The future Costa Cruises flagship, Costa Diadema sailed out of an Italian shipping yard this month, giving cruising fans an early glimpse of the vessel.

The 3,724-passenger ship is still 12-months away from joining the line’s fleet on 30 October 2014.

Shipbuilding group, Fincantieri held a technical launch ceremony for the ship, which included the ship’s godmother, Mrs Franca Grasso, cutting a ribbon and breaking a bottle of ribbon on the ship’s bow, Sailor’s Society reported.

The ship’s first itinerary will include Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorea, Civitavecchia and La Spezia during the 2014/15 winter season.