Following a major US$28.1 million restyling Costa Cruises' 53,000-ton Costa Classica will join the Costa neoCollection as Costa neoClassica Dec. 18, 2014. Together with Costa neoRomantica and Costa neoRiviera, the refurbished ship will offer itineraries in the "slow cruise" style, featuring cruises to unique destinations with natural and cultural attractions, including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Costa neoClassica's renovation began at San Giorgio del Porto yards in Genoa, Italy, Nov. 8, and involved about 600 technicians and 400 crewmembers. Extensive work included the hull, engine section and hotel areas.
Public areas and the 654 cabins were totally renovated with new interiors in luminous colors by Partner Ship Design to match the mood and elegance of the more intimate Costa neoCollection ships. In their cabins, guests can taste authentic espresso thanks to a personal Illy brand coffee pod machine, and pampering Elemis beauty products and amenities are provided as well. Suite balconies received new furniture so guests can enjoy the view of the sea in total comfort.
Costa's shipboard cuisine will, as always, feature "Italy's finest." The Restaurant Tivoli has tables for two and four guests to guarantee flexible dining options, including a brunch during sea days. A wide selection of food and wine will be available on Costa neoClassica. Whether on a special culinary tour ashore or onboard, guests can enjoy local gastronomic traditions based on wholesome ingredients available in various ports of call. The menus in the restaurants showcase regional recipes designed to foster local culinary and cultural traditions, thanks to the collaboration between the cruise line and the Università delle Scienze Gastronomiche in Pollenzo, Italy.
The Al Fresco café is a green retreat at sea with a partial roof decorated with trees that creates a peaceful, open-air space with an outdoor area like a balcony on the sea. The Foyer Bar, serving Ferrari sparkling wines, is the ideal location for an indoor aperitif, whereas at the Dolce Amore Bar guests can enjoy coffee specialties from around the world during the day and order pizza in the evening.
On sunny days guests will appreciate the renovated "lounge" style of the open deck by the pool, while on warm summer nights they are protected by a wooden roof.
Costa neoClassica also offers the "Stargazer" experience, an original Costa neoCollection entertainment activity that allows guests to admire the skies through high-quality telescopes with the assistance of Costa astronomy experts.
The wellness facility was refurbished with a new TRX area for Total Body Resistance Exercises and training classes.
Just like the other Costa neoCollection ships, Costa neoClassica has a professional concierge onboard who advises guests on the best services and activities shipboard and ashore. Guests also can get information about and book all available shore excursions through the new kiosks onboard, which are the same as those installed on the new flagship, Costa Diadema.
