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Year Built: 2004 Length: 890 feet Total Staff: 1068 Guest Capacity: 2720 * Cruising Speed: 20 Knots Gross Tonnage: 105,000 *Double Occupancy Mega cruise company Carnival Corp. may have acquired Costa Cruises in 2001, but the 105,000 tone, 2,700 passenger CostaMagica -- Costa's newest flagship, is proof that the line's distinct Italian flavor and personality have been not only preserved, but also enhanced. CostaMagica was designed not by Italians or even by Europeans, but is the work of Joe Farcus, of Carnival Cruise Lines' fame. In fact, travelers who have sailed on Costa Fortuna, Carnival Triumph or Carnival Victory will find the layout familiar, as this ship was built on the same platform. Farcus has brought to Costa the flashiness and theme-centric ideals that have gained popularity for Carnival in North America, but this ship in particular still represents the "Cruising Italian Style" concept. That's because its theme draws inspiration from some of Italy's most "magical" vacation towns, like Capri, Sicily and Portofino, just to name a few. Each of Magica's public areas, from restaurants and casino to lido and lounges, is fashioned after one of these places. Some of these spaces work exceptionally well. The Capri Lounge is decorated in blues and yellows, with jagged-edged furniture and blue-neon trim to create the effect of Capri's grottos. The Grada Disco (which is packed nearly every night) truly feels like a coastal hot spot, with a floor that looks and feels like packed sand, mosaic tile "waves" along the walls, colorful beach-y umbrellas, and a gigantic brass disco-ball-turned-sun hanging above the dance floor. And Magica's fantastic Aquila cigar bar (one of our favorite places on the ship), named after the main city in Abruzzo, invokes a rustic Old World feeling with brick facing, painted ceiling panels, a tiled floor and plush striped couches. What also stands out is the ship's collection of artwork. Costa has always paid attention to works featured on its ships, and Magica is no exception, boasting no fewer than 5,642 pieces of art, 360 of which are original works. Many of the paintings, sculptures and puppets (yes, we said puppets; there are 65 in the Sicily-themed casino) onboard come straight from students and professors at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, one of the most respected art universities in Europe. Bedtime As far as European ships go, CostaMagica has a decent number of verandah cabins -- 522 (or 44 percent) of 1,380 cabins have balconies. Inside- through verandah-category cabins are basically average in size (insides measure 160 square ft. while ocean views with verandahs clock in at 210 square ft.) and are outfitted with shower-only bathrooms, twin-to-queen beds, decent closet space (two cabinets with hanging bars and one with wide shelves), a vanity, interactive TV and a mini-fridge. Verandahs are equipped with two chairs and one table -- functional and stylish in metal and stretched fabric to match the lounge chairs found poolside. Like a little bit more luxury (and space)? Upgrade to a 360-square-ft. suite for a sitting area and whirlpool bath, or one of eight Grand Suites, nearly twice as large at 650 square ft. There are 27 cabins onboard that are designed for disabled passengers. Mealtime There are two main restaurants onboard CostaMagica that operate on the set-time, set-tablemates tradition. Costa Smerelda and Portofino are both two decks high, and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Lunches in the dining room are pleasant, particularly in Costa Smerelda, where large floor-to-ceiling windows offer a sunlit view (weather permitting, of course) of ship's wake. At the highest point of the ship sits Vincenza Club, CostaMagica's alternative restaurant. Reservations are required, and there is a service fee, thought it is well worth it -- there is live entertainment each night in the manner of a true supper club, dinner is served on exquisite Versace china, and meals are inspired by Zeffirino, one of Genoa's most famed restaurants. Less formal dining is available in the Bellagio Buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well. Breakfast consists of the usual suspects (from cereals to hot fare as well as a custom egg station), plus continental fare and cold cuts and cheeses for those with a European palate. The buffet has plenty of seating inside and out, and the food is hot, varied and plentiful. Pizza is consistently good as are desserts. A grill is also located poolside dishing up grilled meats, fries, burgers, hot dogs, salads and fruit. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Grand Old Favorites Passengers enter the ship through the nine-deck-high atrium, dubbed Italia Magica. In true Farcus style it is elaborate, yet surprisingly elegant. Looking upward, guests take in a photographic collage of Italian landscapes. Standing at the base of the atrium, one side is bordered by a pre-dinner-favorite bar, the opposite by glass-backed elevators zooming up toward a glass ceiling that lets in natural light during the day. Absolutely "magnifico." CostaMagica lays claim to the largest bar at sea to date, Grand Bar Solento, which also boasts the largest dance floor at sea -- fitting as Europeans love to dance the night away. There is live music each evening, and plenty of lounge-y seats for spectators. The theatre streches over three decks. Nifty and New Each of the three lido areas -- Positano, Maratea and Palinuro -- has their own pool and at least one Jacuzzi (there are six in total onboard), and each has their own distinct personality. Positano (which is located under a magradome) and Maratea (which is fairly low-key) are accented by gorgeous bronze sculptures. Kid-Friendly Factor Costa Magica has a kids club. The Club Squok facility, located above the spa on Deck 12, is colorful (younger kids will love the multi-colored fish-shaped lights on the ceilings that pulsate) and stocked with new books and games, and several computers and TV monitors. There is also a kids-only pool. Bottom Line This ship is a good choice for passengers who like the fun and liveliness
of Carnival ships with a slightly more European atmosphere. And as the
biggest in the Costa fleet, it offers many of the same amenities North
American cruisers now demand (and many European ships do not offer),
such as a healthy ratio of private balconies, a swanky alternative restaurant
and an expansive spa and fitness facility.
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