Costa Cruises announced some exciting news on 18th of October.

Two new 114,200 ton ships are to be delivered in 2011 and 2012. In addition to the three already ordered with the Fincantieri shipyard, this will bring Costa's fleet to total to 17 ships by 2012!

The two new ships ordered will offer the same innovative elements featured on both Costa Serena and Costa Concordia, including the 23,000 square-foot Samsara spa, which is one of the largest spas at sea, complete with exclusive cabins featuring direct access to the spa and a dedicated restaurant. The ships will also feature two swimming pools with retractable roofs, the central one equipped with a giant movie screen.

For all the budding Lewis Hamiltons out there, both ships will include authentic Grand Prix race car driving simulators, which provide the most accurate representation of Grand Prix racing available.

Costa's total capacity will increase by 20% (based on double occupancy) with the addition of the two new vessels, confirming the Italian cruise line’s position as market leader in Europe. By 2012, when the last of the new orders is completed, the Costa fleet will be 17 strong and have a total guest capacity of approximately 36,700 based on double occupancy.