I name this ship...Virtual Costa Serena

Anyone kicking about in Second Life today can bear witness to the first ever launch of a cruise ship in a virtual world.

Costa Cruises will simultaneously smash the champagne against the hull of its newest ship, the Costa Serena, in the French port of Marseille and in Second Life.

[Costa Cruises microsite]

After the SL ceremony there will be various bits of entertaintment including a treasure hunt, live DJs and fireworks, as well as the opportunity to stroll around the entire ship.

Nice idea. We'll check with Costa next week to find out how many people actually turned up.

Costa is the latest travel-related brand to enter Second Life. Travel technology provider Comtec has showcased its new Travel.co.uk travel comparison engine in Second Life. Starwood Hotels also built a prototype hotel there last summer.

Kevin May, editor, Travolution

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