'Cruise Europa' was launched at Fincantieri's Castellammare di Stabia shipyard on the weekend (Saturday, March 14).
The vessel is the third of a series of four cruise ferries ordered by the Grimaldi Group of Naples, Italy. The ferries are co-financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Godmother to the ship was Iliana Grimaldi, wife of Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of Minoan Lines.
After delivery, scheduled for next October, 'Cruise Europa' will be employed on the route Ancona – Igoumenitsa – Patras route.
'Cruise Europa' is the largest cruise ferry covering Mediterranean routes, measuring 225 metres in length and 31 metres at the beam. The 54,310GT vessel has a loading capacity of 250 cars and 3,000 lane metres for coaches, trucks, campers and trailers.
The ship will operate at 28-knots, and will be capable of accommodating up to 3,000 passengers in 413 cabin.
'Cruise Europa' differs from 'Cruise Roma' and 'Cruise Barcelona', the two vessels delivered by Fincantieri to Grimaldi Group in 2008, with a higher passenger capacity and a new arrangement of selected public spaces.
'Cruise Europa' will also be awarded the "Green Star" certificate by RINA.
