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Europe Oceania
Thu 02 Mar 2028 - Wed 29 Mar 2028

Antilles, Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Florida (USA), United States, The Azores, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy PTP27A02

Cruise Region : Europe, Oceania
Company : Costa Cruises
Ship : Costa Fascinosa
Journey Start : Thu 02 Mar 2028
Journey End : Wed 29 Mar 2028
Count Nights : 27 nights

Schedule

Day Date Port Arrival Departure
1 2.03 Thu Les Abymes (Guadeloupe) / France 23:00
1 2.03 Thu Guadalupe Bay 23:30
2 3.03 Fri Guadalupe Bay 02:00
2 3.03 Fri St Peter Port / Guernsey 09:00 19:00
3 4.03 Sat Tortola / British Virgin Islands 07:00 15:00
4 5.03 Sun La Romana / Dominican Republic 09:00 23:59
5 6.03 Mon Day at sea / Sea
6 7.03 Tue Day at sea / Sea
7 8.03 Wed Freeport / Bahamas 08:00 20:00
8 9.03 Thu Fort Lauderdale / USA 06:00 20:00
9 10.03 Fri Port Canaveral, Orlando / USA 08:00 18:00
10 11.03 Sat Day at sea / Sea
11 12.03 Sun Day at sea / Sea
12 13.03 Mon New York / USA 07:00 20:00
13 14.03 Tue Newport / USA 08:00 16:00
14 15.03 Wed Boston / USA 10:00 20:00
15 16.03 Thu Day at sea / Sea
16 17.03 Fri Day at sea / Sea
17 18.03 Sat Day at sea / Sea
18 19.03 Sun Day at sea / Sea
19 20.03 Mon Day at sea / Sea
20 21.03 Tue Ponta Delgada, San Miguel / Portugal 08:00 18:00
21 22.03 Wed Day at sea / Sea
22 23.03 Thu Day at sea / Sea
23 24.03 Fri Lisbon / Portugal 06:00 16:00
24 25.03 Sat Cadiz / Spain 12:00 19:00
25 26.03 Sun Day at sea / Sea
26 27.03 Mon Barcelona / Spain 09:00 18:00
27 28.03 Tue Marseille / France 08:00 17:00
28 29.03 Wed Genoa / Italy 07:00

Accommodation in a cabin of the selected category
Meals in the restaurant (buffet) on the "buffet" system, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks in the cafe and pizzeria throughout the day. Water, juices, tea, coffee from machines are available in the buffet free of charge 24 hours.
Meals in the main restaurant "a la carte". As a rule, all liners have two or three main restaurants with menu service. The dishes in such restaurants are more refined and varied than in the buffet. Drinks are ordered for an additional fee.
Entertainment on board, such as animation, master classes, aerobics, evening performances in the theatre, live music in bars, discos.
Access to all public areas of the liner: fitness center (gym), swimming pools, jacuzzis by the pools, water park, library, mini-clubs for children.
Services of educators in mini-clubs for children from 6 months to 17 years
Games on sports grounds, including tennis, mini-football, basketball, badminton, mini-golf and others.
Use of watercraft during embarkation or disembarkation in ports if the liner does not enter the port.
Luggage transportation at the beginning and end of the cruise.
Depending on the cabin category, you may be provided with additional services free of charge. For example, ALL INCLUSIVE drinks in bars and restaurants, cabin service with free delivery 24 hours, use of the spa center.
Important: Costa  reserves the right to change the cabin to the same category or higher. However, Costa  will do everything possible to avoid changing the cabin.

Additional costs:

insurance (medical insurance, travel cancellation insurance)
airfare, rail transport (transportation costs to the port of departure and from the port of arrival of the ship)
transfers (from the airport/train station to the sea port and back)
excursions
pre- and post-cruise hotel reservations if you want to extend your holiday on land.
Additionally paid on the liner:

visiting alternative bars and restaurants
services of spa centers, hairdressers, beauty salons
medical services
laundry, ironing
casino
slot machines, etc. depending on the specific liner.
For any purchase of goods on the liner in bars, restaurants, shops and services in the spa center, hairdresser, etc. you will be additionally charged a service fee, which will average 15% of the purchase price.

 

Costa Cruises Fare Plans
Costa offers three fare options, allowing every guest to choose the right level of comfort and included services:


My Cruise — Basic Fare (Currently, only the My Cruise is available for booking on the website.
Other fare options (All-Inclusive and Super All-Inclusive) are available upon individual request through your travel agent.
Ideal for travelers who value flexibility and want to select only the services they need.

What’s included:

Accommodation in the chosen cabin
Full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
Costa Club points accumulation

All-Inclusive — Everything Included
A comfortable fare that includes the My Drinks package. Perfect for those who want to know all their expenses in advance.
What’s included:

Accommodation in the chosen cabin
Full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
My Drinks package: unlimited beverages by the glass — wine, beer, whiskey, cocktails, hot drinks, juices, and soft drinks
1 bottle of 0.5L water per day per person
Choice of dinner time
Costa Club points + discount on the next cruise
If your client chooses a Suite, the following are also included:
My Drinks Plus package (includes premium beverages and minibar)
24/7 personal butler service

Super All-Inclusive — Maximum Comfort
The most complete fare including drinks, meals, and multilingual guided excursions.
What’s included:

Accommodation in the chosen cabin
Full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
My Drinks package: a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
1 bottle of 0.5L water per day per person
My Explorations package: a set of excursions + discounts on additional tours
Flexible cancellation terms
Choice of dinner time
Costa Club points + discount on the next cruise
If your client chooses a Suite, the following are also included:
My Drinks Plus package (includes premium beverages and minibar)
24/7 personal butler service

Costa Cruises Beverage Packages
Choose the Best Package

My Soft Drinks
Enjoy coffee, juices, soft drinks, and alcohol-free cocktails.
Included:

Non-Alcoholic Drinks at the Bar: Soda, juices (various flavors), tonic, lemonade, iced tea, syrup with water per glass, mineral water (still or sparkling).
Hot Drinks: Espresso, decaffeinated coffee, iced coffee, coffee shaker, cappuccino, coffee with liqueur, selection of teas and herbal infusions.
From Chocolate Bar (if available on the ship): Hot or cold chocolate (various flavors).
Alcohol-Free Cocktails: All from the onboard menu.

Not Included: Cocktails, premium drinks, minibar drinks.

My Drinks
If you want more, add a wide selection of cocktails.
Included:

Drinks with Meals.
Drinks at the Bar.
Cocktails.
Aperitifs and Vermouths: All from the onboard menu.
Beer: Draft beer, non-alcoholic beer.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Mineral Water: Soda, juices (various flavors), tonic, lemonade, iced tea, syrup with water per glass, mineral water (still or sparkling), one 0.5L bottle of mineral water per adult per day in the restaurant and all bars.
Hot Drinks: Espresso, decaffeinated coffee, iced coffee, coffee shaker, cappuccino, coffee with liqueur, selection of teas and herbal infusions.
From Chocolate Bar (if available): Hot or cold chocolate (various flavors).
Wines by the Glass: White wines (Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Trebbiano); red wines (Merlot, Cabernet, Nero d’Avola); rosé wines (Rosato Puglia).
Whiskies: Ballantines, J&B, Johnnie Walker Red, Jim Beam, Canadian Club, Jameson, Dewar’s White Label, Crown Royal.
Other Distillates: Grappa (Grappa Moscato, Sènjana Gentile); cognac (Cognac VS); gin (Beefeater, Gordon’s); vodka (Skyy, Stolichnaya); rum (Bacardi Silver, Bacardi Gold, Bacardi Limón); brandy (Vecchia Romagna E.N., Fundador); tequila (Jose Cuervo).
Liqueur Wines: Harveys Bristol Cream, Sandeman Ruby Port.
Bitters and Liqueurs: All from the onboard menu.
Bacardi Breezer: All from the onboard menu.
Cocktails: Whisky Cream Banana Colada, Piña Colada, Kiwi Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, Banana Daiquiri, Planter’s Punch, Mai Tai, Bahama Mama, Frozen Margarita, Mojito, Caipirinha, Caipiroska, Caipirissima, Sidecar, Between the Sheets, Martini, Negroni, Americano, Campari shakerato, Aperol Spritz, Black Russian, White Russian, Pink Lady, Rossini, Bellini, Costa Dream, Costa Sea, Costa Wind, Costa Sky, Ginger Mojito, Mango Caipirinha.
Alcohol-Free Cocktails: Colibrì, Fruit Punch, Pink Panther, Squok, Cosmopolitan Long Virgin, Mojito Zero, Strawberry Caipiroska Zero, Sex on the Beach Zero, Passion Fruit Caipiroska Zero.
Mixed Drinks: Gin and tonic, vodka and tonic, whisky with cola, vodka with lemon, Cuba Libre.

Not Included: Premium drinks, minibar drinks.

My Drinks Plus
If you want the ultimate experience, add prestigious labels, plus soft drinks, bottled water and beer, and all minibar drinks.
Included:

Drinks with Meals.
Drinks at the Bar.
Cocktails.
Premium Drinks.
Drinks from the Minibar.
Unlimited consumption of all drinks from the bar menu up to 9 euros/10 dollars.
Molecular cocktails, solid cocktails, and premium drinks.
Assortment of beers, aperitifs, and distillates.
Special coffees for sweet lovers.
Drinks from the minibar or served in the cabin, plus the finest labels, bottled water, and beer.

My Drinks Young (for Children)
A wide selection of drinks per glass: from soda to smoothies and chocolate.
Included:

Juices: Pear, peach, apricot, pineapple, orange, grapefruit.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Mineral Water: Soda, juices (various flavors), tonic, lemonade, iced tea, syrup with water per glass, mineral water (still or sparkling).
Alcohol-Free Cocktails: Colibrì, Fruit Punch, Pink Panther, Squok, Cosmopolitan Long Virgin, Mojito Zero, Strawberry Caipiroska Zero, Sex on the Beach Zero, Passion Fruit Caipiroska Zero.
Hot Drinks: Espresso, decaffeinated coffee, iced coffee, coffee shaker, cappuccino, selection of teas and herbal infusions.
From Chocolate Bar (if available): Hot or cold chocolate (various flavors).

*Available only for children aged 4 to 17. Free for children under 4. **Cocktails available only in combination with the My Drinks package.

Beverage Package Conditions
Beverage packages are personal, non-transferable, and cannot be shared. They must be purchased by all guests in the same cabin or with the same booking number and/or traveling together. Packages including alcoholic drinks are intended only for guests aged 18+ (21 in the USA). They include a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served by the glass. Whole bottles of wine or spirits are not served. Excluded are minibar products, in-cabin service, and prestigious brands (except for My Drinks Plus). Service will be denied to intoxicated guests. If guests abuse the beverage package by sharing it with those who haven’t purchased it, Costa will revoke the privilege. Beverage packages are valid on embarkation and disembarkation days. My Drinks Young: Available only in combination with another adult beverage package. Intended for children and teens aged 4 to 17. Free for children under 4. Includes a selection of non-alcoholic drinks per glass. Excluded are minibar products and in-cabin service (except in combination with My Drinks Plus).

To confirm your booking, a minimum deposit of 30% of the cruise fare is required.
The final payment must be made no later than 60 days before the cruise departure.

After the deposit or full payment is received (depending on the booking date), you will receive confirmation.
Boarding passes are sent 14 days before departure upon completion of online check-in.

Payment methods:

By invoice
By credit/debit card


Cancellation Penalties
Rates MyCruise, All Inclusive, Super All Inclusive:

60 days or more before the cruise – €100 per person retained
59–40 days before the cruise – 30% of the total cost
39–25 days before the cruise – 55% of the total cost
24–16 days before the cruise – 80% of the total cost
15 days or less before the cruise – 100% of the total cost
Last Minute Rate:

100% of the total cruise cost charged from the moment of booking

Detailed cruise program
  • Day 1: 23:00

    Les Abymes (Guadeloupe) / France

    The green hills and cozy streets of Les Abymes offer a chance to discover the true beauty of Guadeloupe. Just a few kilometers from the capital, the town is famous for its traditional market, where fresh fruits, fragrant spices, and local crafts ignite the imagination. Here, everyone can find something special, from culinary delights to vibrant souvenirs.

    Stroll through the charming neighborhoods of Les Abymes, where colonial architecture blends with modern buildings. Be sure to visit the nearby parks and gardens to enjoy tropical vegetation and listen to the songs of local birds. This place is a perfect choice for travelers seeking a balance of culture, history, and genuine Caribbean hospitality.

  • Day 1: 23:30

    Guadalupe Bay

  • Day 2: 02:00

    Guadalupe Bay

  • Day 2: 09:00-19:00

    St Peter Port / Guernsey

  • Day 3: 07:00-15:00

    Tortola / British Virgin Islands

  • Day 4: 09:00-23:59

    La Romana / Dominican Republic

  • Day 5:

    Day at sea / Sea

  • Day 6:

    Day at sea / Sea

  • Day 7: 08:00-20:00

    Freeport / Bahamas

  • Day 8: 06:00-20:00

    Fort Lauderdale / USA

    Fort Lauderdale  is a city in the U.S. state of Florida, 28 miles (45 km) north of Miami. It is the county seat of Broward County. As of the 2017 census, the city has an estimated population of 180,072. Fort Lauderdale is a principal city of the Miami metropolitan area, which was home to an estimated 6,158,824 people in 2017.

    The city is a popular tourist destination, with an average year-round temperature of 75.5 °F (24.2 °C) and 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Greater Fort Lauderdale, encompassing all of Broward County, hosted 12 million visitors in 2012, including 2.8 million international visitors. In 2012, the county collected $43.9 million from the 5% hotel tax it charges, after hotels in the area recorded an occupancy rate for the year of 72.7 percent and an average daily rate of $114.48. The district has 561 hotels and motels comprising nearly 35,000 rooms. Forty-six cruise ships sailed from Port Everglades in 2012. Greater Fort Lauderdale has over 4,000 restaurants, 63 golf courses, 12 shopping malls, 16 museums, 132 nightclubs, 278 parkland campsites, and 100 marinas housing 45,000 resident yachts.

    Fort Lauderdale is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the Second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale (1782–1838), younger brother of Lieutenant Colonel James Lauderdale. William Lauderdale was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. However, development of the city did not begin until 50 years after the forts were abandoned at the end of the conflict.

    Three forts named "Fort Lauderdale" were constructed: the first was at the fork of the New River, the second was at Tarpon Bend on the New River between the present-day Colee Hammock and Rio Vista neighborhoods, and the third was near the site of the Bahia Mar Marina.

  • Day 9: 08:00-18:00

    Port Canaveral, Orlando / USA

  • Day 10:

    Day at sea / Sea

  • Day 11:

    Day at sea / Sea

  • Day 12: 07:00-20:00

    New York / USA

    The world famous city of New York , the largest city in the United States, with a population of 8.5 million people, and with suburbs - 20.6 million. New York is the largest economic, political, scientific, and cultural center of the United States. It is rightly called the "Main Gate" in the United States, and the world's largest John F. Kennedy Airport is located here. One of the distinguishing features of the city is the variegated national composition of the population, also called the United States in Miniature.

    New York gathered in itself the whole essence of this country: fashion, religion, goods, pace and rhythm of American life. The UN headquarters is located here. There are also many universities in New York, the Academy of Sciences, and many other scientific institutions. Like any other metropolis in the world, New York invites you to visit numerous museums in the city, theaters and concert halls, including the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall. A great place to relax in New York is Central Park, where you can feed hand-held squirrels, which, to everyone's surprise, are not afraid of people. You can also appreciate the beauty of the famous Empire State Building, with a height of 102 floors, it is an example of skyscrapers, although it was built in 1829-1831. "Must see" in New York, of course, the Statue of Liberty ("Lady Liberty"), located at the mouth of the Hudson River, on the small island of Liberty. And of course, don't forget to stroll along Broadway.

  • Day 13: 08:00-16:00

    Newport / USA

  • Day 14: 10:00-20:00

    Boston / USA

    Boston is the capital and most populous municipality of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city proper covers 48 square miles (124 km2) with an estimated population of 685,094 in 2017, making it also the most populous city in New England. Boston is the seat of Suffolk County as well, although the county government was disbanded on July 1, 1999. The city is the economic and cultural anchor of a substantially larger metropolitan area known as Greater Boston, a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) home to a census-estimated 4.8 million people in 2016 and ranking as the tenth-largest such area in the country. As a combined statistical area (CSA), this wider commuting region is home to some 8.2 million people, making it the sixth-largest in the United States.

    Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded on the Shawmut Peninsula in 1630 by Puritansettlers from England. It was the scene of several key events of the American Revolution, such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the Siege of Boston. Upon gaining U.S. independence from Great Britain, it continued to be an important port and manufacturing hub as well as a center for education and culture. The city has expanded beyond the original peninsula through land reclamation and municipal annexation. Its rich history attracts many tourists, with Faneuil Hall alone drawing more than 20 million visitors per year. Boston's many firsts include the United States' first public park (Boston Common, 1634), first public or state school (Boston Latin School, 1635) and first subway system (Tremont Street Subway, 1897).

    The Boston area's many colleges and universities make it an international center of higher education, including law, medicine, engineering, and business, and the city is considered to be a world leader in innovationand entrepreneurship, with nearly 2,000 startups. Boston's economic base also includes finance, professional and business services, biotechnology, information technology, and government activities. Households in the city claim the highest average rate of philanthropy in the United States; businesses and institutions rank among the top in the country for environmental sustainability and investment. The city has one of the highest costs of living in the United States as it has undergone gentrification, though it remains high on world livability rankings.

  • Day 15:

    Day at sea / Sea

  • Day 16:

    Day at sea / Sea

  • Day 17:

    Day at sea / Sea

  • Day 18:

    Day at sea / Sea

  • Day 19:

    Day at sea / Sea

  • Day 20: 08:00-18:00

    Ponta Delgada, San Miguel / Portugal

    Surrounded by volcanic landscapes and green hills, Ponta Delgada greets visitors with a unique rhythm where the sound of the ocean blends with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Here, in the capital of São Miguel Island, you can stroll along cobbled streets decorated with black-and-white Portuguese patterns, stop by cozy cafes for local pastries, and watch the sunset paint the Atlantic in golden-pink hues.

    For nature lovers, Ponta Delgada opens the gateway to the hot springs of Furnas, viewpoints overlooking the Sete Cidades lakes, and whale-watching tours departing directly from the city port. This is a place where an Azores vacation is filled with moments of true tranquility, the freshness of the ocean breeze, and the feeling that time slows down, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of each day.

  • Day 21:

    Day at sea / Sea

  • Day 22:

    Day at sea / Sea

  • Day 23: 06:00-16:00

    Lisbon / Portugal

    Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of Portugal, with an estimated population of 505,526 within its administrative limits in an area of 100.05 km2. Its urban area extends beyond the city's administrative limits with a population of around 2.8 million people, being the 11th-most populous urban area in the European Union. About 3 million people live in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (which represents approximately 27% of the country's population). It is mainland Europe's westernmost capital city and the only one along the Atlantic coast. Lisbon lies in the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus. The westernmost areas of its metro area form the westernmost point of Continental Europe, which is known as Cabo da Roca, located in the Sintra Mountains.

  • Day 24: 12:00-19:00

    Cadiz / Spain

    Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Europe, located on the southwest coast of Spain in the heart of Andalusia. The city stands on a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, which gives it a unique atmosphere. Cadiz is known for its picturesque beaches, such as Playa de la Victoria, as well as its ancient streets with white houses and magnificent facades, reflecting its Moorish and colonial history. In the historic center of the city stands the famous cathedral, whose construction took more than a century, offering an impressive view of the ocean.

    The city is also famous for its carnival traditions and delicious cuisine, which is dominated by seafood. The local carnival is considered one of the brightest in Spain, attracting thousands of tourists every year.

  • Day 25:

    Day at sea / Sea

  • Day 26: 09:00-18:00

    Barcelona / Spain

     

    Barcelona is a city in Spain. It is the capital and largest city of Catalonia, as well as the second most populous municipality of Spain. With a population of 1.6 million within city limits, its urban area extends to numerous neighbouring municipalities within the Province of Barcelona and is home to around 4.8 million people, making it the sixth most populous urban area in the European Union after Paris, London, Madrid, the Ruhr area and Milan. It is one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea, located on the coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs, and bounded to the west by the Serra de Collserola mountain range, the tallest peak of which is 512 metres (1,680 feet) high.

    Founded as a Roman city, in the Middle Ages Barcelona became the capital of the County of Barcelona. After merging with the Kingdom of Aragon, Barcelona continued to be an important city in the Crown of Aragon as an economic and administrative centre of this Crown and the capital of the Principality of Catalonia. Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage and is today an important cultural centre and a major tourist destination. Particularly renowned are the architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean are located in Barcelona. The city is known for hosting the 1992 Summer Olympics as well as world-class conferences and expositions and also many international sport tournaments.

    Barcelona is one of the world's leading tourist, economic, trade fair and cultural centres, and its influence in commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities. It is a major cultural and economic centre in southwestern Europe, 24th in the world (before Zürich, after Frankfurt) and a financial centre. In 2008 it was the fourth most economically powerful city by GDP in the European Union and 35th in the world with GDP amounting to €177 billion. In 2012 Barcelona had a GDP of $170 billion; and it was leading Spain in employment rate in that moment.

    In 2009 the city was ranked Europe's third and one of the world's most successful as a city brand. In the same year the city was ranked Europe's fourth best city for business and fastest improving European city, with growth improved by 17% per year, and the city has been experiencing strong and renewed growth for the past three years. Since 2011 Barcelona has been a leading smart city in Europe. Barcelona is a transport hub, with the Port of Barcelona being one of Europe's principal seaports and busiest European passenger port, an international airport, Barcelona–El Prat Airport, which handles over 50 million passengers per year, an extensive motorway network, and a high-speed rail line with a link to France and the rest of Europe.

  • Day 27: 08:00-17:00

    Marseille / France

    Marseille is the second-largest city of France. The main city of the historical province of Provence, it nowadays is the prefecture of the department of Bouches-du-Rhône and region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. It is located on France's south coast near the mouth of the Rhône river. The city covers an area of 241 km2 (93 sq mi) and had a population of 852,516 in 2012. Its metropolitan area, which extends over 3,173 km2 (1,225 sq mi) is the third-largest in France after Paris and Lyon, with a population of 1,831,500 as of 2010.

     Known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as Massalia, Marseille was an important European trading centre and remains the main commercial port of the French Republic. Marseille is now France's largest city on the Mediterranean coast and the largest port for commerce, freight and cruise ships. The city was European Capital of Culture in 2013 and European Capital of Sport in 2017; it hosted matches at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2016. It is home to Aix-Marseille University.

  • Day 28: 07:00

    Genoa / Italy

    Genoa is the capital of the Italian region of Liguria and the sixth-largest city in Italy. In 2015, 594,733 people lived within the city's administrative limits. As of the 2011 Italian census, the Province of Genoa, which in 2015 became the Metropolitan City of Genoa, counted 855,834 resident persons. Over 1.5 million people live in the wider metropolitan area stretching along the Italian Riviera.

     Located on the Gulf of Genoa in the Ligurian Sea, Genoa has historically been one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean: it is currently the busiest in Italy and in the Mediterranean Sea and twelfth-busiest in the European Union. Genoa has been nicknamed la Superba ("the proud one") due to its glorious past and impressive landmarks. Part of the old town of Genoa was inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO) in 2006 as Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli. The city's rich cultural history in art, music and cuisine allowed it to become the 2004 European Capital of Culture. It is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Andrea Doria, Niccolò Paganini, Giuseppe Mazzini, Renzo Piano and Grimaldo Canella, founder of the House of Grimaldi, among others.

    Genoa, which forms the southern corner of the Milan-Turin-Genoa industrial triangle of Northwest Italy, is one of the country's major economic centers. The city has hosted massive shipyards and steelworks since the 19th century, and its solid financial sector dates back to the Middle Ages. The Bank of Saint George, founded in 1407, is among the oldest in the world and has played an important role in the city's prosperity since the middle of the 15th century. Today a number of leading Italian companies are based in the city, including Fincantieri, Selex ES, Ansaldo Energia, Ansaldo STS, Edoardo Raffinerie Garrone, Piaggio Aerospace, Mediterranean Shipping Company and Costa Cruises.