Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	427
Accommodation	200	152
Food	400	240
Service	400	273
Entertainment	100	64
Cruise	400	282

How this score is created

Costa Atlantica (sister: Costa Mediterranea) has basically the same exterior design and internal layout as that of parent company Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Legend, Miracle, Pride and Spirit.

There are two centrally located swimming pools outdoors, one of which can be used in poor weather due to its retractable magrodome cover. A bar abridges two adjacent whirlpool tubs. There’s a smaller pool for children, and a winding water slide that spans two decks in height (it starts on a platform bridge at the aft funnel). There is an additional whirlpool tub outdoors.

Inside, the layout is somewhat of an extension of that found in previous newbuilds for Costa Cruises – particularly that of Costa Victoria. The deck names are inspired by Federico Fellini movies (Roma Deck, Le Notte di Cabiria, La Voce della Luna, La Strada, La Luci del Varieta). There’s even a deck named after a Fellini TV movie, Ginger and Fred. The interior design is, however, bold and brash – a mix of classical Italy and contemporary features. Good points include the fact that the interior design allows good passenger flow from one public space to another, and there are several floor spaces for dancing, and a range of bars and lounges for socializing.

You’ll be struck by the immense size of the lobby space spanning eight decks. Take a drink from the lobby bar and look upwards – the surroundings are stunning. A small chapel is located forward of the uppermost level.

Other facilities include a winding shopping street with boutique stores (Fendi, Gianni Versace, Paul & Shark Yachting – as well as a shop dedicated to selling Caffe Florian products), photo gallery, video games room, an observation balcony, a casino and library (with internet access).

Costa Cruises has updated its image, and is retraining its staff. With the debut of Costa Atlantica came many new, better, uniforms for many departments, as well as more choice in a ship that is designed to wow the hip and trendy as well as pay homage to many of Italy’s great art and past masters. Food and service levels have been raised to a better standard than that found aboard most other Costa Cruises ships to date. All printed materials (room service folio, menus, etc.) are in six languages (Italian, English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish).

The onboard currency is the US dollar or euro, depending on the region of operation.

Some tables in the Tiziano Dining Room have a less than comfortable view of the harsh lighting of the escalators between the galley and the two decks of the dining room.

Too many pillars obstruct passenger flow and sight lines throughout the ship. The many pillars in the dining room make it difficult for waiters to provide proper food service.

The fit and finish of some interior decoration is quite poor. The hospitality levels and service are inconsistent, and below the standard of several other “major” cruise lines.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008