JOANNE'S REPORT ON THE
"COSTA MAGICA"
JOANNE'S REPORT ON THE "COSTA MAGICA" In early March, I was fortunate enough to be invited by Costa Cruise Lines to
fly to Italy to see their newest addition to the fleet…. the Costa Magica. Along with some other travel agents from around the country, I flew to New
York and then to Genoa, headquarters of Costa Cruise Lines. Genoa is the closest major city to the port of Savona, Magica's home port. We visited the
ship for a tour and lunch. Armed with digital and regular cameras, I started taking pictures as soon as I boarded. First, I want to note that I will make
mention of our past cruise ships as a point of reference so that you can visualize what I'm describing. For those who will be new to the Super
Cruise, I apologize if this doesn't make a whole lot of sense to you but please follow along and I'll try to paint a visual picture for you as well.Okay…… so here's how my tour unfolded: We entered in the main lobby (deck #3) of the ship, "Italia Magica Atrium." Those familiar with the Carnival Conquest/Glory class of ship, the lobby area
is laid out very much the same. Except: the colors are far nicer, softer and more elegant. Mainly soft golden hues and creamy yellows plus bold reds.
There are art murals and paintings throughout the ship and those in the Atrium area make you feel as though you're in the lobby of an upscale hotel.
The normal set up of Purser's Desk, Information and Tour Desks are also located on this level and, of course, a large Atrium Bar. Soaring up from this
level are the Atrium elevators, which go all the way up to Deck 11. A walk up the curving staircases (or a short ride on the elevator) takes you
up to the Photo Gallery and Library…… farther down on this deck (#4) you'll find a pretty chapel that's used for mass services and for weddings!
And right nearby is the "Grado Disco" What a super dance club! Spacious, ample seating, large bar and a raised dance floor. There's a
really neat design feature I'll mention later, when I talk about deck #5. Cruises Etc is working with Costa to bring on our own personal Disc Jockey.
We're pretty sure that this will take place and we're thrilled with the prospect of bringing a professional who's not only been in the business for
over 20 years but has a vast music library of all the music our kind of crowd enjoys and looks forward to. Rounding out this area is the Internet Room
with multiple terminals for those who need to stay connected to the rest of the world. The Magica has two double level restaurants: The Smeralda Resaurant and
the Portofino Restaurant. These dining rooms represent two distinctly stylish and upscale Italian resort areas: Portofino, of the Italian Riviera and
the "emerald" coast of the island of Sardinia. Both rooms have beautiful, warm yet colorful décor with gorgeous table settings. Those who felt our
last dining room was a bit too 'snug' will be happy to know that both dining rooms on the Magica are very spacious with 'breathing room' between the tables!
Before we actually sat down for our lunch, there was plenty of ship to explore…. so off we went to deck #5. Here's where I was nearly speechless
(a rare thing for me !!!) Those who have sailed on Carnival will recall their trademark "Promenade Deck" which runs the full length of the ship from
atrium to aft lounge…. passing bars, casino, lounges, kid's disco, wine bar, adult disco, more lounges…….etc.. you get the picture…. When you step
onto Deck 5 on the Magica…. you truly will think you are on a one-of-a-kind ship. Picture this….... you walk out of the Atrium elevators and are right
at the Galleria Shops….. traditional ship shops (logo wear, clothing, souvenirs, toiletries, snacks, etc.; duty free liquor, jewelry, trinkets,
perfume, and more….) Then wander past the Card Room and Art Gallery….. there's even a dedicated bar/lounge for the cigar smokers……. it's worth a
visit because the bar is a cozy L-shape with Venetian glass lamps, a terrazzo tiled floor, comfy seating groups and great atmosphere. As you exit this
area, you will be surprised by the size of the next room…… the "Salerno Grand Bar" Reported to the be largest single bar on a cruise ship, the
Salerno spans the entire width of the ship with a super large dance floor and tons of seating… the main floor is a highly polished glossy red tile. The
centerpiece of this room is a very large circular bar with ample seating right at the bar. This lounge is a perfect place to people—watch or meet for
before or after dinner drinks. As you continue on this deck passed the Salerno Bar, you'll come upon the "Sicilia Casino" I loved this room! It's
quite large with the slots machine and video poker machines and games of that type on one side and all the table games on the other (black jack,
roulette, craps, stud poker, etc) This casino reminds me of the 'gaming salons' that used to be in old movies. Dark colored wood on the tables with
comfortable chairs in shades of burgundy, red, and gold. Of course, there's plenty of lighting and all the bells and whistles we're used to in casinos but
you can't help notice the elegance too. In the middle of the two gaming areas is a unique feature that I mentioned earlier in the disco. There is a
circular structure made completely of glass panels…… you can look from the casino on deck 5 down into the Disco on deck 4. How cool is that?! So, if
the action in the disco looks appealing, you can simply walk down the glass circular staircase leading down from the casino!
I haven't forgotten the Main Show Lounge: the "Urbino Theatre." In typical style, it's three decks high and truly, there isn't a bad seat in the
house. Here's where we'll watch the Super Bowl when all the action takes place on Super Sunday. This room is breathtaking.
The "Capri Lounge" is the large aft lounge on Deck 5. (recall the Conquest and Glory… this is where we held our private cocktail parties) This room is
done in shades of blue…. a nod to the famous Blue Grotto on the Isle of Capri (Italy) The lounge is very spacious with comfortable seating all over and a
long bar spanning the entire back of the room. A stage and dance floor are here, as there are live musical acts throughout the week. Depending on the
size of our group when we sail, we may have our private parties here. Nearby is a smaller lounge that is also used for more intimate musical
entertainment (3-4 piece ensembles, small dance floor, etc) This is the "Spoleto Dance Hall" and it's really lovely. Of course, there's a bar here too.
The "Capo Colonna Piano Bar" is exquisite. Not overly large, but there is a grand piano here and they do recitals and the like. The best part is the wine tasting bar! Gorgeous! Up on deck #9, you'll find the "Bellagio Buffet" for casual dining. I'm thrilled to learn that the specialty restaurant on the Magica…. called the
Vicenza Club, is being managed by Zeffirino's of Genoa. This is the same restaurant that operates the specialty restaurant on the Costa Victoria and
the place that Costa took me and my fellow agents for a fabulous dinner in Genoa…..they closed the restaurant to regular business and presented us
with a feast of a meal! I saw the menu for the Vicenza Club and can't wait to make reservations ! Remember, there is a small fee to dine at the
onboard specialty restaurant but it is well worth the cost….. and Suite guests enjoy a complimentary dinner during their cruise.
I took a quick walk through the Saturnia Gym….. all the normal equipment and work out machines…top of the line stuff for our die-hards that feel the
need to spend some time here…..( we appreciate your efforts!!) The gym also has a co-ed hot tub that holds at least a dozen people. Steam rooms,
saunas, lockers and showers complete the gym facilities… all complimentary for guests unless you engage the services of personal trainers or take some
of the elective classes which have fees. The salon is attached here so you can enjoy a large menu of personal services from hair, nails, facials and a
wide variety of body treatments like massages, body wraps and all sorts of wellness options. Now for the cabins…….. As I mentioned, those who've sailed with us on the
Costa Mediterranea & Atlantica or on the Carnival Conquest or Glory, will find the cabins very familiar. We're very happy to have been offering these
classes of ships because of the very nice, spacious cabins. As we've seen in the past, cruise lines are giving us a bigger variety of cabin categories but,
honestly, many cabin TYPES are the same – it's the location that determines price category. For example, you may find 3 to 5 balcony categories yet all
of those cabins are identical in features, size and design, with only minor differences. On the Magica, we start out with Standard Inside Cabins. These are your
basic cabins with two twin beds that convert to a queen. Basic bathroom with shower. Ample closet and storage space. Television, mini-fridge, safe,
hair-dryer are standard in all cabins. These cabins measure approx. 165 square feet. If you put 3 or 4 guests in any inside cabin, the extra beds are
recessed into the upper portion of the cabin wall and are set up for sleeping by your cabin steward. The end result is that you have a bunk bed format
when utilizing the third or fourth berth (ship lingo for bed or bunk). Note: All cabins come equipped with two twin beds, regardless of whether there is
room for a third or fourth person. (we get lots of questions from guests who get nervous if they look at a deck plan and see the cabin is equipped with
'two upper beds' --- rest assured that you will always have two beds on the floor!) Outside Cabins are larger, approx 220 square feet and have a larger sitting
area with a couch and table/chair set up. Bathrooms are just like the inside cabins and include all of the standard items (t.v., safe, etc etc) as well. A
large rectangular picture window (does not open!) is your view to the outside world. What's really nice about these cabins is that if you are
planning on traveling with three persons in the cabin, the third person does not need to climb up into a bunk bed, like in an Inside cabin. The 'couch' is
actually a twin size mattress, encased by a leather covering, and set on a furniture base. The 'back' of the couch is two large, wedge shaped cushions
also covered in leather. By day, this looks like a regular sofa but in the evening, your steward will make up the bed for the third person complete with bedclothes, pillow and blanket. Outside Cabins with Balcony are also approximately 220 square feet and this includes the balcony area…….so the 'living quarters' of the cabin are a bit
shorter than the regular Outside cabins but that is the only difference. Those who book balconies are quickly spoiled by them and won't consider
booking an alternate cabin! So, if you think you'll enjoy the sound of the ocean or the luxury of having morning coffee or a lite breakfast on your
balcony …. you may love having this type of cabin. This is also a fine choice for our smoking guests. Some smokers like to step out on the balcony to
indulge because they may not want the smoke in the cabin; or non-smokers rooming with smokers appreciate that the cabin will be well ventilated.
Either way…. balcony cabins are universally appealing. These are also the first to sell out in our group! All balcony cabins have the features that the Inside and Outside cabins have.
Suites! For those who truly want to pamper themselves, the suites are the way to go! The Magica has three categories of suites: Mini Suite, Suite and
Grand Suite. The "Mini Suites" are located only on the aft (back) of the ship. They are approx 50 square feet larger than a regular balcony cabin
and have all the same amenities….. but….. since these cabins occupy the back corners of the ship, the balcony is very large and wraps all around.
We have a VERY limited number of these rooms. MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY IN THIS CABIN IS TWO !!!!
The "Suite" cabins are all located Mid Ship on Deck 7. These are spacious cabins measuring approx 360 square feet including a large balcony. These
suites have a ton of storage space, large vanity area, walk in closet and large bathroom. The bath is beautifully tiled and has twin sinks at the vanity,
enclosed jaccuzzi tub and plenty of room for your toiletries and personal items. Suite guests enjoy complimentary terry bath robes and butler
service (your butler will assist you with special requests, packing and unpacking – should you wish it – arranging your dry cleaning and also
serving dining room menu meals in your suite – note: some of these extra services carry a service charge but your butler will explain all of this to you)
Suite guests also enjoy a complimentary visit to the Magica's specialty restaurant – Vicenza Club --- a spectacular dining experience! You also
have VIP check in and a special disembarkation lounge with priority debarking on the last day of the cruise. Fresh fruit is replenished
regularly. Bedding is two twins that make up to a queen, with a larger sitting area with the "same couch = bed" set up. MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY IN THIS CABIN IS THREE !!
"Grand Suites" are, well, Grander! Also located Mid Ship on Deck 7. Approx 500 square feet, these are very spacious cabins. Similar to the
regular Suite but larger, there is more seating options (in case you have friends visiting) and the balcony is really large. There is area between the
living area of the suite and the bathroom. This is similar to a jumbo walk in closet but it has a full vanity with sink and a wall to wall mirror. The
bathroom itself is quite large with the same tile work and marble as in the other suite….. twin sinks, jaccuzzi tub, plus a bidet. Grand Suite guests
have all of the upgraded amenities and perks as those listed in regular Suites. MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY IN THIS CABIN IS THREE !!! Like Mini Suites,
due to the limited number of these on the ship… Cruises Etc has only a small amount of these suites! We will offer two special categories STRICTLY for the SINGLE TRAVELER.
Those who've traveled as single occupancy in the past know you usually pay a hefty supplement. The Magica has a small number of cabins that are
equipped with one twin bed on the floor and one twin bed recessed in the cabin wall. (bunk bed style) Because of this set up----these are being
offered solely as Single Occupancy cabins. Category 1-A is an Inside cabin and 6-A is an Outside cabin. We have only 5 cabins in each category. The
rates are a bit lower than the regular single prices for other categories. If you think you may be interested in these rooms, contact us soon! The
cabins actually have a decent amount of room because there is only one bed on the floor….. so if you like 'elbow room' and are not concerned with the
single bed aspect, then this may be the ideal cabin for you – they are located on a variety of decks. All of the cabins are decorated with eye-pleasing colors and attractive artwork.
The outdoor deck areas are incredibly spacious with tiered decks surrounding the midship pools. The aft pool is covered by a sliding glass
dome. There is the trademark Costa slide for kids and kids at heart. The decks above the main pool deck feature the sports deck , jogging track, access to the spa/gym, the kids club "Squok" I should mention – for our junior cruisers – that Squok Club is especially designed to keep the kids busy and interacting with other kids in their age
range. Kid Counselors -- generally college aged guys and gals -- oversee the children and 'tweens' on a full schedule of fun, games, activities and crafts
throughout the week. It's a great way for the kids to have some fun time away from the adults and be in their own world with activities designed just
for them. Children from age 3 are accepted in Squok; they are grouped according to age and the activities are age-appropriate.
That about wraps up my impressions of the Magica. I (naturally) could go on and on about it but then I'll just be repeating myself. I have to say,
honestly, that this ship utterly wowed me. I have sailed on many ships and have toured many others. I have personal favorites and I like varying
features and amenities on certain ships. But this Magica seems to have taken the best ideas from some very innovative ship designs and produced a
truly special vessel. The familiarity one feels when entering the ship gives you a sense of 'welcome back', yet the artistic beauty and clever design
make the Magica stand apart from its cousins. After all, you do need variety, right? This ship is different enough to provide that variety, yet familiar
enough to have our repeaters smoothly getting into the routine of things. One thing that we find ourselves saying in the past couple of years is:
there really aren't any 'new' islands out there. Yes, there are places we haven't been to yet (and that's mainly because we can't reach them from
Florida in a week's time) But: you have to consider the SHIP as a destination in itself. A fabulous ship rivals any island or port. After you've
been to a port more than once, you may find that you have favorite beaches to visit or bars to enjoy or shops to buy from. And you always like to go to
these places regardless of how many times you've been there (hint = St Thomas, Key West, Cozumel – we all love 'em!) One of my favorite things to do when I'm at a repeat island is to wait til most
guests get off the ship, scout out a desirable spot on the pool deck and park myself for the day. Working on the tan, reading, sipping a beverage or just
chatting with friends…… I don't have to worry about lunch, cleaning up after a sandy beach, a possible sprinkle or anything…… I'm enjoying THE SHIP.
AND….. on sea days, remember, the casino and shops are open and we know there are a few of you that are die-hard for that sort of stuff. These are
great days to maybe catch up on your work-out, have that longed-for massage, get the manicure or pedicure or highlights for the next formal
night….. You'll be surprised by the number of things to do or activities to participate in….. I remember one cruise when we had rather chilly weather
(Conquest) …. to the point that many people simply couldn't enjoy sunbathing…….. so many cruisers told us of the many things they've missed on prior cruises that they indulged in during those days of uncooperative
weather. So….. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I believe in my heart that our Super Cruisers will really love the Magica and will be appreciative of
the additional time at sea to more fully enjoy the ship. And, if I'm wrong, well…. that will come as a surprise because I can't see anyone not liking (dare I say loving) this gorgeous ship.
One last thing…… The name MAGICA is not connected to the sleight of hand magic……. it is a tribute to the "Magic that is Italy" and her incomparable
cities of art and culture…. Florence, Rome, Venice, Portofino, Sardinia………
Photos of are available on a link to Costa's 360-degree ship tour…. please
take a look. Any questions that you have, please contact me or email…I'll be happy to discuss them with you. Kevin and I are looking forward to welcoming you on the 2006 Super Cruise.
I can hardly wait! I want to be back on the Magica NOW! Ciao, JOANNE p.s. can you believe that I left Italy and did not buy ONE pair of shoes!!
(if you know me, you know how significant that is!!!) |
