Costa Fascinosa in pictures

Costa Cruises' newest vessel, Costa Fascinosa, was launched in Venice last week. The ship is the largest in the company's fleet, together with Costa Favolosa, which was unveiled last year.

The ship cost €510 million to build, and has room for 3,800 guests.

It is Costa's fourteenth cruise ship. To read reviews of the company's other vessels

An even larger ship, capable of accommodating nearly 5,000 holidaymakers, is due to be launched in 2014.

Fascinosa is currently on its maiden voyage, sailing from Venice to Slovenia and Croatia.

It will spend the summer in the Mediterranean, on seven-day cruises to Greece and Croatia.

This winter it will be in South America, visiting Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

According to the publicity, Fascinosa's interiors are a "tribute to people and places synonymous with allure and seduction".

They were also "inspired by classic cinema, movie stars and famous stage plays".

Up top, there are waterfalls and raised whirlpool tubs, and a big screen showing films.

There's also a 4D cinema, a "virtual reality area", a "Grand Prix simulator" and a "professional golf simulator".

Entertainment is provided in the Bel Ami show lounge, and there are 13 different bars.

They include a "Babylon" disco and a "Blue Velvet" piano bar.

Fascinosa has a water park for youngsters, a casino, and five different restaurants.

For more information on Costa Cruises, see www.costacruise.com