Europe's number-one cruise line combines a Continental experience, enticing itineraries, and Italy's classical design and style with relaxing days and romantic nights at sea. Genoa-based Costa Crociere, parent company of Costa Cruise Lines, had been in the shipping business for more than 100 years and in the passenger business for almost 50 years when it was bought by Airtours and Carnival Corporation in 1997. In 2000 Carnival completed a buyout of the Costa line and began expanding the fleet with larger and more dynamic ships.

You're a satisfied Carnival past passenger and want a similar experience with an Italian flavor.

You want pizza hot out of the oven whenever you get a craving for it.

You're a joiner: there are many opportunities to be in the center of the action.

You find announcements in a variety of languages annoying.

You want an authentic Italian cruise. The crew has grown more international than Italian as the line has expanded.

You prefer sedate splendor in a formal atmosphere. The Caribbean-based ships are almost Fellini-esque in style.