Costa Classica - Cruise Ship Review - Passenger Reviews

Easy to navigate and more toned down in their décor than later and bigger Costa ships, the ultramodern, 53,000-gross-ton twin sisters Costa Romantica and Costa Classica are for Italophiles and ship-lovers alike.

Public rooms reflect Costa’s Italian heritage in their décor and designations. Each deck is named for an Italian city. Much more conservative and Old World than Costa’s more recent, Carnival-inspired decors, the Euro-appointed interiors are abundant in marble, inlaid wood, crystal and mosaics.

Activities On Costa Classica
Perhaps the most impressive space on the ship for sheer grandeur is the two-deck-high historically inspired main show theater. Other spaces for gathering and socializing include the noteworthy top-deck, glass-walled observation lounge, which becomes the ship’s disco at night—and sometimes doubles as an aerobics area or children’s playroom by day.

A large, rearward facing ballroom satisfies the European passion for dancing of all types. A casino—small by megaship standards—offers entertainment for those who enjoy games of chance. There also are a variety of bars (including a wine bar), cigar lounge, shopping boutiques, video arcades, a card room, library, and internet center.

Deck areas are pleasant and utilitarian, offering two swimming pools: One aft and reserved for adults only and another amidships with a fountain; the Costa Classica also has four hot tubs. Wellness facilities include a small but high-tech gym for working out, a jogging track, and a modest spa albeit with Turkish bath.

Cabins On Costa Classica
On the other hand, standard cabins are big compared to most ships, measuring 200 square feet. Even lower-category, inside cabins measure a generous 175 square feet. Décor is rich in cherry woods and deep-hued fabrics. Only ten suites have private verandahs, but outside cabins have unusually large round windows, like oversized portholes. In addition, the Costa Classica does boast six forward-facing suites with panoramic views of the sea.

Dining On Costa Classica
Cutting edge in its time, the midsize Costa Classica has some features considered quaint by today’s oversized standards, like a single-level main dining room. In addition, the Costa Classica has a casual buffet restaurant and a small pizzeria, plus a patisserie for pastries and a variety of drinks. An atrium lobby serves as the central gathering point for the ship, like an Italian piazza, and offers a dance floor and a stage for musicians in addition to the usual guest-services functions.

Ship Information
Costa Classica belongs to Costa Cruises' Classica Class of cruise ships. This Costa ship features wonderful Italian dining in the main restaurant, and a multitude of colorful bars and lounges.

Ship Facts
Year Built 1991 ♦ Ship's Class: Classica Class ♦ Country of Registry Italy ♦ Tonnage 53,000 ♦ Length 722 ft - 220 m ♦ Cruising Speed 18 knots ♦ Passenger Capacity (double occupancy) 1,302 ♦ Passenger Capacity (incl. upper beds) 1,680 ♦ Passenger Decks 11 ♦ Officers and Crew 590 ♦ Officer's Nationality Italian ♦ Crew and Hotel Staff Nationality International

Cabins
Total 654 ♦ Suites with Balcony 10 ♦ Oceanview with Balcony 0 (none) ♦ Oceanview without Balcony 428 ♦ Inside 216 ♦ Accessible Cabins (all categories) 6 ♦ Costa Cruises' cabins include luxury bedding, complimentary continental breakfast, minibar, satellite TV programming, and 24 hour room service.

Cabin Amenities
TV with music channels ♦ In-Cabin Movies ♦ In-Cabin Internet Access ♦ Private Safe ♦ Minibar ♦ Hair Dryer

Dining
Traditional 1st and 2nd Sitting Assigned Table Seating ♦ Formal Nights ♦ Specialty Restaurants: none ♦ Specialty Coffee Bar ♦ 24 Hour Room Service Available

Public Rooms
Bars and Lounges ♦ Library ♦ Internet Center

Entertainment
Showlounge ♦ Casino ♦ Disco/Nightclub ♦ Card Room/Game Room ♦ Video Games Arcade

Sports and Activities
Resort Style Pool ♦ Fitness Center ♦ Jogging Track

Spa and Wellness
Full Service Spa ♦ MedSpa Services ♦ Sauna or Steam Room ♦ Beauty Salon ♦ Yoga ♦ Pilates ♦ Fitness Assessment ♦ Health and Nutrition Evaluation

Children and Teens
Family Cabins ♦ Organized Age Specific Activities ♦ Children's Pool ♦ Youth Staff ♦ Teen Programs ♦ Teen Staff ♦ Group Babysitting Services

Other Facilities and Services
Duty Free Shops and Boutiques ♦ Dry Cleaning and Laundry Service ♦ Business Center Services ♦ Medical Center