Take a luxury cruise on the Costa Mediterranea travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

The Costa Mediterranea has a unique personality inspired by Italy’s 17th and 18th century palazzi and castles, while the decks are dedicated to mythology in the Mediterranean Sea–a crossroads of cultures and civilizations. The spectacular Maschera d’Argento Atrium spans 10 decks high and features an incredible sculpture of dancers suspended mid-air. This unique Costa fleet boat is reminiscent of an aristocratic Sicilian palace, the two-level Degli Argentieri Restaurant is adorned with exquisite objects d’art and frescos. The interior spaces on board this 86,000 ton Costa fleet ship are truly an expression of an inimitable, unique style.

The Mediterranea’s 12 spacious and panoramic passenger decks offer an impressive array of facilities including 5 restaurants, 4 bars, 3 pools (one with a retractable roof), a theater extending over three decks, a casino, disco, ballroom, conference center, library, and internet cafe. Children and youngsters can enjoy ample sources of entertainment at the Squok Children’s Room and Arcade.

Costa Mediterranea is a near-sister to Carnival Cruise Line’s “Spirit-class” of ships - a sleek, fast, amenity-filled group of highly successful vessels. But any similarity begins - and ends - with their deck plans. Costa’s interior design teams have made every effort to bring a distinctive, crisp and sophisticated look and feel to the Costa Mediterranea. To those achievements, add in the tireless efforts of a genuine, engaging, willing shipboard crew and staff and Costa’s “Cruising Italian Style” becomes reality.

Of the ship’s 1,057 cabins, 678 have balconies. Both standard outside and balcony cabins (210 square feet) feature dressing tables; efficient hair dryers; TVs; and beds convertible from queen to two twins. Many cabins, including 71 of the 212 inside cabins (160 square feet) have a third and fourth bed that pull down from the ceiling. Closet and drawer space is ample for a seven-day cruise. There are outlets for American electrical plugs, though they aren’t always clearly marked. All cabins have a minibar and easy-to-use safe. Bathrooms are compact with showers only. Shampoo (no conditioner) and lotion are provided. Eight accessible rooms span several categories.

The ship’s 58 suites are especially attractive and come in three categories, ranging in size from 352 to 650 square feet (including balcony). All suites have good-sized, granite-tiled bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs and double sinks. The balconies have teak furnishings, including lounge chairs. Passengers in these quarters get a variety of special services: VIP check-in and early disembarkation; butler service; sparkling wine; full-course in-suite dining; complimentary meal at Club Medusa; plus such added amenities as terry robes, slippers, and a daily fruit basket.

Dining
The Restaurant degli Argentieri, based on a splendid 18th-century palazzo, is split into two levels and is the ship’s main dining venue. The restaurant works on an assigned, two-seating basis and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Seatings for dinner are geared to European dining customs, and so the late seating is quite late (6:15 PM first seating and 8:45 PM for second—9 PM on formal nights). Dinner menus play up the Italian theme, with a different region of Italy highlighted each night. Vegetarian options are always available and listed on the main menu, while Costa’s “Salute e Benessere” (”health and well being”) menus offer low-fat, low-carbohydrate options. The wine list is with a predominance of Italian wines.

During regular mealtimes, the sprawling Perla del Lago Restaurant serves uninspired buffet fare. The numerous stations offer different dishes, so it pays to explore. (The pizzeria, for example, is a separate station near the rear of the buffet area.) And while soft ice cream machines are scattered throughout, different ones are switched on at different times. During off-hours, choices are slim, although the ship offers round-the-clock food service. The 24-hour room service menu lists a few soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Only suite passengers may order off the full restaurant menus for complete in-suite dining, including hot dishes for breakfast. All passengers may order espresso or cappuccino with their Continental breakfast, however, a nice touch.

Entertainment
At the heart of the ship, the Atrium - Marchera d’Argento Hall - stretches over ten decks. The main lounge, Teatro Osiris, is three decks high and seats 1,170 guests. A new design feature for this series of ships is the location of the show lounge/night club, here the Salone Giardino Isolabella, underneath the main lounge. The main restaurant, Ristorante Degli Argentieri, is two decks high and seats altogether some 1,300 guests.

Fitness & Recreation
Costa Mediterranea’s fitness facility and spa are combined on two decks. The Olympia Gym, tiered so that everyone gets a sea view, has an impressive array of workout machines that allow passengers to set them manually or use a “key card” that prompts the computer to guide them through their workout . Classes are available, although some, such as yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing h. Other fun features include a forward-view whirlpool and separate men’s and women’s steam rooms, saunas, and shower cabinets with multiple heads.There is a two-level health and fitness centre, the Ischia Spa, four swimming pools, one featuring a retractable dome, five whirlpools, a large casino and more than ten themed bars, lounges and public areas for activities and entertainment. In addition, there is a shopping area, a wedding chapel and large facilities for children and youngsters. There is also a library, a conference centre and a cascading water slide.

The two central pools on Deck 9 each have a whirlpool, usually busy, and one has a retractable roof so it can be used in all kinds of weather. A smaller pool, located aft away from the crowds, has both a whirlpool and a bar. A neat waterslide is on top of Deck 11 but has limited hours. On the top deck above the gym is a small jogging track and netted basketball/volleyball area.