The Costa Europa, the former Westerdam of Holland America Line, joined the Costa fleet in 2002. She is not a superliner, but she fits well with the fleet. She is longer, narrower, and has fewer decks than the newer ships, and a lower space-to-passenger ratio, but she’s a spacious
ship nonetheless. (Moviegoers saw her in Out to Sea, the 1997 comedy starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.)
When she debuted in 1989, she was hailed as one of the decade’s most magnificent ships. She combines the style and refinement of great liners with state-of-the-art facilities. To increase her capacity from 1,000 to 1,494 passengers and update her facilities, the ship was stretched. A 130-foot section was added, providing space for a twotiered show lounge, more bars, a sports deck, fitness facilities, library, larger restaurant, and second buffet. Before entering service for Costa, the ship got another face-lift. Comfortable, classy, and contemporary, the Costa Europa is dressed in pastels with lovely woods and interesting art and antiques. Most public rooms are on the Promenade Deck, anchored by the casino and several lounges forward and a bi-level lounge aft. The dining room is on the lowest passenger deck. The main section has an interesting wood and Plexiglas dome. Dining is elegant and
menu choices extensive; linen-covered tables are set with fine china, silver tableware, and fresh flowers. The Costa Europa has two Lido restaurants, where buffets are available. You can have breakfast and lunch—as well as alternative dining several nights—in the pleasant settings of the veranda by the Sun Deck pool or the Lido restaurant by the Upper Promenade pool.
Unofficial Guide © 2009
.jpg_thumb.jpg "Santorini sunset")
