In 1959, the 552 berth ship featured sleek, elegant interiors designed by Nino Zoncada. The accommodations were all in one class and had bathrooms and air conditioning, heralding a new era of pleasure cruises. Guests sipped cocktails and played cards on the lido deck, creating the indelible impressions of cruising's heyday that would eventually become a more accessible luxury for guests to enjoy.
Today, Costa Cruises is still cruising from South Florida. The Costa Fortuna is beginning her second season from Port Everglades, offering seven-night cruises on rotating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries through March. The 105,000-ton Costa Fortuna has a double capacity of 2,720, with 1,359 cabins—857 ocean view and 458 with large verandas. The ship offers guests a stunning array of facilities including 11 bars, 4 restaurants, a theater extending over three decks, three swimming pools, a casino, disco, ballroom and a gym.
For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.
Photo of the Franca C Courtesy of Costa Cruises
fantastic ship – 550 beds – max occupancy for cruises 350/400 beds
good eating – nice staff – professional officers – pratically a family cruise every week – 7 days from Italy to Greek islands in summer and Caribbean cruises in winter – I was the first ship coordinator for cruises -
My grandparents took me on a cruise through the Caribbean on the Franca C in 1966. A tiny and rather spartan cruise ship by today’s standards, you really had a sense of being on the sea. And just a few hundred passengers assured that the crew could attend to each with service I doubt could be matched today.