Page 126 - SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2016

tomorroW INNOVATION, RESPONSIBILITY AND DEVELOPMENT 127
New ships: the concept
Alongside the investments in new style, hospitality and entertainment, as
propulsion systems and the adoption part of a creative project conveying core
of shipboard solutions yielding benefi ts Italian values. The new interiors feature
in terms of reduced impacts, greater modern design elements and innovations
effi ciency in use of resources as well as intended to rethink the cruise experience
energy savings, Costa has launched a and ensure that the ship itself is the focal
strategy designed to make the ship itself point of the vacation.
increasingly a destination, a holiday resort. The Creative Director for these new
Linked to this is the new design concept builds is Adam d. tihany, considered the
for the ship’s interiors based on the latest world’s leading hospitality designer, who is
trends aimed at delivering joyful cruise overseeing an elite group of international
vacation experiences. architects and specialists who are well-
As on its existing cruise ships, Italian design, versed in design for shipboard spaces
culture and spirit will be showcased on such as restaurants, swimming pools and
the new additions to Costa’s fl eet. Roving multifunctional entertainment venues.
ambassadors for “Italy’s Finest”, they will The main aim is a bespoke realization of
allow countless thousands of international the “Italy’s Finest” philosophy so as to stun
guests to discover excellence in terms of guests and make them feel that they are
an integral part of a “broader” journey of the very best in Italian art and design.
discovery of Italy at sea based on beauty Carefully selected works and exhibits from
and aesthetic appeal in its various forms. various industrial sectors, the cinema and –
A key part of the project is the of course – the fashion industry will make
reinterpretation of fi ne materials – stone, this a unique showcase for Italian culture
glass, leather, fabrics, wood and ceramics and style. The ship will be a veritable
– featuring prominently in the diff erent place “to discover” – an evocative location
shipboard spaces and used to further stirring the emotions and marking a new
convey to the guest the passion and way of appreciating the cruise experience.
unique know-how of the Italian artisans
taking part in the work together with the
most prestigious brands of Italian interior
design.
Epitomizing Italy’s Finest will be a fl oating
museum, a fi rst for the cruise industry, in
an exhibition area permanently set aside
on board for this purpose and blending
into the surrounding spaces, displaying
Pre-empting the future: Pepper on board
Central to the design and construction of our new ships is the introduction of state-of-the-art facilities and technology
enhancing guests’ experience on board and allowing them to enjoy a more interactive vacation, including the possibility
of planning which amenities to use in line with their tastes and interests.
Since 2016, guests on the Costa Diadema have been able to converse with Pepper, the fi rst humanoid robot capable
of recognizing human emotions. Pepper, who entertains and informs passengers, is a fi rst for the cruise industry and
the result of a partnership between Costa and softBank robotics.
Pepper is extremely natural, can detect people nearby and is capable of perceiving basic human emotions by interpreting
your expression and your tone of voice. This “emotional” robot speaks Italian, English and French and can therefore
interact freely with our international clientele. In addition to entertaining guests, Pepper is also programmed to handle
requests for information, provide guidance both about shipboard services and about the destinations on the itinerary,
and gather feedback, comments and suggestions from guests concerning their perceptions of the cruise experience.