Costa Cruises: Costa Atlantica

Overview

The basic layout of this contemporary ship is nearly identical to parent Carnival Cruise Line's Spirit-class vessels. Interiors were designed by Carnival's ship architect Joe Farcus, whose abundant use of marble reflects Costa's Italian heritage. Artwork commissioned specifically for each ship was created by contemporary artists and includes intricate sculptures in silver and glass. Don't overlook the lighting fixtures, which were created especially for the ship, most of them crafted by the artisans in Venice's Murano glass factories.

The nice flow between public lounges is broken only by piazzas, where you can practice the Italian custom of passeggiata (seeing and being seen). And there's plenty to see; these are visually stimulating interiors, with vivid colors and decor elements to arouse a sense of discovery. One of the most elegant spaces on board is the least Italian in appearance—inspired by the Palazzo Roero Di Guarene, the Roero Bar contains cases to display artifacts from four ancient Chinese dynasties.