Innovative Theater Set for Costa Ships

The ‘block’ which will contain the innovative new theater on Costa Luminosa.

Work is proceeding at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard on the construction of the Costa Luminosa, the next flagship of the Costa Cruises fleet. Two blocks have been laid in the building-graving dock; they weigh 444 and 280 tons and will constitute the “heart” of the ship’s theater. The new show lounge will have seating capacity of over 800 and be arranged as a huge amphitheater on three levels at the fore end of the liner.

Delivery of the Costa Luminosa, which will be 92,700 gt and provide accommodations for 2828 Guests, is scheduled for April 2009. The theater, on which work commenced with the laying of the 2 building blocks, is one of the leading-edge innovations with regard to the shipboard entertainment. It is a highly sophisticated structure which will have a surface area of 1300 sq. m., height of about 10 m, and seating capacity of more than 800; the show lounge will feature amenities and technology setting an example for similar entertainment facilities built ashore. In particular, advanced “LED” technology will ensure a special effects capability so spectacular as to constitute, in itself, a “show within the show”.

The Costa fleet currently includes a total of 12 theatres, one on each ship, with seating capacities ranging from 300 to over 1350; on board there are more than 140 professional performing artists, plus 50 lighting and sound engineers. The use of the latest techniques and equipment means that the standard of the shows on board is comparable with that of the most advanced entertainment centers ashore. The theaters on the most recent flagships feature cutting-edge technology such as a digital audio console enabling full automation of all operations (microphone mute, control of sound effects, synchronization with the hard disk player and the lighting console, video direction and stage automation), an advanced “Dolby surround” system delivering enhanced rich stereo sound throughout the auditorium, a fully automated stage controlled by a PC with dedicated software controlling the opening and closing of curtains, a remote control of the flying bars, a turntable stage and revolving music bandstand. In addition, there is a full-fledged “laser show” which can project film clips and images, consisting of two monochromatic beams and one multicolor beam plus 26 mirrors arranged in the theater.