Earlier this year, we completed a custom build of the MS Danielle Casanova; a French cruise ferry that is operated by Corsica Linea. Corsica Linea is a French-based shipping company that oversees passenger, vehicle and cargo ferries all across the Mediterranean Sea.
The Danielle Casanova is named after a Corsican hero of the French Resistance during World War II of the same name. Casanova was captured and deported to Auschwitz, where she died in 1943.
The vessel was launched in November 2001, and cost €150 million to build! It has an extraordinary length of 176 metres, and a capacity of 2,400 passengers, 700 vehicles and 172 crew members.
Our model equivalent was to measure in at a scale of 1/200, meaning the length would be 89 centimetres, the width 18.5, and the height 30.5. It was to be handcrafted in our workshop from scratch.
This project was carried out for a private French client, and so we cannot delve into much detail. The client was thoroughly impressed with the end result of their Danielle Casanova model, however, as well as the overall build time and efficiency at which it was delivered.
Another aspect that pleased them was our transparency throughout the entire ordeal, as they could freely provide feedback and criticism during the building process, ensuring the end result was exactly to their requirements.
Crafted almost entirely from wood, this model was designed to measure 89 centimetres in length (excluding the base), 18.5 in width and 30.5 in height. Featuring chrome accents and fibreglass fittings, it would boast a meticulously detailed exterior, a stunning and accurate paint finish, and a solid base for added stability. The Danielle Casanova model would not include an interior, internal mechanisms, or lighting, but the deck would be thoroughly detailed with all possible features.
The estimated build time was set at four months from start to finish, with payment divided as follows: a 50% deposit at the outset, 30% upon near completion, and the remaining 20% on the delivery date. The price also included a highly durable wooden packing case to protect the model during transport, ensuring it remained undamaged during delivery.
Our handmade model of the Danielle Casanova was crafted entirely from timber, featuring chrome accents, acrylic elements, and fibreglass. Before beginning any construction, we made sure all agreements with the client were in place to ensure clarity on every aspect. This included confirming the dimensions, design details, aesthetic preferences, and, of course, the financial arrangements and timeline.
We always begin with the hull, as it forms the foundation of any ship model. The hull was carefully measured to meet the specified requirements. Once complete, we built the framework for the upper deck, laying smaller wooden planks along the ship’s sides, which were later used to cover the top, concealing the internal reinforcements. Additional components such as the base for the funnels, the bridge, helipad, and lifeboats were then added.
The next phase involved painting the hull, deck, and finer details, along with fitting some of the chrome elements. The hull was painted in a crisp red, while the deck was finished in a pale brown, almost yellow wood. Blue windows were positioned along the vessel’s sides, accompanied by a black stripe running the full length. The funnels were painted a sleek bronze.
As the build neared completion, the model was tidied up and polished, with the windows painted and the decals ‘CORSICA Linea.com’ and ‘Danielle Casanova’ applied, marking the final stage of the process.
The client was absolutely delighted with the finished product and was thoroughly impressed by the intricate level of detail we achieved. The shipping and delivery process to France was seamless, and they can now proudly showcase their model!
It was a pleasure to work on another bespoke cruise ferry model, and we now eagerly anticipate our upcoming projects!
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