Fodor’s Expert Review

Ship Overview

Costa Cruises
Cruise StyleMainstream
Ship SizeSmall

Costa Victoria, which is an older ship that once belonged to the Carnival line (the parent of Costa), sails a variety of Asian itineraries that include China, South Korea, and Japan.Read More

Costa’s first large ship is a stunning contemporary, sun-filled vessel built before Carnival Cruise Lines’ designer Joe Farcus began creating interiors for Costa ships. As a result, its public spaces reflect a chic Italian flair with marble-accented floors and walls. The style combines a traditional nautical look with minimalist design, high-value finishes, and unique works of art such as the Capriccio Bar, with its inimitable and valuable mosaic signed by Emilio Tadini.

In addition to a seven-deck atrium with an overhead skylight and panoramic elevators at the ship’s center, a unique four-deck-high observation lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ship’s bow. Costa Victoria has all the bells and whistles expected on contemporary ships, including large entertainment lounges and cozy spaces for cocktails and conversation.

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.

An ongoing shipbuilding program has brought Costa ships into the 21st century with innovative large-ship designs that reflect their Italian heritage and style without overlooking the amenities expected by modern cruisers. Acknowledging changing habits (even among Europeans), Costa Cruises has eliminated smoking entirely in dining rooms and show lounges. However, smokers are permitted to light up in designated areas in other public rooms, as well as on the pool deck.

  • 10 passenger decks
  • Specialty restaurant
  • 2 dining rooms
  • buffet
  • ice cream parlor
  • pizzeria
  • Wi-Fi
  • safe
  • refrigerator
  • 3 pools (1 indoor)
  • Fitness classes
  • gym
  • hot tubs
  • sauna
  • spa
  • steam room
  • 10 bars
  • casino
  • dance club
  • library
  • show room
  • Children’s programs
  • Laundry facilities
  • laundry service
  • Internet terminal

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Pros
Cons
There are plenty of lounge chairs on deck for sunning (and usually no lines)
Freshly made pasta dishes are always good
There is no charge for using the sauna and steam rooms in the spa
The show room at the back of the ship has limited sight lines
Accommodations are quite small by today’s standards
In a throwback to earlier ship design, the indoor pool and fitness center are located on a low deck

What to expect on board

Staterooms & Cabins

Cabins
Bathrooms
Accessibility

Light-wood cabinetry, soft pastel decor, and a small seating area are typical of all cabins, which have a small refrigerator, personal safe, and hair dryer. Floor space is tight in standard categories, but every cabin has adequate closet and storage space, double sink, and generous closet. Designed before private balconies became the most popular stateroom amenity at sea, the ship had none at all when it was launched; however, 246 were later added to four minisuites and 242 standard outside cabins. Passengers in suites and minisuites have slippers and bathrobe to use during the cruise, a choice of pillow types, and enjoy butler service.

Bathrooms are tight in ocean-view and inside cabins, even by modern cruise-ship standards. The usual bath amenities include the basic soap and shampoo. Suites have the added luxury of a whirlpool bathtub and a selection of bath products.

Six cabins are wheelchair accessible.

Food & Drink

Food

Two restaurants serve open seating breakfast and lunch; dinner is served in two assigned seatings. An upscale alternative, reservations-only restaurant carries à la carte charges—a perk for suite passengers is a complimentary dinner for two here. The Lido buffet, pizzeria, poolside grill, and room service are alternatives to dining room meals. Lavish midnight buffets are offered nightly.

Entertainment

Performances by the resident production singers and dancers as well as guest entertainers are scheduled most nights in the main theater. Secondary show lounges feature singers and musicians and are the venues for Costa’s signature parties, during which the entertainment staff leads passenger participation. There is a quieter and intimate piano bar as well as other lounges with music for dancing and listening as well as a disco. The aft-facing Tavernetta Lounge is one of the most tranquil spots on board.

Spa & Fitness

The full-service spa offers a complete menu of treatments that include facials, body wraps, and massages. Men’s and women’s changing rooms feature complimentary saunas and steam rooms.

Key cruising tips

QUICK FACTS

SHIP STATS
Entered Service
1996
Number of Cabins
964
Passenger Capacity
1,928
Crew Members
766
Passengers to Crew Ratio
2.52
Gross Tons
76000
Width
106 feet
Length
828 feet
CRUISE LINE INFO
954/266–5600 or 800/462–6782

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