HOLLYWOOD, FL — Beginning in December, Costa Cruises will launch roundtrip itineraries departing from Civitavecchia, Italy, the port for Rome, aboard the line’s newest ship, Costa Diadema.

The Italian-flagged cruise line crafted the seven-night cruises to give guests the opportunity to explore the western Mediterranean while cruising roundtrip from one of the world’s most popular destinations.

Having Rome as the embarkation and disembarkation port gives travellers more time to visit the city’s many famous attractions such as the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, Pantheon and more.

“This roundtrip-Rome itinerary is an exciting addition to our options because many North American gateways offer direct flights to the city, making it easier for guests to access Costa’s award-winning Mediterranean cruises,” said Scott Knutson, vice president, sales and marketing, for Costa Cruises North America.

“The strong American and Canadian dollars and the low price of international airfare make this dream vacation not only convenient, but also affordable.”

Beginning on Dec. 3, 2015, Costa Diadema’s weekly roundtrip Rome voyages will call at La Spezia and Savona, Italy; Marseille, France; and Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Fares start at $499 per person, double occupancy.

Launched less than a year ago, the 132,500-ton, 3,693-passenger ‘Queen of the Mediterranean’, Costa Diadema offers guests a true Italian getaway.

The ship – the world’s largest Italian-flagged vessel – features a 1,640-foot promenade on Deck 5 that provides guests with a new way to experience the Med: split-level public rooms overlooking the sea are interconnected to create the atmosphere of a lively seaside resort.

Guests will sample new regional menus created by Costa’s Michelin-star chef Fabio Cuccheli. In addition, they will find some of the country’s best wines at the Vinoteca Gran Duca di Toscana – a bar that boasts a menu of 80 labels from more than 50 Italian wineries selected in collaboration with the Italian Sommeliers Association.

More new shipboard dining venues include Tavola Teppanyaki, a Japanese, hibachi-style restaurant; Birreria Dresden Green, a München-style beer garden; and Gelateria Amarillo featuring a variety of homemade gelato flavors and crepes.

Cruise-only fares are per person, double occupancy, and do not include government taxes and fees. Departures from alternate embarkation ports are available on select itineraries.