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Overview
On the face of it, the most significant difference between CostaFortuna and other ships in the Italian-based Costa fleet is its size. At 105,000 tons and carrying 2,720 passengers, the ship has captured the biggest-ship-ever crown, not only for Costa but also for all Italian-based cruise lines.
But what's really important about CostaFortuna - launched in mid-November in Italy - is that it marks a continued evolution in ship design for the Genoa-based Costa Crociere. That company has, in the three years since it was fully acquired by Carnival Corporation, heavily invested, both in financial commitments and in developing prototypical new vessels. As a result, Costa has established a new standard of contemporary cruising that other European-based cruise lines are only beginning to emulate.
The revolutionary changes for Costa began with CostaAtlantica (and, later, its sister ship CostaMediterranea). These ships were designed not by Italians or even Europeans but by Carnival Cruise Lines' legendary Joe Farcus, who brought his flashy "Fun Ship" mentality across the Atlantic. This ship, in keeping with Farcus' penchant for themes, takes as its inspiration classic Italian liners-of-yore; public rooms are actually named after some of these vessels.
CostaFortuna made her inaugural debut on November 25; the ship will sail, throughout the winter, 10-night Western Caribbean/Canary Islands itineraries from its homeport in Savona (near Genoa). This summer, the ship will offer seven-night Western Mediterranean voyages and will head over to the U.S. - specifically its winter home port in Ft. Lauderdale's Port Everglades -- in the autumn. From there, CostaFortuna will sail alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean seven-night itineraries.
CostaFortuna's sister ship -- the CostaMagica - is currently under construction at Fincantieri's shipyard in Genoa and is expected to debut in November 2004.
First Impressions
One of the most fabulous public areas on the ship -- and it lies at the center of this 105,000-ton universe -- is the Costa Atrium. It spans nine decks high (with a glass ceiling for natural light), is decorated in whimsical and lighthearted pinks and reds, has a lovely crescent curved bar and is bordered on one side by glass elevators. It foreshadows the CostaFortuna experience both in decor and in the onboard experience -- there's lots of energy, great colors, and dynamic flavor.
Bedtime
CostaFortuna has, for European ships anyway, a rather high verandah ratio (522 of 1,358 cabins have balconies -- a 44 percent ratio). Standard cabins (from those inside to outside to basic verandah models) are nearly identical in size to those found on Carnival's Triumph and Victory with cubbyhole bathrooms featuring a shower. There's good storage and enough room, particularly if you are more ship-focused than stay-in-your-stateroom-oriented. Costa does offer two models of suites -- and these are quite pleasant, plenty roomy (and offer double-width length balconies with teak furnishings) and have bathrooms with tubs. Suites come with butler service.
Mealtime
CostaFortuna offers just a handful of dining options -- not necessarily the wide (and flexibly oriented) variety we're starting to see in the U.S. - but plenty to please. There are two dining rooms (each two tiers high); they serve sit-down breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner is a formal affair (though dress code will vary) -- set time, same tablemates each night.
Alternatives include the Cristoforo Colombo Buffet - the usual Lido deck eatery that's open for breakfast and lunch. A poolside grill for hamburgers and the like caters to the lunchtime crowd as well. The Cristoforo Colombo is also home to afternoon tea each day.
At dinner time, there are two choices beyond the dining room. The Club Grand Conte 1927, at the top of the ship, looks quite swish (and has a piano player) and is the ultimate onboard restaurant for a romantic experience (it wasn't open yet when we sailed, prior to the ship's official launch). There's a 23 euro service charge. And, after 9 p.m., the Cristoforo Colombo Buffet transforms itself into a pizzeria, complete with linen tablecloths and candlelight; alas, the pizza is the only fabulous part of that venue (service is lacking and accompanying appetizers barely nonexistent beyond a limp salad and some fruit).
The food, particularly in the main dining rooms, was consistently exceptional and lovers of good northern Italian cuisine (not to mention a fabulous Italian wine list) will be in nirvana.
Nifty and New
Well, this applies more to Americans. But because the ship's anticipated mostly-European passenger base is not as casino-oriented as Americans, that room has been downsized somewhat (I didn't notice any significant differences, however). Speaking of the casino, one neat design effect was that it was connected to the disco below by glass-enclosed walls so you could gamble and watch the action beneath. Kind of cool, particularly late at night! Another intriguing design element: Europeans have more interest than Americans in dancing - meringue, tango, waltzing - so, on the CostaFortuna, the extra space taken away from the Casino has been given to the vibrant Conte di Savoia Grand Bar 1932 - which has a huge dance floor.
Good Old Favorites
Of the "new" Costa ships, the Atrium is a classic gathering spot and this ship's Atrium doesn't disappoint. Make sure you check out the ship models - all 26 that have sailed for Costa in its 50-year history - that are hanging upside down over the bar.
Huh?
Room service "lite." Get used to it. European ships don't place all that much emphasis on room service (beyond continental breakfast). CostaFortuna offers a choice of three snack sandwiches (if you're lucky you'll get potato chips though you'd better ask for "crisps") -- nothing else. And there's a 2 euro service charge.
Kid-Friendly Factor?
The kids' facility, known as Club Squok, was adequate -- and may be more elaborate than most European-oriented ships though it isn't half as snazzy as some of those found on American lines. But it's also assumed that Costa's family oriented passengers are more likely to spend time together than to send kids off to camp every day.
Bottom Line
CostaFortuna is a great choice for Euro-centric travelers interested in a fun, fast-paced cruise experience -- both onboard and in ports (there are few sea days). |
