Costa neoRomantica Official Drawing Presentation

Harry Cotterill and Captain Paolo Fusarini

On September 4th 2012, we were very lucky when we had the unexpected opportunity to officially present our especially assigned drawing of Costa neoRomantica to the Master of the vessel, Captain Paolo Fusarini.

Costa neoRomantica was originally built in 1993 in Italy at the Fincantieri shipyard. In November 2011 the vessel underwent a major refurbishment at the cost of €90 million. The most significant part of the refurbishment was the addition of two brand new decks on the bow which increased the number of balcony cabins considerably. Together with the additional balcony cabins which were added midships on deck 6 and 7, the total number of cabins which offer balconies now exceeds 80.

Dream Designs Colchester has had a close connection with Costa Cruises since 2009. We have had our drawings presented aboard Costa Atlantica, Costa Magica, Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa and Costa Pacifica, whilst the vessels were berthed at Harwich International Port.

Our staff noticed that a number of Costa vessels would be visiting Harwich International Port, particularly Costa neoRomantica. We worked hard with Costa Cruises to arrange a visit aboard but unfortunately all of our attempts were unsuccessful. Despite this in late August 2012 we took the decision to especially assign a drawing of Costa neoRomantica.

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On September 4th 2012, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester visited Harwich International Port to see the vessel berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal. They arrived at approximately 17:00 where they were overwhelmed by the scale of the ship.

Whilst there Harry and Gavin took the opportunity to capture some photographs of Costa neoRomantica. Harry then noticed a member of the ship’s crew and hurried over before noticing it was in fact the Captain. He then briefly introduced himself to the Captain and informed him of our especially assigned drawing

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester introduces himself to Captain Paolo Fusarini outside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port

Harry then beckoned Gavin over together with the drawing and introduced him to the Captain. After introducing Gavin, Harry took the chance to unveil his drawing of Costa neoRomantica to Captain Paolo Fusarini in front of the returning passengers, which drew quite a bit of attention. 

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester officially presents his especially assigned drawing of Costa neoRomantica to Captain Paolo Fusarini outside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port with the ship berthed behind

Captain Paolo Fusarini seemed very impressed with the drawing and was interested to learn about our previous drawing presentations. He then asked Harry and Gavin to wait as he headed for the gangway to board the ship. However due to the many returning passengers who were boarding, rather than boarding himself he radioed security on board. A short while later one of the Security Officers on board appeared at the top of the gangway and carefully threw a blue box to the Captain on the dock below.

One of the Security Officers aboard Costa neoRomantica carefully throws a blue box containing a model of the ship to Captain Paolo Fusarini on the deck below

The Captain then proceeded with the box back over to Harry and Gavin who were waiting outside the Cruise Terminal. Captain Paolo Fusarini then presented Harry with the blue box which was in fact a beautiful model of Costa neoRomantica. They then took the opportunity to pose together next to the Cruise Terminal and the ship to allow Gavin to capture a number of photographs. Harry and the Captain thanked one another for their gifts before the Captain proceeded to board the ship. 

Captain Paolo Frusarini presents Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester with a model of the ship in return for his drawing of Costa neoRomantica

After the unexpected official presentation of our drawing Harry and Gavin decided they would wait for the remainder of the returning passengers to arrive before watching the ship depart at Harwich International Port. Whilst they waited Gavin spent some time capturing more photographs of Costa neoRomantica from various angles across Harwich International Port.

At approximately 18:15 the pilot arrived at the Cruise Terminal before he boarded Costa neoRomantica. Shortly after the remainder of the passengers boarded the ship upon returning from their Shore Excursions. Unexpectedly Costa neoRomantica then began to depart Harwich International Port, some 25 minutes earlier than scheduled.

Costa neoRomantica departs Harwich International Port

Harry and Gavin watched the ship depart from outside the Cruise Terminal before swiftly making their way to Harwich Seafront to watch the ship pass the Port of Felixstowe as she headed out to sea. 

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester on Harwich seafront with Costa neoRomantica behind

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester said:

“I was quite astonished to meet with Captain Paolo Fusarini outside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port and be able to officially present my drawing of Costa neoRomantica to him in person.”

He added:

“I was delighted when Captain Paolo Fusarini kindly presented me with a model of the ship in return for my drawing. He promised to find somewhere on board to display the drawing and said he would upload a photograph to the Dream Designs Colchester Facebook page.”

Click here to read more about our connection with Costa Cruises

• You can see more photographs from our visit to Harwich International Port to see Costa neoRomantica and the official presentation of our drawing to the Captain on our new 'September 4th 2012' page in the 'Our History' section of the Dream Designs Colchester website. 
  

ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk