Costa Fortuna

The Costa Fortuna is a large, resort-style vessel that was launched in 2003. Along with its sister ship, the Magica, it was designed to bring the American style of cruising to the European market.

When these vessels were first launched, comforts and luxuries that had been found on US-based vessels since the 1990s could be difficult - if not impossible - to find across the Atlantic. An abundance of balcony rooms, exquisite decor and plenty of entertainment options are just some of the features that the Fortuna introduced to Europe.

Watch more videos here

Today, more and more ships are following the Fortuna's example and it has become a popular choice for cruisers who are seeking American comforts and European panache.

A variety of routes and destinations are available for those wanting to experience a cruise on the Fortuna. Mediterranean cruises are offered during the summer, with popular ports of call including Venice, Bari, Corfu, Malta, Naples, Santorini, Dubrovnik and Savona.

For the winter, the vessel travels across the Atlantic and cruises around South America. Destinations include Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Portobello, Santos and Punta Del Este.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 2,716
Year entered service: 2003
Beam (ship width): 124.6 feet
Draught (ship depth): 27.2 feet
Length: 892.3 feet
Tonnage: 102,587
Crew: 1,068
Maximum speed: 20 knots
Number of passenger decks: 13
Number of lifts: 14
Number of swimming pools: 4
Number of cabins: 1,358

Food, cuisine and dining

There's a broad range of food options to choose from on the Fortuna and the elegant main dining rooms are named after - and decorated with art inspired by - two great classical masters. They're called Michelangelo 1965 and Rafaello 1965.

The alternative dining venue is the Conte Grande 1927 Club, which has space for around 150 diners and features gourmet fare, exquisite decor and an intimate setting.

One of the most popular places to eat is the Christoforo Columbus 1954 Buffet. It offers breakfast and lunch, as well as pizza in the afternoons. Costa is famous for continuing the cruise tradition of midnight buffets with a bountiful spread of delicious treats sure to satiate any late-night cravings. It's especially popular among those heading back to their cabins after some late-night dancing at the Vulcania 1927 Disco.

Room service is also available 24 hours a day, offering a limited variety of light fare, sandwiches and snacks. Continental breakfast can also be provided.

On-board entertainment and activities

Shows are a favourite pastime on cruises and they certainly are a popular choice on the Fortuna. The main venue - called the Rex 1932 Theatre - is three decks high and plays host to cabaret performances, revues and other productions. Its large stage revolves and there's even a hydraulic orchestra pit, so the space really has the feeling of a West End theatre.

If you prefer something a bit more intimate, many of the vessel's 11 bars offer live music throughout the day. For example, the Conte Rosso 1921 Piano Bar is a fabulous place to sit back and relax with your favourite beverage and a few new friends.

The Classico Roma 1926 Bar is a cosy location with modern decor in rich earthy tones and has the ambiance of a country club lounge. As the ship's cognac and cigar bar, it's a good place to go for after-dinner drinks - and it's the only place on the vessel where you can smoke indoors.

Other public rooms include a casino, a library and an internet cafe, as well as a virtual reality arcade, photo gallery and a number of boutique shops. The kids' area is called Club Squok and plays host to a variety of events and activities. There's also a children's pool with a water slide and a play area.

Spas and fitness facilities

If you'd like to really relax, then a trip to the spa is the perfect choice. Called Club Salute Saturnia 1927, this large facility includes a solarium and a thermal suite, as well as plenty of space to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet.

The exercise room is another good option for getting out some stress. It has state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and large floor-to-ceiling windows to add an extra feeling of spaciousness. Fitness classes like aerobics, Pilates and yoga are held throughout the day and you can opt for personal training sessions.

Elsewhere on the ship, the six jacuzzis are a great place to unwind. There are also four pools, perfect for swimming a few laps or having a bit of a soak. One has a retractable cover, making it a fabulous location in any weather.

Cabins

With nearly 1,400 rooms, spanning 15 price grades, the Fortuna offers plenty of accommodation options for cruisers with any requirements.

For those seeking low-cost cruise deals, the standard rooms are probably the best choice. These are around 160 square feet and have plenty of storage space and you can choose between interior, ocean view and balcony rooms.

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and are equipped with a hairdryer, television and desk/vanity.

Of course, if you're looking for something more luxurious, there are a number of grades of suites to choose from.