Our Ship & Itinerary

Voyage Inward on a Eco-Chic Italian Cruiseship to
Some of the Best Beaches in the Caribbean

Our Caribbean Ports-of-Call:

San Juan, P.R.
U.S. Virgin Islands
La Romana, Dominican Republic
Grand Turk & Caicos

Our "Eco-Chic" Ship: The Costa Fortuna

Green Star Award - Dining - Decor / Public Rooms - Cabins - Entertainment - Spa/Fitness, Pools & Sunbathing - Children - Fellow Passengers
View all Fortuna has to offer!

Some of the world's most beautiful islands await you...

...in our Eastern Caribbean itinerary - offering perfect beaches for swimming, snorkeling or just lounging while you enjoy refreshing tropical drinks and delightful fresh seafood. You can also explore the unique history of the area, including some of the very places Columbus and his fellow Spanish explorers discovered for the first time. There are ancient churches, fortresses, incredible shopping -- and so many different things to do that you will have trouble deciding just where to go first!

Itinerary


1	Ft. Lauderdale (Florida)		4:30 PM
2	...cruising...
3	San Juan (Puerto Rico)	5:00 PM	11:59 PM
4	St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands)	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
5	Casa de Campo (Dominican Republic)	8:00 AM	5:00 PM
6	Grand Turks (Turks Islands)	12:00 PM	6:00 PM
7	...cruising...
8	Ft. Lauderdale (Florida)	8:00 AM

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Of all America's Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico offers the most exotic aura -- with a unique cultural mix of indigenous Taino "Indians," Spanish and other Europeans, Africans, Americans and, more recently, Cubans. In fact, many people say that parts of Old San Juan (which dates back to the 1500's) often reminds them more of the old Cuba than Cuba itself!.

Old San Juan has been undergoing a major renaissance. For most tourists visiting as a stop on a Caribbean cruise itinerary, the island's biggest appeal is the historic walled city -- which dates back to the 1500's -- with its sprawling forts, cobblestone streets, as well as antique shops and art galleries. If you haven't been there lately you'll be amazed at how beautiful and spiffed-up its European-esque buildings are, particularly the many that are freshly painted in cheerful pastels of lavender, blue, yellow and pink).

Most cruise ships dock within easy walking distance of Old San Juan's major attractions -- including the imposing El Morro fort, originally built in 1539; the Cathedral of San Juan, where the island's first governor, Ponce de Leon, is buried; and La Fortaleza, the oldest governor's mansion on U.S. soil.

Another renaissance is going on in the rest Puerto Rico as well. Thanks to the Latino music phenomenon, there has been a rebirth in a new, fresh "nuevo Latino" cuisine, which in turn is attracting more attention to the island's quality art, crafts and antiques.

Learn more about...

Shopping
While San Juan is not a duty-free port, there are interesting bargains to be found, both on and off the beaten track -- and at least your purchases aren't taxed! Check out the popular shopping streets like Calle San Francisco, Calle San Jose, Calle Fortaleza. and, in particular, Calle del Cristo -- which is full of art galleries, artisan studios and distinctive boutiques. Don't miss Manolo Diaz (99 Calle Cristo), an artisan who works in his shop on crafts using recycled objects -- old mirrors, wooden shutters, antique windows and even pocket-sized religious icons. Prices start at $15 for one-of-a-kind pieces.

While not exactly exotic, you might have good luck at factory stores for Ralph Lauren, Coach and Gant on Calle Cristo. Sunny Caribbee (154 Calle Cristo) is an offshoot of the Tortola classic and features hot sauces and coffees made from Puerto Rican recipes, along with crafts; across the hall, El Galapon has gorgeous masks. In general, the further east you walk (going away from the cruise pier) the more interesting the shops and restaurants get.
History

Getting Around

Shore Excursions (to come)

U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Thomas / St. John

Christopher Columbus described the U.S. Virgin Islands as being particularly beautiful. They were virgin, unexplored and strategically located at the crossroads between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea Over the next 500+ years they continued to enchant the likes of Sir Francis Drake, Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Woodrow Wilson, Charles Lindbergh and Eleanor Roosevelt, not to mention many famous (and infamous) pirates, painters, and authors.

St. Thomas

Charlotte Amalie is the capital and major passenger port of the island of St. Thomas and has always attracted large mercantile ships, even before the arrival of the transatlantic oceanliners and today's mega cruise ships. It is one of the world's most popular cruise ports because it offers something for just about everyone -- and because it can easily accommodate a huge, daily influx of tourists (as many as 20,000 a day).

Its duty-free shopping scene is hard to beat. And because St. Thomas is an American port, U.S. travelers get an extra duty-free allowance from customs. (At $1600, its duty-free exemptions are twice that of Europe). Other popular attractions include the world-famous beach at Magens Bay and a scenic tram ride to a mountaintop.

But despite the numbers of tourists, it's easy to find some respite from the inevitable crowds by exploring St. Thomas' quieter, more undiscovered side -- a lovely historic district, trips to Water Island (the recently designated fourth Virgin Island), north shore beaches, and fabulous restaurants in Frenchtown; it is also an easy jaunt via 20-minute ferry to tranquil St. John.

Even Red Hook, which is traditionally thought of as nothing more than the jumping-off point for the far more stunning St. John, has local character that's a far cry from Charlotte Amalie's shopping mall vibe. Just taking local transportation to the eastern end of the island will have you feeling a modicum of emotional distance from the hectic pier.

To protect the island and preserve its beautiful coastline and beaches, its lush countryside and natural surroundings, the government has enacted numerous environmental laws and established many protected areas -- including the beautiful Virgin Islands National Park that covers over half of the island of St. John.

Shopping

Charlotte Amalie is easily walkable and a duty-free shopping mecca. Stores are primarily located on Waterfront Highway and, running parallel behind it, Main Street. Barkers occasionally attempt to beckon you into shops (they're paid each day based on the store's sales), but are generally less intrusive than in other Caribbean ports (and, often, quite interesting to talk to). While St. Thomas enjoys a reputation as a duty-free paradise, beware: It's not quite the bargain it used to be and it pays to comparison shop. In the market for a camera, we actually found the prices to be comparable to those found at Best Buy and more expensive than on Amazon.com -- with no room for haggling.

Highlights include A.H. Riese (Main Street), a variety of boutiques selling high-end perfumes, jewelry, antique maps and liquor (they'll deliver your bottles to your ship on request) -- all in an elegant setting. Down Island Traders (Waterfront Highway) specializes in Caribbean-made and/or produced foodstuffs, such as spices, out-of-this-world rum cakes, hot sauces and jams; it also sells regional crafts and Del Sol (Waterfront Highway) for T-shirts, hair clips, sunglasses and cosmetics, like 20 varieties of nail polish that transform into bursts of color when exposed to the sun. For a cold beer -- which you can consume in public -- and brand paraphernalia, stop at the Virgin Islands Brewing Co. company store, makers of the refreshing Blackbeard's Ale (which, alas, is no longer brewed here; it's now made in the U.S.).

Also check out elegant boutiques for apparel; Nicole Miller, Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren, The White House and Tommy Hilfiger are among the well-known names with shops downtown. Other fashion finds include Local Color (Waterfront Highway) for great, casual cotton dresses, and the Bambini Arts Gallery (Royal Dane Mall) for hand-painted silk scarves.

Otherwise, price-shop at so-called "bargain" shops like Perfume Palace (perfume), Royal Caribbean (electronics and jewelry), Diamonds International (jewelry) and Little Switzerland (imported china, crystal and jewelry). At Vendors' Plaza, locals hawk straw hats, tropical-print sundresses and T-shirts.

Beaches

Lunch

Attractions

Arts and Crafts

Golf

St. John

The smallest, quietest, least populated and most secluded of the three major U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John is where even the residents of St. Thomas and St. Croix get away from it all -- and it's definitely worth the trip. Its unspoiled beauty is its main draw -- two-thirds of the island is made up of the Virgin Islands National Park (the Rockefeller family who donated the land in 1956).

Attractions

Getting There

Getting Around

Shore Excursions

History

Casa de Campo / La Romana,
The Dominican Republic

La Romana, a popular port city on DR's beautiful eastern coast, is emerging as the capital of the Dominican Republic's booming tourist trade. Most tourists are only just discovering its spectacular beaches, where they find their own corner of paradise and quickly forget the stresses and strains of daily life. You can also visit nearby islands, tour the countryside, or visit Casa de Campo -- a private resort you can tour on horseback, following the trails around two golf courses and the privately owned villas of this exclusive estate.

Near La Romana lie some of the region's most stunning beaches, including Bayahibe and Dominicus, as well as Casa de Campo, one of the Caribbean's most beautiful resorts. A short hop from La Romana and the coast, the Saona and Catalina islands have also become enormously popular tourist destinations in recent years. Here the beaches stretch for kilometres, and swathes of white sand are lapped by the turquoise waters. It is the perfect setting for a number of beautiful nature reserves, foremost of which is the Parque Nacional del Este, or Eastern National Park. The Park is considered an international heritage site and covers an area of over 420 square kilometres.

Learn more >>

More than just a thriving port, La Romana boasts all the positive aspects of sea trade. Along with the town of Punta Cana, it is the key focus of culture and tourism along the entire coastline. La Romana is also known for its vicinity to San Pedro de Macorìs -- a small village, which nestles among sugar cane plantations, that has been feeding the major baseball league with natural-born talent for many years.

History

Anthropologists have identified the Taino "Indians" as the island's earliest settlers. Thought by historians to have been a friendly, peace-loving race, they farmed the land and lived quietly and simply in harmony both with nature and their fellow men.

Extensive historical evidence of the Taino people has been painstakingly collected and can now be seen in the country's two main museums in Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata. Historians who have studied the island's social and cultural development believe that the Dominican Republic had a highly complex structure. So much so, in fact, that Santo Domingo and

La Romana were once considered the only two cities on the entire island.

The Taino developed their own manuals for farming and fishing, and led highly active lives with plenty of religious activities. Evidence of this has been passed down through inscriptions and various artifacts, most of them made from the ceramics at which the ancient people of the Dominican Republic excelled.

Of course, things began to change once Christopher Columbus landed in the bay on December 5, 1492 -- and founded a small village, setting in motion a process of colonisation which soon led the island and its various activities to grow beyond measure.

La Romana emerged as a city of traders and seafarers. Its port became a flourishing cultural hub thanks to its close linguistic ties to the nearby coasts: art and music did the rest. Santo Domingo and La Romana have always been a focal point for trade, well-being and entertainment, although they have only been widely recognized as such in the past few decades.

Grand Turk & Caicos Islands

In many Caribbean ports of call, lazy days on the beach have been replaced with active excursions such as ziplining, kayaking and hiking -- or futile attempts to avoid gridlock in shopping and sightseeing areas. But there's still a place for those who want to slow the pace of life. That place is Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos.

Overview

If you find yourself asking "the Grand Who and What?" you are not alone. The chain of islands has long been one of the Caribbean's last off-the-beaten-path destinations. Only eight of the 40 islands are inhabited, and until the past decade or so, not many travelers had heard of the Turks and Caicos Islands -- few airlines flew there directly, and places to stay were scarce. Nowadays, Grand Turk is on the map but still exceptionally quiet; even though it is the governmental and financial center of the Turks and Caicos, most tourists opt instead for the upscale resorts and nightlife on Providenciales, the most developed island in the chain.

That's not to say that shore excursions on Grand Turk don't run the gamut from horseback riding to fly fishing -- and one of the biggest draws here is diving, with the islands lying along the third largest barrier reef in the world. But traffic is sparse, and with a population of less than 4,000, everybody really does know everybody else's name. There are no fast food restaurants or chain hotels. You may even see a horse or donkey, once a means of transportation during the days of Grand Turk's salting industry, roaming along Governor's Beach or through the narrow alleys in historic Cockburn Town.

Though only smaller-ship and luxury cruise lines such as Crystal and Silversea called at Grand Turk in the past, Carnival Corporation (Costa's parent company) has committed time -- and money -- to positioning Grand Turk as a mainstream cruise destination. Carnival has designed a brand-new cruise terminal here that is a destination in its own right, with retail shops, a recreation area right on the beach and a huge pool.

In 1962, long before cruise lines were interested in this little island, John Glenn -- the first American to orbit the earth -- splashed down just a mile or two off the coast of Grand Turk, and spent his first couple of days there after his historical space flight. Some reports quote Glenn as saying it "must be paradise" when he spotted the 40 coral islands from space. Whether viewing it from space or sea, we have to agree.

A brand-new tourism village packed with restaurants, amenities, and the usual jewelry and trinket stores. One of the largest pools in the Caribbean is located conveniently outside of the Caribbean's largest Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant. There's also direct access to an 800-ft. stretch of beach with cabanas and changing rooms.

Diving and Snorkeling: Turks and Caicos' major claim to fame is, beyond its gorgeous white sandy beaches, the fact that it sits on the world's third largest coral reef. Dive operators on the island offer programs for everyone from novice snorkelers to the most advanced divers. If you prefer to stay (somewhat) dry, there's also excellent fishing: Tuna, wahoo and blue marlin inhabit these same rich waters.

Though Grand Turk is now a part of Eastern Caribbean itineraries, it is interesting to note that the Turks and Caicos are not a part of the Caribbean at all -- each island is surrounded on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean. And though it's only about 30 miles south of the Bahamas, it's not a part of that chain of islands, either.

Historical Attractions

Beaches

Lunch

NOTE: Because the island is so laid back, addresses and hours are often flexible or unlisted; unless otherwise noted, lunching suggestions are located on the main drag in Cockburn Town.

Most of the restaurants on the island are connected with its few resorts. The Secret Garden at the Salt Raker Inn is a great place for cracked (delicious deep-fried) conch. The Sandbar, an outdoor bar on the beach across from the Salt Raker and neighboring Manta House, is a great spot for a quick snack, serving up quesadillas, burgers and some more cracked conch. Duke Street.

The Water's Edge has transformed the local specialty -- conch -- into inventive dishes like "conch burgers" and curried conch platters, but also offers sandwiches, pizzas, and chicken and fish dishes. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. Duke Street. Editor's Note (3/08): The restaurant is temporarily closed but its owner expects to reopen within a month or so.

Turks Head Mansion: Just across the street (and a few paces past a construction site), the owner of Water's Edge also operates a restaurant in this historic building. The setting is like something out of a botanical garden and the chef, who hails from Zimbabwe, offers everything from tried and true conch fritters to more exotic Indian fish cakes with chutney and "sosaties," a South African-style pork and apricot kebab. Duke Street.

The Birdcage at the Osprey Beach Hotel is open for lunch, with island dishes like spicy conch salad, fresh fish and lobster, as well as curries, pizzas, salads and key lime pie. Tables surround the pool and overlook the ocean. Duke Street.

Though there are no real "upscale" eateries on this casual island, Guanahani Restaurant at the Bohio Dive Resort is likely Grand Turk's finest, on a quiet strip of Pillory Beach. The menu changes daily; lunch offerings are eclectic -- French, Italian and American with a Caribbean twist. Entrees range from simple fresh fish sandwiches and pecan-crusted mahi mahi to jerk chicken. Open for lunch daily.

Getting Around

History

The Turks and Caicos Islands is a country of 8 major islands and numerous uninhabited cays located 575 miles south of Miami.

The first known inhabitants of the islands were Taíno Indians, who left evidence of their occupation in the form of utensils and a ball court. Locals claim that the islands were the first landfall of Columbus in 1492. Some argue for Grand Turk, where a monument casts the claim in stone. The arrival of Europeans spelled the end for the Taínos, who had either been forced into slavery or had succumbed to European-borne diseases by the mid-16th century.

Over the next few centuries, ownership of the islands bounced between the French, Spanish and British, ending finally with Great Britain. Despite the colonial struggle for power, the islands' development slowed down as they were not on the main sailing routes, possessed no gold or decent anchorage's and lacked sufficient rain to grow sugar. The islands' remained virtually uninhabited until 1678, when a group of Bermudans settled and began extracting salt and logging trees. Salt traders cleared the land and created the salinas (salt-drying pans) that still exist on many islands. The majority of the salt went aboard boats to supply the cod-fishing industries of New England and the Maritime Provinces of Canada.

The Bermudans prospered, getting the attention of the Spanish and Bahamian government. In 1766 the latter extended its jurisdiction to include the islands. Like their northerly neighbors, the Turks and Caicos became a base for pirates, who were not averse to robbing the wealthy salt merchants' homes. The pirates' evil acts provoked a French attack in 1753, and France claimed the islands. The French were repelled the following year by a British warship from the Carolinas, though the French briefly occupied Grand Turk again in 1778 and 1783.

Following the American War of Independence, the Bermudans on the islands were joined by a group of colonial loyalists, who established cotton plantations. The loyalists brought their slaves, but the plantation era was short-lived: by 1820, the cotton crop had failed, and the majority of planters had moved on. Many left their slaves behind, and eventually they too became salt-rakers.

The archipelago's political fortunes continued to fluctuate. It became a formal part of the Bahamas in 1799, but in 1848, following a petition by the Turks & Caicos residents, it became self-governing under the guidance of the Governor of Jamaica. In 1872 the islands were annexed to Jamaica and remained tied to Jamaica until 1962, when they were again linked to the Bahamas. In 1973 the Turks & Caicos became a separate Crown Colony of Great Britain.

The islands' history over the past five decades has been quiet, though there was much excitement when astronaut John Glenn landed down just off Grand Turk in 1962. At about the same time, the islands were 'discovered' by seven millionaires (including Teddy Roosevelt III and a couple of the DuPonts), who leased land from the British government and built a small airstrip for their private planes and a deep-water anchorage for their yachts. Meanwhile, Count Ferdinand Czernin, son of the last prime minister of the Austro-Hungarian empire, scouted a tiny dot on the map called Pine Cay, on which he planned a Walden Pond-like resort; after his death it became the exclusive Meridian Club resort. Then, in 1984, Club Med opened their resort and the Turks & Caicos started to boom.

Culture

Overview of The Costa Fortuna

"Costa keeps the cleanest and most immaculate ships I have been on! They are beautiful and a "work of art" as well! ... Their ships are very European in style, so there is artwork everywhere!!"
- Cruise Critic Member Review

The Costa Fortuna embodies European-style cruising at its finest. Four pools, four restaurants, 11 bars, and a sweeping, nine-story atrium highlight the ship’s dramatic public spaces, which bustle with a lively flow of European passengers – giving the ship a truly cosmopolitan feel. There is a seemingly endless amount of activities and entertainment options

Like all the ships of Costa Cruises (the world's first "green" cruiseline) the "eco-chic" Costa Fortuna was designed not to harm the environment. Its beautiful interior was inspired by classic Italian vessels (every public room is inspired by -- and named after -- a particular ship), offering a unique a blend of Italian-style and European elegance, but with a somewhat whimsical flair. Throughout the ship, scale models of these historic ships have been incorporated into the style and design of the various restaurants and other public areas.

The Costa Fortuna is actually built on the same platform as sister company Carnival Cruise Line's Triumph and Victory. So you get a very Italian/European cruise experience mixed with American-style comforts -- including a high balcony ratio, an alternative restaurant, and a splashy decorating scheme -- as those that North American travelers now demand.

"Overall, GREAT CRUISE!!! My family just loves Costa, and would sail them again in a heartbeat!! In my opinion, they have the BEST value for your buck!!! It is a top-notch cruise, clean ships, great service, great food!! What more does one need?...I will SURELY MISS the gracious "Italian Hospitality" and "European" flair you get with Costa! THAT'S AMORE!!!"
- Cruise Critic Member Review

"From the moment you board the ship it is not hard to realize that the flair and charm on this ship is one of European flavor and the wonderfully romantic Italians deliver a cruising experience that you will not find on any other ship.."
- Cruise Critic Member Review

FAST FACTS

13 passenger decks
Multiple entertainment options in cozy lounges (7 bars, casino, cinema, 2 dance clubs, 2 showrooms, library, video game room)
Specialty restaurant, 2 dining room, buffet, pizzeria
Elegant breakfast buffet in the main dining room
In-cabin safes & refrigerators
3 pools (1 indoor), children's pool
Fitness classes, gym, hair salon, 6 hot tubs, sauna, spa, steam room
Children's programs (ages 3-17)
Laundry service
Internet / Computer room

Launched in November 2003
Passenger Capacity 2,716 (Double Occupancy)
Number of Crew 1,027
Total Cabins 1.358 (27 for Handicapped Guests)
Tonnage 102.587
Length 890 feet
Beam 118 feet
Max Speed 22 Knots

COSTA HONORED AS WORLD'S FIRST "GREEN" CRUISE LINE.

Costa Cruises has made a commitment to safeguarding the environment by creating the first "green" fleet in the world -- for which it was awarded the Green Star award in 2005. The RINA “Green Star” award guarantees that the ships are not harmful to the environment and that they contribute to keeping the air and the sea clean. Costa's commitment is also reflected in the system of certification introduced to the company in 2004 that demonstrates respect for the best international standards in terms of Social Accountability, the Environment, Safety and Quality. Learn more about Costa's environmental commitment below.

Dining

"The FOOD COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BETTER!!!! Now, it was VERY GOOD on the Magica last year, but I felt the food this year on the Fortuna was OUTSTANDING!!!... selection was great, beef dishes were perfect and cooked to order, and the pasta was always PERFECT and DELICIOUS!! Can't say enough!!"
-- Cruise Critic Member Review

Two restaurants, each spanning two decks, serve open-seating breakfast and lunch; dinner is served in two assigned seatings. Arches, murals, columns, and railings give the restaurants the feeling of alfresco dining in lovely courtyards. Blues as sparkling as the Mediterranean Sea and sky predominate in the Capri Lounge; the Spoleto Lounge is dedicated to Italian love of ballet and the performing arts. Vicenza Club, a reservation-only restaurant and upscale alternative, features a Tuscan steak-house menu of steaks and seafood dishes in addition to Italian specialties. Casual meals and pizza are available in the Lido buffet.

At breakfast, expect casual fare in Restaurant Buffet Colombo 1954 -- including omelets made to order. We loved the breakfast service in the ship's dining rooms more than in the ship's lido buffet. Along with order-off-the-menu items, there was also a dining room buffet featuring continental choices (from danish to cereals), so you could combine the convenience of the buffet with the more elegant and relaxing atmosphere of the traditional dining room.

At lunch expect more of the same, with the addition of an outdoor grill out by the pool, where you can get twice-cooked burgers and grilled chicken and French fries. There's a daily "tea time" in the buffet venue. Lunch in either of the dining rooms (though Restaurant Michelangelo 1965, located aft, has three sides of windows) is a fantastic treat -- particularly on sea days. The menu offers daily specials (the risotto quattro formaggia was divine), and you can always get grilled chicken or steak.

Dinner, as befits a European-style cruise, is the big event on Costa Fortuna -- and most of the attention is focused on a more formal-style meal that can last three hours. In addition to the regular dining rooms, you have two alternatives: At night, the Restaurant Buffet Cristoforo Colombo 1954, is transformed into a candle-lit pizzeria from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., and – for an intimate, romantic experience, don’t miss the chic-chic Club Grand Conte 1927, at the top of the ship. It is truly the ultimate onboard restaurant and well worth the extra $23 per person service charge.

Room service: Continental breakfast (cappuccino and cafe Americano, pastries, juices, cereal and yogurt) is available. There is also a space on the breakfast request form where you can write in a hot dish.

Décor / Public Rooms

"The Fortuna's décor is quite impressive in a European or perhaps an Italian style and is quite different from most other cruise ships. The central atrium has an enormous fresco by Giampaolo Amstici depicting all the ships in Costa's fleet both past and present... There are close to 5,000 works of art aboard the Fortuna for passengers to look at and enjoy."
-Cruise Critic Member Review

As Costa Fortuna's design scheme pays homage to classic Italian ships, cruise history fans will be intrigued by the public rooms. Some are literal interpretations of rooms found on some of these classic vessels (whose provenance ranges from 1921 - 1965), like the gorgeously elegant Conte di Savoia 1932 Grand Bar, a terrific dancing venue, and the Classico Roma 1926 Bar, for after-dinner cognac and cigars. Others are more whimsical; the fabulous Conte Rossi 1921 Piano Bar is decked out in a red color scheme (as befits its name), and naturally, the Neptunia 1932 Casino and the Vulcania 1927 Disco are much more contemporary than the originals.

A couple of interesting notes about the casino. First of all, slots take Euros. Since there's no bank machine onboard, you can charge a cash advance to your cabin card (and pay with a credit card at the end of the cruise). Second, this casino is somewhat smaller (though to this non-gambler's eye didn't appear to be lacking in any key options) than the usual American-owned ship. The space saved from downsizing the casino was used to elongate the Conte di Savoia 1932 Grand Bar, which is focused around a huge dance floor (the largest at sea!) larger than the usual secondary show lounge on American-owned ships because European cruisers really like to dance (and we mean beyond-the-disco types of dancing, from samba to waltzing).

Other features of the "inside" portion of the ship, which spans Decks 4, 5 and 6, include a dynamically designed library-card room. The Virtual World arcade (designers didn't even try to come up with a vintage ship inspiration on this one) and the three-tiered Rex 1932 Gallery, which is the ship's main show lounge. The shops and photo gallery are also located here.

Note: the Costa Atrium, located on Deck 3 and stretching up to Deck 9, is a great meet-and-greet spot (not to mention a superb place for people watching). Definitely don't miss the ceiling that covers part of it -- with models of every one of Costa's ships through history (we counted 26) hang upside down.

Cabins

Entertainment

Spa / Fitness, Pools and Sunbathing

Children

Fellow Passengers

COSTA'S GREEN STAR AWARD & SUPPORT OF THE WWF

March 2005 -- RINA, the Italian Shipping Register, awarded the the first “Green Star” voluntary certification to the Costa Cruises fleet. The certification was awarded at the 21st “Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention” in Miami, a convention that each year brings together the international major players in the cruise industry.

By awarding the “Green Star” RINA certified that Costa ships do not damage the environment and that they contribute to keeping the air and the sea clean. “Green Star” certification, in fact, means that Costa ships comply with the highest standards in environmental protection for prevention against the pollution of the air and the sea, going beyond that required by the international MARPOL standards in use. These standards assign ships a series of technical and managerial requisites that contribute to the safeguarding of the environment.
Learn more >>

"We are very proud to have received the RINA Green Star for all 11 ships in our fleet,” commented Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman and Managing Director of Costa Cruises, “Today's award is further proof that our commitment to environmental issues is producing concrete and highly positive results. Costa has followed a voluntary environmental protection policy for several years and we are now the first cruise line company in the world with a fleet that can guarantee its guests respect and protection of the air and sea in which we operate. I believe that all cruise companies have a duty towards protecting the environment. I would therefore like to thank all Costa staff for their unflagging commitment, and the RINA for their highly-valued recognition.”

"Costa Cruises' achievement is the result of an environmental culture that continues to grow within a responsible industry. We are very pleased that the technical and operational experience of the RINA, based on targeted research and commitment to environmental sustainability, responds to the innovation requirements of the cruise industry. We are talking about a process that began over 5 years ago with the Costa Atlantica and which has been pursued with great determination ever since by the RINA in collaboration with the shipping industry, points out Ugo Salerno, Managing Director of RINA SpA.

Costa Cruises is committed to the continued improvement of environmental management and respect for the legislation and regulations in force. As well as the “Green Star”, back in May the RINA also awarded the company “B.E.S.T. 4” status, a system of voluntary certification attesting to the best international standards in terms of social accountability (SA 8000 of 2001), the environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 1996), safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999), and quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000). Furthermore, as a means to best manage the various environmental issues, in 2002 Costa Cruises established the Environmental Compliance Division to oversee environmental protection and compliance with related international legislation, appointing an official on board each ship specifically to help in this task. Costa Cruises' environmental protection programme is outlined in its Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP), a manual that integrates perfectly with the safety management and pollution prevention system.

COSTA CRUISES AND WWF: SAFEGUARDING THE MARINE ECO-REGIONS

Costa Cruises is supporting the World Wildlife Fund to help safeguard and promote environmental awareness to some of the most precious and endangered marine ecoregions on the planet: the Mediterranean Sea, the region of the Greater Antilles and the North-East Coast of Brazil. Each of these marine ecoregions has a wealth of unique species, but at the same time are highly vulnerable. Costa Cruises has decided to help safeguard these regions and help with marine conservation, as since its fleet accompanies thousands of visitors each year on their journey to discover the treasures of the sea, we feel a responsibility to both our passengers and to nature. Thanks to the partnership between Costa Cruises and WWF, today these areas of the world have something else in common: the commitment and enthusiasm from the many people who together would like to give the sea a sustainable future.

The Northeastern Brazil Eco-Region

This is an environment extraordinarily rich in life and varied in its landscapes, with mangroves and barrier reefs. It is a breeding ground for some of the most spectacular marine species on the planet, such as the Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), the gigantic sea mammal with enormous fins that enable it to leap out just above the surface of the water.

Because of its love of putting on a show for its public – smashing the surface of the water with its fins and emitting its highly varied and melodic song – it is one of the most beautiful marine animals to watch.

These extremely lively waters are also home to another friendly and placid mammal, the Manatee (Trichecus manatus). This is an herbivore with plentiful cheeks and long whiskers that generally inhabits shallow waters, grazing on aquatic plants and occasionally algae.

There are also various species of sea turtle including the Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta).

CREATING A "MARINE CULTURE"

WWF works in over 40 countries to protect the sea: creating and managing protected marine areas, striving to prevent the excessive exploitation of the sea, and promoting sustainable fishing. WWF recovery centres take care of injured animals and return them to the sea. More than any other species, marine turtles and whales are symbolic of WWFs commitment: migrating from one sea to another, they serve to remind us of the importance of crossing national borders in an attempt to protect something that belongs to all of mankind. Planet Ocean would be a more suitable name than Planet Earth: salt water covers 71% of the Earth's surface and 95% of its life-supporting space. It is estimated that up to 10 million different species live in the ocean, from enormous blue whales right through to tiny seahorses. Safeguarding the riches of the sea means preserving one of man's most precious resources. 60% of the world's population lives within 64 km of the sea: fish is the principal food source for a billion people. Despite this only 0.5% of the sea is protected.