, Salad Bar, Pizza Pirate (24-hour), Chef’s Choice Bar, Hot and Cold Buffet, Grille, and Dessert Bar. Complimentary self-serve stations are available 24 hours for tea/coffee, soft ice cream, and yogurt. The Chocolate Extravaganza Buffet (on the final sea day of 7+ night cruises) features a chocolate fountain, cakes, and themed desserts.

Seafood Shack (open for lunch and dinner) is a casual, à la carte restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating near the poolside buffet. Menu items ($4-16) include lobster rolls, shrimp salad, crab cakes, clams, oysters, platters, buckets, and soups. Fresh seafood is occasionally sourced locally during port visits.

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (open 6-9:30 pm) is a specialty restaurant with a $35 pp cover charge. The menu includes appetizers, salads, sides, prime-aged steaks, chicken, lobster, fish fillets, and desserts. Guests can also book the exclusive “Chef’s Table” experience.

Bonsai Teppanyaki (within Bonsai Sushi) offers Far East dishes with live cooking shows. Meals begin with five appetizers and end with signature desserts. Reservations are required due to limited seating. Bonsai Sushi (open for lunch and dinner) features Japanese cuisine with à la carte pricing. Complimentary sushi is also available in the buffet restaurant.

Pizzeria del Capitano (complimentary, 24-hour) serves wood-fired pizzas, pan pizza, Caesar salad, and made-to-order pies.

Lanai BBQ (open 12-noon - 2:30 pm, sea days only) is an outdoor bar offering grilled items, quesadillas, sliders, tacos, burgers, hot dogs, salads, and house-made chips with salsa.

JavaBlue Cafe (open from 7–10 am and 4 pm–12:30 midnight) is a specialty patisserie and coffee bar. The à la carte menu includes coffees ($3 – cappuccino, latte, mochaccino), espresso ($2), JavaBlue Drip ($1), chai tea latte ($3), hot chocolate ($2), spiked coffees ($6 – Caribbean, Mexican, Irish, Chocolate Lovers), iced coffees ($3.50), milkshakes ($4), specialty teas, bottled water, Perrier, and San Pellegrino (1 L). Desserts include Blue Velvet Cake ($2), cheesecakes ($2), cookies ($1 each), chocolate-covered strawberries ($0.75 each), flavored syrups ($0.50), and ice cream scoops.

Tomodoro serves Mexitalian fusion dishes using ingredients such as Italian meatballs and Sicilian chicken, paired with traditional Mexican tacos and burritos, available for breakfast and lunch.

Guy's Burger Joint is Carnival's signature burger venue by US celebrity chef Guy Fieri (Food Network). Complimentary and open for lunch and dinner (12 noon–6 pm), the menu features specialty burgers (Plain Jane, Straight Up, Pig Patty, Chilius Maximus, The Ringer), made-to-order options, hand-cut fries, and a condiment bar. Ingredients include 80/20 beef patties, buttered buns, melted cheese, mushrooms, lettuce, onions, pickles, tomato, Donkey Sauce (mayo), crispy bacon, spicy onion rings, chili, and BBQ sauce.

Shipboard entertainment options – Fun and Sport

Onboard themed party events include the Captain's Venetian Toast (held in the Atrium with cast members in Venetian costumes and guests wearing Venetian masks) and the Italian Street Party (featuring rotating Italian-themed performances and live music).

Teatro Rosso (Theater Lounge, lower level 1 of 2) is the main venue for grand-style productions featuring live music, dance, and tribute acts enhanced by special lighting and sound effects. Shows last approximately 30 minutes and are accompanied by high-definition visuals projected onto large LED screens. The evening entertainment program also includes popular game shows like "Love and Marriage," stand-up comedy, magicians, musicians, and family-friendly performances.

The venue hosts "Playlist Productions" (live musical revues) and "Hasbro The Game Show" (interactive board game experiences). The daily schedule includes expert lectures, seminars, multimedia presentations, classes, and bingo. On Carnival Venezia, the theater hosts three exclusive production shows each evening (7 pm, 8:45 pm, and 10:30 pm), followed by after-show parties with performer interaction. Venezia’s Playlist Productions includes Broadway Beats (New York City-themed), Vintage Pop (Prohibition-era), and Epic Rock (concert-style).

Teatro Rosso is designed as a multi-purpose venue with movable individual chairs instead of fixed stadium seating, allowing flexible configurations. It also hosts daily events such as port talks, shore excursion meetings, and media presentations related to land tours.

Hasbro Game Shows are based on the TV show "Family Game Night" and feature oversized versions of games like Connect 4, Yahtzee, Sorry! Sliders, Operation Sam Dunk, Simon Flash, Monopoly, and 10-pin Bowling. Guests can compete in teams to win Hasbro board games as prizes.

Playlist Productions feature musical revues combining live singing, dancing, and acting with LED staging and visual effects. Shows include 88 KEYS (Rock ‘n’ Roll piano singalong), 80s POP TO THE MAX, GETAWAY ISLAND (60s beach movie theme with 3D effects), HEART OF SOUL (R&B/soul), EPIC ROCK (70s–80s rock), STUDIO VIP (70s disco), THE BRITS (UK pop hits), MOTOR CITY (60s–70s Motown), LATIN NIGHTS (Latin music tributes), and DIVAS (tributes to iconic female vocalists).

The Limelight Lounge is home to the Punchliner Comedy Club and features live evening entertainment including vocalists, musicians, comedians, and karaoke sessions.

The Carnival Seaside Theatre is an outdoor cinema with a large LED screen. The venue also features a stage for live performances and games, and daily screenings of TV shows, concerts, funny videos, and sports events. At night, the screen shows movies with complimentary popcorn.

Firenze Casino (plus Annex) is a Vegas-style gaming venue with slot machines (“Coinless Fun Slots”) and tables for Craps, Roulette, Blackjack 21, Caribbean Stud Poker, and dealer-free poker. Complimentary gaming lessons are offered, and tournaments are held regularly. Guests may use cash or Sail & Sign (S&S) cards (linked to the credit card on file). Travelers checks can be cashed at the Casino Cashier’s Window. Slot machines accept S&S cards only, while table games are cash-only. Hours vary but typically open at 9 am for slots, 10 am for select tables, and 12 noon–3 am for all games on sea days. The Casino closes while in port and reopens 30–60 minutes after departure. It remains open overnight in Nassau and may open during visits to Half Moon Cay. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Carnival chips are interchangeable fleetwide. The MegaCash jackpot can exceed USD 1 million.

Heroes Tribute Lounge (21+ age limit) is a bar venue partnered with Operation Homefront, a US nonprofit supporting military families and veterans. Each souvenir glass sold donates US$1 to the organization. The lounge features leather armchairs, low tables, and large TVs showing live sporting events.

Pixels Photo Gallery and Shop sells photography and video equipment, accessories, and prints of images taken by the ship’s professional photographers.

Dreams Studio is the ship’s professional photo studio, offering private photo sessions and portrait services.

The Art Gallery, located in the Atrium, features original artworks from renowned dealers, available for purchase at discounted prices (claimed to be lower than those at land-based galleries). Daily art auctions are held in the Atrium Lobby (typically early afternoon) and include complimentary sparkling wine.

The Fun Shops is the ship’s duty-free retail arcade (open 8 am–12 midnight), offering Carnival-branded merchandise (ship models, apparel), gifts, souvenirs, and name-brand items such as luxury jewelry, watches, designer bags, hats, shoes, fashion accessories, sunglasses, perfumes, cosmetics, beauty products, liquor, tobacco, and essentials.

Cherry on Top (open 4–10:30 pm) is Carnival’s signature candy and gift shop. It sells bulk candies (including sugar-free options), confections (lollipops, truffles, chocolate-covered treats, cupcakes, fudge, cookies), as well as apparel (for women and kids), balloons, flowers, Carnival Greeting Cards, and spa items. Formalwear rentals are available by pre-cruise order only.

Cloud 9 Beauty Salon offers a range of services including facials, manicures and pedicures, haircuts, styling, coloring, eyebrow shaping, makeup, waxing, barbering, teeth whitening, and Medi-Spa treatments.

SkyCourse is a complimentary outdoor ropes course, offering a high-adrenaline aerial adventure experience.

The ship also features a Mini Golf Course.

Serenity is an adults-only retreat (21+) with free entry. This forward-positioned sundeck includes two large cantilevered whirlpools (glass-walled hot tubs), massage huts, cabanas, Fresh Creations (a complimentary salad bar), and two bars—Spritz Bar and Serenity Bar—serving beverages. Both whirlpools and bars operate 8 am–10 pm, with hours subject to itinerary and weather.

The Serenity Deck is equipped with hammocks, premium wicker loungers and clamshell chairs (with teal cushions), shaded double loungers, plush wicker sofas, and decorative live trees. Serenity Bar offers a full menu of drinks at regular bar prices (cocktails, beer buckets, wine by the glass, frozen drinks, smoothies, shakes, sodas).

Piazza Duomo is the ship’s 3-deck-high midship Atrium (on decks 3–5) featuring an open-floor design. It houses the Lobby with the Carnival Adventures Tour Desk and Guest Services/Reception, the Atrium Bar, and a performance stage (deck 3). Deck 4 provides direct access to the Fun Shops, Dreams Studio, and Cherry on Top, while deck 5 connects to the Fun Shops and the Beauty Salon.

Additional bars include Amari Bar, Frizzante Bar, Pergola Bar, and Rococo Bar (specializing in frozen drinks).

Kids & Teens venues and programs

Camp Ocean is the ship’s youth complex offering supervised, age-appropriate activities for three groups: Penguins (ages 2–5), Stingrays (6–8), and Sharks (9–11). Each group has its own space and dedicated staff. Operating hours may vary by itinerary but generally run: sea days (10 am–1 pm, 2–5 pm, 7–10 pm); port days (from arrival to 2 pm, and 2–10 pm).

Youth staff are international, CPR-certified professionals. Children must wear their muster station wristbands (available at Camp Ocean or Guest Services). In emergencies, parents must retrieve their child’s lifejacket from the cabin.

Supervised dinners for kids (except the first cruise night) are hosted nightly from 6–6:45 pm in the Lido buffet. The menu includes mac & cheese, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fries, fish sticks, chicken nuggets, spaghetti and meatballs, vegetables, fruit, and Jell-O.

Camp Ocean offers over 200 complimentary marine-themed activities. Family events include “family afternoons” for parent-child bonding and a “family day” with activities like face painting and scavenger hunts using disposable cameras to find hidden items across the ship.

PENGUINS (ages 2–5) enjoy arts and crafts, Penguin Palooza (costume-making, parades), music, singalongs, aerobics, sculpting, face painting, T-shirt decorating, candy bingo, storytime, Dr. Seuss and Mr. Potato Head activities, PlayStation games, dance parties, indoor ball games, movie nights, and “Owl Jams” parties (10 pm–12 midnight, additional fees apply).

STINGRAYS (ages 6–8) have PlayStation and Nintendo games, crafts, Pirate Game Night, Memory Game, face painting, T-shirt decorating, sports, music sessions, prize bingo, Superhero activities, and “Fun Til' One” parties (10 pm–1 am, fees apply).

SHARKS (ages 9–11) participate in trivia, crafts, T-shirt decorating, cruise ship design, scavenger hunts, origami, bingo, dance parties, and outdoor sports, plus “Fun At Sea” parties (10 pm–1 am, fees apply).

Camp Ocean NIGHT OWLS offers nightly babysitting (10 pm–1 am) for children 6 months to 11 years. The cost is $6.75 per hour, per child, plus 15% gratuity. Payment is charged to the Sail & Sign account at pickup. Late pickups (after 1 am) are charged double, and future babysitting privileges may be revoked. Activities include slumber party games, board games, video games, arts and crafts, movies, and snacks. For infants under age 2, port day babysitting starts 15 minutes before the first tour and runs until 12 noon (or 1–5 pm if arriving after noon), and 8–10 am on sea days. Diapers and toiletries must be provided by parents; potty training is not required.

Carnival's Camp Ocean-themed programming on select nights includes additional surcharged parties ($13 per child plus 15% gratuity). These are: "Owl Jams" (ages 2–11, 10 pm–12 midnight, featuring games, hide and seek, music), "Fun Til One" (ages 6–8, 10 pm–1 am, includes video games, dancing, singing), and "Fun At Sea" (ages 9–11, 10 pm–1 am, with video games, sports events, and pizza). Snacks and beverages are included.

For Camp Ocean participants (children under 5 and those with special needs or allergies), complimentary beepers, cell phones, and chargers are provided. Baby strollers (single and double) are available for rent—$30 for cruises 5 days or longer, and $8 per day for 3- to 4-day cruises.

The kids complex on Carnival Firenze also includes Party Reef (a lounge area), Creative Cove (a room for arts, crafts, and workshops), Dr. Seuss Bookville (a themed library), and an outdoor playground.

Creative Cove hosts the Beary Cuddly Workshop, a for-fee build-your-own stuffed animal activity (starting at $20 depending on accessories). A portion of the proceeds is donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis, TN). This "Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea" allows kids to create and dress stuffed toys with customizable outfits and voice recordings.

Dr. Seuss Bookville is a family reading and playroom decorated with colorful furniture and featuring more than 40 Dr. Seuss titles in multiple languages, along with themed board games and activities.

Circle C is the youth club for ages 12–14 and offers movies, video games, themed parties, and scheduled group activities. Entry is complimentary.

Club O2 is the teen-only lounge for ages 15–17, offering movies, karaoke, video games, themed parties, and teen-exclusive shore excursions.

COSTA Firenze review

Costa Firenze features 13 restaurants and 7 bar lounges, with a culinary lineup including Italian, Asian, and Chinese dishes. Italian menus include creations by 3-star Michelin chef Umberto Bombana. Authentic Chinese cuisine is available in both main and specialty dining venues throughout the day.

Shipboard dining options – Food and Drinks

Below is a list of Costa Firenze's dining venues and food bars:

• The Main Restaurant (waiter-served) and the Lido buffet (Versilia Restaurant) serve both Chinese and Italian cuisine from early morning until late evening.
• Dim Sum offers traditional Chinese street food-style dishes.
• Casanova Restaurant is the ship's fine dining venue, with a menu by Umberto Bombana of 3-star Michelin restaurant Otto e Mezzo Bombana.
• Ristorante dei Medici
• Ristorante Palazzo Vecchio
• Frutti di Mare, a seafood restaurant, serves a fusion of Venetian and Asian cuisine.
• Lanai BBQ Restaurant and La Fiorentina Steak House offer sea views and grilled specialties.
• Napoli Pizza serves traditional Italian pizza anytime, anywhere onboard.

Introduced in 2021, "Destination Dishes" are complimentary daily offerings in the main dining rooms. Designed by celebrity chefs Bruno Barbieri (Italy), Hélène Darroze (France), and Ángel León (Spain), these dishes highlight the culinary traditions of destinations scheduled for the following day.

Shipboard entertainment options – Fun and Sport

Costa Firenze was designed to reflect Italian culture, cuisine, and heritage. The Atrium is inspired by St. Mark's Square in Venice and includes gondolas onboard. Lounge Tuscany offers a virtual gondola ride through Venice, and Grand Canal Restaurant replicates canal-side architecture, including a replica of the Bridge of Sighs, with waiters dressed in 17th-century Venetian costumes. Voyages include a Venice Carnival-themed party night with music and masks.

Nightly performances in the theater include Italian-themed shows like "Venezia Innamorata" (based on Casanova’s life). Lounge Della Moda hosts the Costa Venezia Film Festival, with music and movie screenings inspired by the Venice Film Festival.

While designed with Italian aesthetics, the vessel was tailored for the Chinese cruise market, featuring Mandarin-language entertainment including the Golden Party—a nightly event with gifts and surprises awarded every ten minutes.

Family-friendly activities include kids' clubs, mini-golf, a Rope Garden, and Water Park Laguna. The ship also has 11 karaoke rooms and hosts the Masquerade Ball, inspired by Venice's Carnival. There are six full-service bar lounges, plus Bella Bar offering bubble teas and fresh juices.

Onboard shopping

Retail shopping on Costa Firenze (operated by Starboard Cruise Services) is tax- and duty-free, offering premium Italian and international brands along with exclusive ship collections and shopping experiences.

Spanning 13 decks, the Galleria Shops include jewelry, watches, sunglasses, apparel, accessories, shoes, hats, cosmetics, fragrances, bath and skincare products, travel essentials, and souvenirs.

• Italy-themed collections rotate twice per cruise and feature hand-crafted pottery, miniatures, keyrings, and magnets.
• Italian brands onboard include Salvatore Ferragamo, Ciclamini Milano, MYTO Firenze, Save My Bag, as well as major labels like Versace, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Diesel, Ermanno Scervino, Etro, Marni, Missoni, Trussardi, Moschino, and Roberto Cavalli.
• New brands include Louis Vuitton and What Goes Around Comes Around (vintage streetwear).

Retail Concierge services are available for in-cabin purchases, private store appointments, and guided shopping experiences.

CARNIVAL Firenze itineraries

As part of the COSTA by CARNIVAL program, Costa Firenze began sailing from the USA in April 2024, homeported in Long Beach (Los Angeles), California.

Bookings for the inaugural season (May 2024–April 2025) opened on March 23, 2023. The program includes 15 roundtrip itineraries from LA to Baja Mexico, ranging from 3 to 7 days. Highlights include:

• 5-day "Mexican Riviera Inaugural Cruise" (May 2, 2024) visiting Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada
• 6-day itinerary visiting Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas (overnight)
• 7-day itinerary to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas

In 2025–2026, the ship offers short breaks from Long Beach including a 4-day Baja California itinerary (Ensenada and Catalina Island) and a 5-day Mexican Riviera itinerary (Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada).

COSTA Firenze itineraries

Costa Firenze's original deployment was set to begin in October 2020 with a month-long Mediterranean season from Trieste and Savona, followed by a 51-day repositioning cruise (starting November 2, 2020) from Savona to Hong Kong.

Bookings opened May 6, 2019, for all Mediterranean sailings and the transcontinental voyage. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ship's delivery and launch were delayed, affecting the schedule.

The Maiden Voyage (October 1, 2020) was to be a 7-day cruise from Trieste to Savona, calling at Bari, Barcelona, and Marseille. Additional voyages from Savona included routes to Naples, Palermo or Messina, Valencia, and Barcelona. The final voyage in this series was the 51-day repositioning cruise to Hong Kong.

In late October 2020, Costa rescheduled several itineraries. Firenze’s debut was moved to February 28, 2021, starting a Western Mediterranean season based in Genoa and visiting La Spezia, Naples, Valencia, Barcelona, and Marseille. Roundtrips were also offered from Marseille and Barcelona.

A new itinerary included roundtrip sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Naples, Ibiza</a), Barcelona, Marseille, and Genoa, with alternative embarkations from Marseille.

In April 2021, the Maiden Voyage was rescheduled for July 4, featuring an all-Italian itinerary visiting Savona, Civitavecchia, Palermo, Naples, Messina, and Cagliari (Sardinia). The Mediterranean season concluded with a 36-day repositioning cruise to Singapore.

The ship's final Costa season included 14-day itineraries to the Canary Islands and Portugal with roundtrip departures (October 2023–January 2024) from Savona, Barcelona, Valencia, and Marseille.

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera shipyard, hull number 6273) has a volume of 135,156 GT and a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 12,568 tons, with a maximum draught of 8.6 m. The powerplant consists of five MAN marine diesel engines (4-stroke, common-rail injection – 2x 14V48/60CR and 3x 8L48/60CR), delivering a total output of 62.4 MW (83,680 hp). Propulsion is diesel-electric, featuring two ABB Azipod thrusters with a combined output of 33 MW (44,250 hp). The registered shipowner is CARNIVAL CORPORATION, and the registered manager is CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE (both Florida USA-based). Costa Firenze was previously managed by CARNIVAL MARITIME GMBH.

The vessel is named after Firenze-Florence's historic center (Centro Storico di Firenze), which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Firenze is also the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, which inspired the name of her fleetmate Costa Toscana (2021).

In January 2016, shipowner Carnival Corporation signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Fincantieri to build four new ships. Contracts were finalized in April 2016. Of these, two vessels were designated for Costa Asia (Venezia, Firenze), one for Princess Cruises (Enchanted Princess), and one for P&O Australia (TBN-2022). With this order, Carnival Corporation had 17 ships on order for delivery between 2016-2020. All four units were Fincantieri-built (at Monfalcone and Marghera shipyards) and scheduled for delivery in 2019-2022.

The shipbuilding order was placed on April 2, 2016. Construction began with the keel-laying ceremony on May 26, 2018. Like her sistership Venezia, Firenze was built by Fincantieri at the Marghera Shipyard (near Venice, Italy). The ship's diesel-electric powerplant includes five Tier-II compliant MAN marine diesel engines (two 14V48/60CR and three 8L48/60CR), generating a combined 62.4 MW.

Between 2019 and 2021, Costa Cruises was scheduled to add four new ships, expanding fleet capacity by 43% (to 17 vessels). Costa Firenze was initially planned for delivery on September 30, 2020, with a naming ceremony in Venice.

The vessel was launched (floated out of drydock) on November 6, 2019, at the Marghera Shipyard. The float-out ceremony's godmother was Franca Pierobon (a shipyard employee), and the event was attended by Vanessa Li (Costa Asia's VP) and Luigi Matarazzo (Fincantieri SpA's GM of Merchant Ships Division).

Costa Firenze is one of seven newbuilds ordered by Carnival Corporation for Costa Group, as part of a EUR 6 billion investment program (deliveries 2019-2023). Venezia and Firenze are the largest Costa ships ever homeported in China.

After the planned October 2020 inauguration, the ship was scheduled for a month-long Mediterranean season with itineraries from Trieste and Savona. On November 2, 2020, she was to begin a 51-day repositioning voyage from Europe to China (Savona to Hong Kong) via the Suez Canal, for year-round service in East Asia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed delivery and canceled the inaugural program.

On December 22, 2020, after successful sea trials off Sicily, Costa Firenze was officially delivered to Costa Crociere by Fincantieri Marghera. The handover ceremony was attended by Michael Thamm (Costa Group and Carnival Asia CEO), Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri SpA CEO), and Mario Zanetti (Costa Cruises' CCO and President of Costa Asia).

In February 2024, CCL announced Firenze's inaugural leadership team: Captain Crescenzo Palomba (with CCL since 1999), Rosario Capilli (Chief Engineer, with CCL since 1990), Renil Kuruvilla (Hotel Director, with CCL since 2004), Gordon Travis (Entertainment Director, with CCL since 2016), and Joey Boyes (Cruise Director, with CCL since 2017).

Carnival Firenze’s official launch and naming ceremony took place on April 24, 2024, at Port Long Beach/Los Angeles, CA. The event was live-streamed via CCL’s Facebook page and hosted by godfather Jonathan David Bennett (American actor and TV host, known for Food Network’s “Cake Wars” and “Halloween Wars”). The event was attended by Captain Crescenzo Palomba and CCL President Christine Duffy.

Costa-Carnival Firenze refurbishment 2024

Costa Firenze arrived at Navantia Shipyard (Port Cadiz, Spain) on January 27, 2024, for a drydock conversion project to transform her into Carnival Firenze.

The refurbishment included redesigns of public areas, all venues, and staterooms, as well as a full machinery overhaul, steelworks, classification inspections, and exterior updates (superstructure and hull repainting, adding CCL's signature livery).

Costa’s signature funnel was also redesigned. Unlike most CCL ships, Firenze's hull stripe was painted yellow instead of red.

Carnival Firenze officially joined the Carnival fleet on February 2, 2024, during a handover ceremony at Port Cadiz. Following the refit, she departed Cadiz on March 24, 2024.

Inaugural itineraries 2024 (Carnival Firenze)

The following tables present Carnival Firenze’s first voyages, all roundtrip from Los Angeles, California, USA, in 2024.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE) 5-day "Mexican Riviera" itinerary – from US$365 per person based on double occupancy

4-day "Baja Mexico" itinerary - from US$255 pp

Godspeed!

Inaugural itineraries 2021 (Costa Firenze)

Next tables show the new Costa ship's maiden voyages scheduled for 2021 as themes, call ports, and times. Prices for the 7-day Med roundtrips were in the range EUR 730-1020 (USD 890-1250) per person with double occupancy.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE/first cruise) 7-day Western Mediterranean itinerary roundtrip from Spain.

Roundtrips were also offered from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Savona.

7-day "Western Mediterranean with Sicily and Sardinia" itinerary

36-day Suez Canal repositioning from Europe to Asia (from EUR 2570 / USD 3140 pp)

The relocation voyage was also offered in smaller segments:

• Oct 15 (22-day) Barcelona to Dubai (EUR 1580 / USD 1930 pp)
• Oct 17 (20-day) Savona to Dubai (EUR 1430 / USD 1745 pp)
• Oct 17 (34-day) Savona to Singapore (EUR 2430 / USD 2970 pp)
• Oct 18 (33-day) Civitavecchia to Singapore (EUR 2360 / USD 2885 pp)
• Nov 6 (14-day) Dubai to Singapore (EUR 1000 / USD 1225 pp)

The next two tables show Firenze's last cruises for Costa (2024), including the Canary Islands itinerary.

(Canary Islands) 14-day Mediterranean (from US$1400 pp)

(Costa Firenze's last voyage) 1-day from Marseille to Savona (from US$90 pp)