has become the trend on other major lines. This, of course, could change in the future. However, there is open seating at break- fast and lunch and Italian specialties are featured at both lunch and dinner. On MSC, there are additional charges for speciality coffees, ice tea and bottled water (Italians are not renowned for their love of tap water and, therefore, it is not served when sailing in Europe). On the two Costa ships that sail only in Europe, cappuccino and espresso are free with breakfast but there is a charge at other times. Bottled water incurs a charge but tap water is available at no charge. The buffet-style eateries are also similar on all four ships. Instead of food stations that are scattered over the restaurant, the various offerings are presented side by side and passengers must queue up in long lines. This area often becomes quite crowded and is not very desirable.
O
n Costa, the alternative, fine- dining venues feature steakhouse, continental menus designed by
Michelin-star rated chef Ettore Bochia, the originator of molecular cuisine, with a la carte pricing. Additionally, non-spa guests can dine at the Samsara Spa restaurant for a small fee. Room service is complimen- tary in North America. However, there is a small charge when sailing in Europe. On MSC, the reservation-only, fine-dining
restaurants feature French/continental offer- ings on Fantasia and Italian/continental fare on Poesia, both with a la carte pricing. Ad- ditional options for MSC passengers include coffee/pastry bistros, wine bars with antipasti, a Tex-Mex restaurant on Fantasia and a Japa- nese one on Poesia. An in-cabin continental breakfast is available free of charge, but room service thereafter is free only when sailing in North American or the Caribbean waters.
The entire dining experience (cuisine, presentation, service, variety, etc) on both cruise lines seems to suffer when the ships are sailing in European and Middle-East- ern waters.
FACILITIES, ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT All of the ships have large Lido areas with several pools and Jacuzzis, while Costa Pacifica, MSC Fantasia and Poesia all have the currently in-vogue addition of giant LED movie screens in the pool areas. With the exception of Poesia, they also have magrodomes over at least one pool. All four have children’s pools, multi- purpose sport courts, shuffleboard and jogging tracks. Fantasia also features an imaginative Aqua Park with 150 illumi- nated fountains, a solarium/sunning terrace with cabanas and a miniature golf course. Costa Luminosa has a roller-blading track and a putting green. Both Costa vessels have Grand Prix driving simulators and multi-language headphones for guests watching movies by the pool.
From the top, left to right: MSC children programmes; MSC dining options; Costa Magica’s balcony suite; above: MSC Fantasia Aqua Park; Costa Luminosa pool; below: Costa Deliziosa Samsara Sauna.
The interior lounges and other facilities are surprisingly similar on all four ships and include multi-level show-lounges offering Broadway-style musicals, classical music performances, cabaret shows and crew and passenger talent shows, plus casinos, numer- ous themed bars and lounges and a wide range of other facilities, including libraries, internet facilities, card rooms, chapels, art galleries, fully-equipped fitness centers, hair- dresser/beauty salons, shops and kids’ clubs. The children’s facilities and pro-
grammes are not as extensive as on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney and Princess vessels but they maintain a good variety throughout the day and evening and are largely geared to European tastes. Several unique facilities include: a pro- fessional recording studio on Costa Pacifica, where guests can record their own CDs with backup (for €35); a 4-D cinema on the Fantasia; the elegant Samsara Spa on Costa; and the Bali-inspired Aurea Spa on MSC.
ITINERARIES & SHORE EXCURSIONS In as much as both lines enjoy large fleets, they are able to position their ships at various cruise grounds around the world. Both have numerous ships in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, as well as
Autumn 2010 I WORLD OF CRUISING 51
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