Cruise Ship Costa Fascinosa called at Haifa on its maiden voyage

Italy's biggest cruise ship was built at a cost of 510 million euro
 
The 114,500-ton Costa Fascinosa ("fascinating" or "glamorous"), 4,000-passenger ship, which features improved Concordia-class elements, called at Haifa port on its maiden voyage.
 
The vessel, which is Italy’s biggest cruise ship and known as the rising star of the Costa fleet is owned by Carnival Corporation and operated by Costa Crociere (sister company of Carnival Corporation). It was built at a cost of 510 million euro by Fincantieri, at Marghera, Venice. The 290 meters long Costa Fascinosa has max Speed of 23 knots and cruising speed of 21.5 knots, has 17 decks and can boasts five restaurants 13 bars and a casino room.
 
Fascinosa's official 11-night inaugural cruise sailed from Venice on May 11. The ship visited Bari, Italy; Corfu; Haifa, Israel; Izmir, Turkey, and Dubrovnik.
 
From May 21 through November 30, 2012, Fascinosa will operate seven-night cruises departing from Venice on Mondays and Bari on Tuesdays. The sailings include calls on Olympia, Santorini and Rhodes, Greece, and Dubrovnik.