Costa Luminosa

One of the newest vessels in the Costa Cruises fleet, the Costa Luminosa is a sister ship to the Deliziosa and was launched in 2009.

The plans for these two vessels go a bit against the current cruise ship construction trend of "bigger is better". Instead, the company created liners that are stylish and comfortable, with plenty of amenities but not on the goliath scale of other new ships.

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It's safe to say that these vessels do just what was intended. They conform to Panamax requirements - meaning that they can offer more range in their itineraries. But they still maintain many of the fabulous features that are expected in today's cruise industry.

In the summer, the Luminosa regularly departs on voyages through the waters around Europe, covering both the north and south sides of the continent.

Mediterranean cruises generally travel to ports like Barcelona, Corsica, Palma de Mallorca, Malta, Tunis and Savona. Meanwhile, Baltic cruises are another popular option and destinations include Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen and St Petersburg. Tours of the Norwegian fjords are also available.

For the winter, the vessel heads across the Atlantic and offers Caribbean cruises, with ports of call including La Romana, Tortola, St Maarten, Antigua, Guadeloupe and Catalina Island.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 2,826
Year entered service: 2009
Beam (ship width): 111.5 feet
Draught (ship depth): 26.2 feet
Length: 958 feet
Tonnage: 92,700
Crew: 1,050
Maximum speed: 22.6 knots
Number of passenger decks: 13
Number of lifts: 12
Number of swimming pools: 3
Number of cabins: 1,130

Food, cuisine and dining

There are four eateries on the Luminosa. The main dining room is called the Taurus Restaurant and it offers three meals a day. Dinner is a lavish event and most passengers dress up for the occasion. Several courses are expertly prepared and served with style and there are two set times to choose from.

If you enjoy cruise buffets, then there are a number of options that are sure to impress. The Ristorante Buffet Andromeda is the main buffet and is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. A popular dish here is the pizza and the space becomes a pizzeria in the evenings.

Smaller buffets are located on the Lido deck during breakfast and lunch time. The main restaurant also offers a breakfast buffet featuring cold cuts, pastries and cereals, while hot items can be ordered from the main menu.

Other dining options include the Club Restaurant - which serves gourmet cuisine in an intimate setting - and the Samsara Restaurant, which is associated with the spa and serves healthy, balanced and delicious meals.

On-board entertainment and activities

As with any cruise ship, the swimming pool area is a popular location - whether you're looking for a relaxing swim or simply to catch some rays.

The main pool on the Luminosa has a retractable roof, so even if the weather isn't perfect, it's still a grand place to relax. The space also features a giant screen, which shows movies and other programming throughout the day and into the evening.

For passengers who enjoy video games, there are a number of opportunities located throughout the ship. PlayStation World is an area with a PS3 console and plenty of comfortable chairs. A PlayStation is also connected to the giant screen on the pool deck and there's a console in every cabin.

In addition to the numerous PS3s, there are also two simulators - one for golf and one for F1 racing - and a 4D cinema, which adds the sense of smell to a 3D movie experience.

Other options include the lavish, 800-seat Phoenix Theatre. There's also a library, internet cafe and 11 different bars and lounges.

Spas and fitness facilities

The Samsara Spa is a pleasant and tranquil facility - and one of the largest spas at sea. Measuring over 3,500 square metres and spread out over two decks, it includes a gym, beauty salon and a number of treatment rooms.

A large part of the spa complex is dedicated to the thermal suite - options include aromatherapy steam rooms, a large sauna and a Turkish bath. There's also a thalassotherapy pool, where visitors can enjoy the healing properties of sea water, and a UVA-ray solarium.

Elsewhere on the Luminosa, guests can make use of the multipurpose sports pitch, swim a few laps in one of the swimming pools, or go for a run around the jogging track. And don't forget the four hot tubs that are located around the ship - they're ideal if you want to relax your tired muscles.

Cabins

The Luminosa has 1,130 rooms, spread out over 14 price grades. So whether you're seeking a great cruise deal, or really want to splash out with something a bit more extravagant, there's sure to be something to suit your requirements.

More than two-thirds of the rooms have ocean views, while 772 have balconies. There are four suites and 52 Spa class cabins. Rooms designated as suites are larger and passengers will enjoy some special luxuries like fluffy bathrobes, walk-in closets and a pillow menu.

All rooms include a television, private bathroom and individually-controlled air conditioning. Most are designed for two passengers, although family rooms are also available.