Costa Cruises: Costa Magica

Overview

With a bit of interior alteration, Costa Fortuna and Costa Magica are essentially Euro-clones of parent company Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Triumph and Carnival Victory. The mix and size of public rooms was determined to appeal to European as well as North American passengers sailing on itineraries that include the Mediterranean Sea.

Like Carnival ships designed by Joe Farcus, these Costa beauties have a theme running throughout—the decor is inspired by the grand Italian steamships of the past. Incorporated into the design of these ships, scale models of historic liners grace nearly every public area. A "fleet" of 26 former ships of the Costa fleet boldly "sail" upside down across the ceiling of the atrium. Ceilings in the formal, two-deck dining rooms are also decorated; Michelangelo Restaurant features reproductions of the master's frescoes, while Raffeallo Restaurant displays its namesake's Vatican artwork. Art deco touches add grace to all the public spaces.