Myself, my daughter and her friend took Costa Atlantica to the Eastern Caribbean the week of April 1, 2001. First of all if you are resistant to change, cannot stand a European influence, or if hearing five languages bother  you, then this cruise is not for you. However, if you can get past the differences of Europeans, then you will most definitely love this cruise ship experience. I was appalled to see other Americans act extremely rude and immature. What I personally witnessed made me ashamed to be an American. I wouldn’t be surprised if Costa got bad reviews from these closed-minded Americans.

The Costa Atlantica is a huge ship, up to 2000 passengers. First entering on deck 2 you step into a 10-story atrium. There is a glass staircase going from deck 9 to deck 10. The ship cost 400 million plus to build and is very stunning. May be a little over-decorated for Americans but keeping in mind European influence you will appreciate this ship. The ships layout is different from other ships. Activities are on decks 2, 3, forward 4, 9 and 10. Passenger rooms are on deck 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Not once did I see the 60+ kids on the ship. 

I have been on 6 other cruises and must admit that this ship had the best food, excellent service from waiter, assistant waiter, room steward all the way up to the captain of the ship. The ship was always immaculately clean. Never did I see an ash in any ashtray! 

Our stateroom was on deck 8 ½, room 8183, mid-ship. The room was very large and we had a veranda. The room offered a large bathroom with plenty of room to move around. The room featured a safe, three large closets with plenty of hangers, a vanity, refrigerator and hair dryer. The TV had a variety of movies in several languages along with CNN. The Cruise Director did many "behind-the-scenes" videos about the ship as well as reviews about the evenings performances. They broadcasted the shopping talks, debarkation procedures, etc. So if you missed the presentation you could always tune in at your convenience. 

The beds were firm and comfortable. The linens used were soft and not scratchy. The fitness center is located in the front of the ship with wide open views of the ocean. They offer steam and sauna rooms as well as an indoor Jacuzzi. There are four pools on deck 9. One for adults only on the aft, a kiddie pool mid-ship plus the Fred and Ginger pools for adults. They have a slide but it is only open one hour at a time. The pools and spas close at 8 p.m. Our first morning we ordered a continental breakfast from room service. The Danish they offered is not what you think it is. More like dinner rolls. They had one pastry that was like  a croissant with a little jelly inside, a dinner roll with pink icing swirled around. 

Costa Atlantica offered different activities compared to other cruise lines. The second night was the Captain's Welcome Party/Dinner. At dinner the song "Roses" played and the waiters handed out long stem red roses to all the ladies in the dining room. On Italian night they made paper costumes for the passengers for masquerade night complete with masks. We played a variety of games at the Italian street festival including Bocce Ball. They set up Bocce Ball in the central atrium. The last night of the cruise is the Toga Party complete with a Roman Bacchanal Show. 

The photographers did not take the standard shots of getting off the ship at each port. There was a variety of dining room, central atrium and other places on the ship that they took photos. On the downside they are not consistent with posting prices for the photos. 

I only made it to one of the evening shows. But the lounge that it is held in is three stories high with plenty of seats, seats that are comfortable! The stage production was the best that I have seen of any cruise. The props were spectacular and the performance was excellent. The ports are the standard Caribbean ports with the exception of Catalina Island, Dominican Republic. This is Costa’s private island. We tendered to the island and had a fabulous BBQ. They offered BBQ hamburgers, chicken, ribs and other meats. Seating was under tents. On the beach they had enough chaise loungers with umbrellas for all passengers. This was my favorite port, complete relaxation. Debarkation was a little slow, but no fault of the ship. The delay was in passengers not clearing up  their onboard accounts. Otherwise it was a smooth ending. 

I personally rate this cruise ship a A++++ . Try cruising Italian Style with Costa and you will enjoy it. Arrivederci! 

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