Costa Fortuna has a very unique interior design theme, a tribute to classic Italian cruise ships of the past. There 26 scale models of past members of the Costa fleet throughout the Fortuna's main lobby, and many of her public spaces are named after these ships. The Fortuna is the sister ship of the (slightly younger) Costa Magica.
You may notice many Carnival-esque design features throughout the Fortuna, as she was designed by Joe Farcus (who's famous for designing many of parent-company Carnival's cruise ships). This is evident as she's quite a bit more lively and bright than a typical European cruise ship. Some of the most popular features found onboard Costa Fortuna include multiple dining venues (including an upscale specialty restaurant), a casino, a large show room, many bars and lounges, a spa and a few swimming pools and hot tubs.
Costa Fortuna will be featuring cruises in the following regions (subject to change, based on the cruise line's discretion):
2010: Eastern Caribbean, Mediterranean, Transatlantic, Western Caribbean
Costa Fortuna has a nice range of accommodations available onboard, from inside staterooms to full suites. All of the staterooms onboard Costa Fortuna come with a private bathroom, air conditioning, safe, mini bar (from which they charge you for anything you eat/drink), 220-volt and 110-volt outlets, hair dryer, satellite TV and phone.
Inside Staterooms: The interior staterooms onboard Costa Fortuna have all of the standard features listed above, plus two lower beds that can be converted into one queen-size bed. Inside staterooms (which are categories I1, I2, I3, I4 and I5) can be found onboard the Fortuna on decks 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Such accommodations are about 149 square feet in size. A category IS stateroom is an Inside Single, a stateroom that can accommodate just one passenger (a rarity in today's cruising world). There are just a few IS staterooms onboard the Fortuna, so it's best to book early if you require such accommodations (as they are less expensive than purchasing a standard interior stateroom). An IS stateroom is about 158 square feet.
Oceanview Staterooms: The Fortuna's standard oceanview staterooms (at about 190 square feet) feature everything her inside staterooms have, plus a window giving its guests a view outside of the ship. Such accommodations are on decks 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11, and are classified as categories E1 and E2. A category ES is an Outside Single. Such a stateroom is approximately 213 square feet in size and can be found on decks 1 and 2 (and is in very limited quantity).
Balcony Staterooms: Costa Fortuna's standard balcony staterooms, which are categories B1 through B5, are about 219 square feet in size. A category B6 stateroom has an extended balcony, and is about 275 square feet.
Suites: Guests staying in suites onboard the Fortuna get the following special added amenities: daily delivery of lunch and dinner menus, choice of pillows (via a special Pillow Menu), bathrobes and slippers to use while on the cruise, as well as a kit of bath products. All of the suites (and mini-suites) onboard the Fortuna have a balcony, 2 lower beds that convert to a queen, a whirlpool bath and a sitting area.
The most basic suites onboard Costa Fortuna are her (category MS) Mini-Suites. The next step up is a (category S) Suite, which is approximately 336 square feet. The most premium accommodations onboard the Fortuna are her eight (category GS) Gran Suites, which are about 456 square feet and are all located on deck 7.
Being an Italian cruise line that heavily focuses on "Cruising Italian Style," the majority of the food onboard Costa is Italian. However, other options can be found onboard (including a few typical American favorites).
Each night of the cruise typically has a different theme in the two main dining rooms, Michelangelo 1965 Restaurant and Raffaello 1965 Restaurant (both located on decks 3 and 4). The menu in these venues reflects each particular evening's theme. For example, there may be a Caribbean Dinner, an Italian Dinner, an American Dinner, or even a Bacchanal Dinner (a classical Rome-inspired evening, where guests may wear togas to dinner). Besides the varying menu each night, there will always be a few additional options on the menu that remain constant (for those that aren't crazy about that particular theme's selections), including various meats, fish and pasta dishes. The menus in these venues are printed in Italian, with a second language (such as English, Spanish and German) below each description. The main dining rooms have an assigned seating setup for dinner, where you are assigned to a specific dining room at a specific time (either a main or late seating). You will dine at the same table each night, with the same wait staff serving you. Be sure when initially booking your cruise that you select the dining time you want, and please be aware that it may be on a waitlist.
There may be cooking demonstrations performed in public spaces during select days on some of Costa's voyages. When these are available they're quite a treat to see.
Club Conte Grande 1927 (located on deck 11) is the optional specialty restaurant (also known as a Club Restaurant) onboard Costa Fortuna. This upscale venue offers a wonderful à la carte menu (designed by a Michelin three-star chef), with a $20 per person cover charge and $3 per person gratuity (both which are subject to change). You can make reservations for this restaurant prior to your cruise, or while on your cruise (based on availability). This venue is illuminated by a large glass dome...it's quite beautiful!
The large Cristoforo Colombo 1954 Restaurant Buffet, located on decks 9 and 10, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's a casual dining option (named after a transatlantic liner) that's available to all passengers onboard Costa Fortuna. You'll notice a very "global" theme while in this venue, as there are many maps decorating this area.
Don't forget that 24 hour room service is available for all passengers. There is a basic complimentary menu, but it's an excellent option for a late night snack, or for when you're feeling a little lazy and would rather the food come to you. There are a few items on the menu that you can order at an additional cost, such as bar drinks.
Costa Fortuna has many entertainment venues. Among them is the three-deck high Rex 1932 Theater, the Fortuna's main show lounge. A different show is performed at this venue each evening. Examples of possible performances may include comedians, Broadway-style production shows, singers, acrobats and musicians. The Neptunia 1932 Casino, featuring many slot machines and gaming tables, is located on deck 5. This area of the ship can get especially crowded during the evening, after one of the shows ends from the main show lounge. Also onboard the Fortuna is the Vulcania 1927 Disco and the Conte Verde 1923 Dance Lounge.
There are quite a few bars and lounges throughout the ship as well. Among them is the Conte di Savoia 1932 Grand Bar, Conte Rosso 1921 Piano Bar, Classico Roma 1926 Bar (a cognac & cigar bar), the Atrium Costa Bar, as well as the poolside Lido Oceania 1932 Bar and Lido Colombo 1954 Bar. There will also be a bunch of staff members circulating throughout the outdoor and buffet areas, asking if you'd like a drink. As you might assume, you shouldn't have any problems finding somewhere to grab a drink while onboard Costa Fortuna.
There are a few swimming pools onboard the Fortuna. Among them are the two large Lido swimming pools (on deck 9), the Lido Oceania 1932 (located mid-ship) and Lido Colombo 1954 (located aft, inside of the solarium), which has a retractable roof over it. Nearby each of these pools are a couple of hot tubs. The Lido Barcellona, located on deck 10, has a large waterslide! Out on deck, near each of the Fortuna's swimming pools are many lounge chairs and tables, great for relaxing in the sun or grabbing a bite to eat outdoors.
The spa and fitness center is located on deck 11. In this area are a couple of saunas, a beauty salon, various fitness equipment and a few massage treatment rooms. Also on this deck is a jogging track.
There is a shopping gallery on deck 5, which is where a wide range of duty-free items can be purchased. Among the most popular things for sale is jewelry, liquor, perfume and clothing. Also on that deck is the art gallery, a meeting room, the card room and a video game arcade (for teens). Located just one deck below you'll find the chapel, internet center, library and photo area (where you can purchase the photos that the ship's photo staff takes of you during your cruise). If you have a question for the staff or need assistance, the information and shore excursion desks are located on deck 3.
During the day people dress casual while onboard a Costa cruise. Examples of such dress include light, cotton clothing or swimwear with cover up when indoors. Some tours prohibit shorts and sleeveless shirts, and may require ladies to wear knee-length skirts or slacks.
Almost every night on a Costa cruise is informal. Costa asks you to feel free to dress comfortably in resort attire, as jackets are not required. Depending on your cruise's length, there are usually one or two formal nights. If you choose to dress formally, Costa recommends a suit for men and a cocktail dress for women. You may also dress more casually on such nights, in elegant resort wear.
Costa's children's program, called Costa Kids Program, varies based on the number of children onboard each sailing and on the particular ship and itinerary. When in full effect, this program offers four age-based children's programs:
Mini: ages 3 (out of diapers) to 6
Maxi: ages 7 to 11
Teen Junior: ages 12 to 14
Teen: ages 15 to 17
The Costa Kids Program is an interactive program that provides daily activities for children and teens. Activities vary based on age-group and include activities such as costume parties, sports tournaments, evening parties, treasure hunts, board games and junior aerobics.
The parents of children in either the Mini or Maxi groups are able to take advantage of free nighttime group babysitting (held in the children's area until 1:30 am). Nighttime babysitting is not available for children under 36 months of age.
Children have special counselors and a room designed for their activities. Children under the age of 3 are allowed to enter and stay in the room only during certain times (not during busy times in high season) and must be accompanied by an adult. Children's activities vary by ship and itinerary, as the number of children varies by sailing and programs are adjusted accordingly. Infants under the age of 6 months at the time of boarding are not allowed on board. This lower age limit is raised to 12 months for cruises lasting 15 days or more.
Costa will automatically charge your onboard expense account a per person, per day "service charge" to cover many of the staff members (such as the dining room staff and room stewards) that service you throughout your cruise.
Costa's service charge is based on your cruise's destination and duration. It is as follows (subject to change):
Destination
Cruise Length
Charge per adult (per day)
14 to 17 year olds
Under 14
Caribbean (departing from a US port)
Up to 8-nights
$10
50% of adult charge
No charge
Over 8-nights
$8
Caribbean (departing from a non-US port)
Up to 8-nights
6 Euro
Over 8-nights
4.50 Euro
Europe
Up to 8-nights
6 Euro
Over 8-nights
4.50 Euro
Far East (Asia)
Over 8-nights
6 Euro
South America
Up to 8-nights
$6
Over 8-nights
$4.50
Transatlantic
Any Duration
4.50 Euro
If you'd like to increase or decrease the amount charged by Costa for service charges, you may do so by contacting your ships' Guest Relations Desk (prior to the end of your cruise).
A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to any beverage purchases you make. It is at your discretion to tip bartenders, servers, deck stewards and various other staff members, if you so desire.
The minimum drinking age on all Costa cruise ships departing from a US port is 21 years of age. If the ship departs from a non-US port, the minimum drinking age is 18 years old. Any bottles of alcohol that you purchase onboard the ship (in the gift shop) or at a port of call will be held for you by the staff, until disembarkation.
The minimum gambling age on all Costa cruise ships is 18 years of age.