What’s in a name for Costa?

Back in April, I reported on Costa’s search for names for two new cruise ships, which in 2011 and 2012 will join a fleet which includes Costa Concordia, Costa Luminosa and Costa Fortuna.
A final shortlist has now been drawn up from the suggestions put forward by travel agents, and the public is now being given the chance to vote for their favourites.
Perhaps it’s because the company is Italian, but it’s an unusual collection, disappointing even.
I knew that Costa Packet and Costa Living wouldn’t get a look-in, but I was hopeful for my own suggestions, Costa Venezia and Costa Olympica. Perhaps I was missing the point, because the shortlist includes such unimaginative suggestions as Flora, Fauna and Vera.
Zaffira sounds too close to a Vauxhall people carrier, and surely P&O won’t be too happy if Aurora is chosen.
Favourites in the poll so far are Emozione and Passione, with Estate and Primavera at the bottom of the list. You can cast your vote at www.worldofcosta.com.
Perhaps wisely in view of the way internet polls can be manipulated, Costa warn that their final decision on the names to be used might not be those which receive the most votes.
Costa’s site makes no mention of prizes for the winning names. But if you can guess the name of Seabourn’s newest luxury ship – they prefer to call it a yacht – you could win a seven-day cruise.
The vessel, due for delivery in 2011, will join Seabourn Sojourn, which is being built in Genoa and will be launched next year, and the Pride, Legend, Spirit and Odyssey.
To enter the competition, go to blog.seabourn.com for details. Closing date is December 4.