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REVIEW
I had the pleasure of visiting the Costa Magica on her inaugural visit to
New York on May 9th, 2006. Upon boarding the Costa Magica you
immediately enter the 9 deck Italia Magica Atrium. At the base of the
Atrium is located the Italia Magica Bar and a pleasant lounge area to have
a leisurely drink. Running up the side of the Atrium are a number of glass
enclosed elevators providing dramatic views of the lobby below. Other
public rooms which overlook the Atrium include the photo gallery, shops,
library, art gallery and the meeting room.
The Costa Magica has 2 dining rooms, the Costa Smeralda
Restaurant with large floor to ceiling windows which overlook the wake of
the ship and the Portofino Restaurant located mid-ship. Both restaurants
have the same décor and are two levels - with the upper level providing
views of the diners and tables below. The color schemes of the rooms are
rust, yellow, light blue and beige trying to combine soft Italian pastel
colors. The Portofino restaurant was my favorite with the Grand staircase
which comes down the center of the room. Located on the interior walls of
both restaurants are wall murals, but instead of murals – they appear to
be enlarged photographs which are blurry and touched-up to match the
coloring of the rooms. Almost everyone commented on the unusual wall
coverings. The Costa Smeralda Restaurant lacks the impressive staircase
but offers dramatic views of the sea - looking off the tail of the ship as
well as a 2 deck high glass lobby with Mayan like artistic structures.
While on board my wife and I had lunch in the Portofino
Restaurant. We found the service in the dining room to be very attentive.
The menu included Prosciutto, Melon and Fig appetizer, Boston Bibb Lettuce
with cherry Tomatoes, Gorgonzola and Herb Croutons Salad, Fresh Pasta with
veal ragout and double cream sauce and as the main dish, Pan-seared
Chicken in a light sherry cream sauce with Asparagus. Other entrees
included Filet Mignon and Swordfish with sautéed mushrooms, green
peppercorn and diced tomatoes. Overall the quality of the food was good
and the presentation was very impressive. Before desert, the crew
performed for the passengers, dancing and singing favorite Italian songs.
Located high above on deck 9 is the Bellagio Buffet.
This two level area is ideal for lunch and has a very warm atmosphere.
There are a number of stations including carving station salad bar and
much more. I should note that the Pizza served in the Bellagio Buffet
looked and tasted outstanding.
Located next to the pool area is the grill, where you
can have hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and much more.
The three deck Urbino Theater is located forward on the
Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raffaello decks. This room is pleasantly
decorated and provides ideal viewing of that evening’s entertainment. The
Theater has bench seating in an auditorium style and there is not a bad
seat in the house. I did prefer the upper level which is more open and
airy than the lower level.
One of my favorite rooms is the Grado Disco. The room is
very bright and has a large dance floor. Located off to the side is a
secluded sitting area and bar. The upper walls of the disco are glass
which allow passengers to view the dancers from the deck above. There is
also an entrance from the second level with a staircase that takes your
right to the dance floor.
The Salento Grand Bar is spacious and the dance floor is
very large. The room seems to have limited seating (or it could just be
the sheer size of the room). The main corridor goes right through the room
and I can envision jubilant dancers wandering off the dance floor and
dancing in the walkway. The Salento is decorated in deep red and gold the
room is warm and inviting.
The Magica has a very inviting Piano Bar which is ideal
for an pre or post dinner cocktail. The room is open and airy. The light
blue decorations of the room offers a nice alternative to the other public
rooms.
Located at the stern of the ship is Capri Lounge. The
large lounge is decorated in dark blue. The color scheme of this room does
not fit the décor of the rest of the ship and stands out as dark and
simple.. In addition, the room which overlooks the stern of the ship does
not take advantage of the view. Large part of the back wall is obstructed
by the sound control booth.
While on board we were able to view a stage show – “Feel
the Magica”. It was the standard review show with singing and dancing.
Although the show was acceptable, my in-laws sailed on the Costa Magica in
the Caribbean and stated that the ship had one of the best entertainment
they had experienced onboard a ship.
For the ship buffs, the handles to the doors to the
lounges and pubic rooms are replicas of the stack of the Carla Costa. One
of Costa’s more popular ships first introduced in the early 70’s. To ship
buffs this is great. To others the bright yellow handles with the blue “C”
distract from the décor of the area leading up to the public room. My wife
laughed at me as I took a photo of the door handles.
The pool area onboard the ship is very nice. Located aft
is a smaller pool, Jacuzzi and sunning area which has a retractable glass
roof. This will allow passengers to swim in any type of weather and enjoy
the day in a climate controlled environment.
Located in the middle of the ship is the open air pool
and sunning area. This open area with band stand, Jacuzzis and large
yellow twisty slide is friendly but appears somewhat cluttered, almost
like the designer tried to pack too much into the area.
The Casino is U-shaped with a structure in the middle
cutting the room in two. Because of the separation, you cannot appreciate
the size of the area. The casino had a large number of gaming tables,
slots and other games of chance. I was very surprised that the slot
machine did not accept US coins but was in European Euros and tokens.
The Library on board is spacious but did lack a large
selection of books. There seemed to be about 50 books available. The
internet area is located in small cubicles along the main hallway. There
were approximately 6 PCs. The main issue with this area was that it lacked
privacy and someone passing by, could easily view your screen.
The Spa and Gym located high, forward on the ship, is
very large and well equipped with the latest exercise equipment. There
also is a Jacuzzi located in the gym. The changing rooms are very nice and
pleasant. There is also an outdoor basketball/volleyball court and jogging
track The Spa offers a wide variety of treatments including message,
facial and more. There also was a large hair salon on-board.
Since the ship was fully booked, I was unable to view
any of the cabins. I can pretty safely assume that the cabins are
equivalent to those found on board any modern cruise ship - having ample
storage space, queen (which can convert into doubles) or King size beds,
sitting area, bathrooms with showers and vacuum toilets. Veranda cabins
will have modest size balconies. The hallways in the passenger cabin areas
were wide, when compared to many ships of today. The doors to the cabins
were decorated in a blend of blue, grey and yellow pattern which I found
very friendly.
For the kids there is a sizeable arcade – packed with
video games, air hockey and other amusements to keep the kid’s interests.
There is also “Squok” Kids Center where there are arranged activities for
children from 2 to 17 years old.
The Costa Magica has a chapel. A feature that has become
popular again on ships. The chapel is sizeable and suitable for a quiet
place at sea, renewal of wedding vows or even a wedding ceremony.
Overall the food and service aboard the Costa Magica was
good. The color scheme of the ship is rust, yellow and Mediterranean
pastels. The artwork onboard, in some spaces were tacky while other areas
were tastefully decorated. The feel onboard is very modern. All of the
elevator banks on the ship were identically decorated so it is confusing
for people to distinguish between elevator banks. Navigation through some
of the decks was very confusing including gaining access to the Costa
Smeralda Restaurant which requires you to go up one deck, walk aft, and
then go down one deck to gain access. This is primarily due to the kitchen
being positioned between the two dining rooms. Being a tall person, I
found the ceiling low in some spots. Entertainment ranks high. In some
ways the ship tries to be too Italian and has a very American
interpretation of Italian décor than a true Italian interpretation. Table
mates of mine, stated that this ship was a much different feel than the
Costa Romantica and referred to the Costa Magica as a Carnival Cruise
Line’s version of a Costa ship – In some ways I have to agree.
Costa Cruises does attract a large number of European
vacationers therefore some of the activities, events and announcements are
geared toward European travelers and preferences. These cruises will be
truly international in flavor and your fellow passengers can add to your
European or Caribbean vacation experience.
The 105,000 ton Costa Magica, entered service in 2004.
Measuring some 890 feet long, 124 feet wide and 200 feet tall, she can
cruise at 20 knots. The Magica is capable of carrying of 2,720 guests
(Double occupancy) and a crew of 1,068. The crew on the Costa Magica is
primarily international with Italian officers.
The Costa Magica sails in Northern Europe, the
Mediterranean, and the Caribbean (in the winter).
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