In a statement Fincantieri said the 143,000-ton vessel will be capable of carrying over 3,500 passengers and is scheduled for delivery in 2017.

The company pointed out that the unit will utilise a design that is similar to the one used to build the Royal Princess (built 2013) and Regal Princess (built 2014)

Fincantieri chief executive Giuseppe Bono said the order serves as the testament to the success of a campaign to consolidate its position as a leader in the cruise market.

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