The 2,114-passenger Costa Atlantica is offering a host of seven-night Caribbean voyages roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale this winter. Image courtesy of Costa Cruises
By Michael Coleman
Guests aboard two Costa Cruises’ ships will not have to cross the pond to enjoy “love, laughter and la dolce vita” this winter. Italy is coming to the Caribbean.
The European brand is offering “Italy in the Tropics” complete with some of the best deals in the line’s 60-year history aboard Costa Atlantica and Costa Fortuna. 

Look for a free upgrade promotion with veranda accommodations available at the price of an ocean view (fares from $699), ocean view at the price of an inside (fares from $549) and inside cabins available at specially reduced fares from $399.
Additionally, throughout the season Costa is offering a “Kids Sail Free” promotion from $499. During the holidays, kids sail for just $199 while staterooms for adults are from $599 with an up to four-category upgrade during this time. Deposits have been reduced to $150 on all Caribbean sailings for a limited time as well. 

“We’ve made the sweet life even sweeter by offering amazing upgrades and value-packed fares on our cruises from Ft. Lauderdale, allowing travelers to experience Italy close to home,” said Costa’s North American president and CEO Maurice Zarmati.
In November, the 86,000-ton (2,114 passengers) Costa Atlantica will return to Ft. Lauderdale, offering seven-night voyages each Saturday through April 2010.
The ship boasts 44 exclusive spa cabins that create what Costa dubs a “vacation within a vacation.”
Guests who reserve these spa accommodations, appropriately located on Deck “8 ½” in honor of the famous Federico Fellini film of the same name (Fellini inspired design elements of the ship), will enjoy a variety of special privileges. These include a personalized wellness consultation, three complimentary treatments, two fitness or meditation classes and complimentary access to the Wellness Restaurant, offering a wide array of spa-friendly cuisine. Spa cabins, available in ocean view, veranda and suite categories, feature aromatherapy diffusers, special shower and air filters, and a mini bar stocked with healthy food and beverage selections. In addition, guests with these accommodations will be offered priority spa reservation times. 

The 110,000-ton (2,720 passengers) Costa Fortuna, meanwhile, offers seven-night Caribbean voyages from December through March 2010, departing Sundays.
Drawing inspiration from the beautiful Italian liners of yesteryear, the Costa Fortuna combines nostalgia and a refined atmosphere into a marvelous modern framework. Gorgeous scale models of historic ships are weaved into the style and design of the ship’s various restaurants and other public areas. For a step into the present, guests may enjoy modern amenities including a retractable magrodome over the ship’s main pool deck, a state-of-the-art spa and ocean-view fitness center, 11 bars and four restaurants and a theatre expanding over three decks.

From homemade pastas and delectable desserts, to Italian greetings including “buongiorno” in the morning and “buonasera” in the evening, festive onboard activities include everything from on-deck bocce ball games, tarantella dancing under the stars and Italian cooking lessons during “Festa Italiana,” to the famous “Roman Bacchanal” soirée where guests don tasteful togas and celebrate as the Romans did centuries ago.
We are interested in a 7 day Caribbean cruise after January 1st. Does the Costa Atlantica and Fortuna has smoking suites? Also we would like some information on both ship as far as restaurants, casino, etc.
Thanks,
Mr. Pecoraro,
Thank you so much for your interest in Costa Cruises! Both of our ships sailing the Caribbean bring the best of Italy to the tropics. Here is a brief background on both vessels:
The Costa Atlantica is dedicated to Italian art and culture. All 12 passenger decks are a tribute to the life and work of Federico Fellini, Italy’s best known film maker, including a “Deck 8 1/2” in honor of one of Fellini’s most famous films. In addition to the main restaurant, Tiziano Restaurant, there are two specialty restaurants a board: Club Atlantica (á la carte restaurant) and the Wellness Restaurant, featuring gourmet and healthy alternative dining. Another highlight of this ship is Caffè Florian, a replica of the world famous 18th century landmark of Venice located in St. Mark’s Square. At this café, drinks are prepared and served following the recipes and style of the original establishment.
The Costa Fortuna is completely inspired by the voyages of the historic liners. The 13 passenger decks are named after the ports that Costa ships called on during the liner service epoch: Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Buenos Aires, Santos, Genova, Lisbona, Caracas, Vigo, Napoli, Barcellona, Cannes, Funchal and Las Palmas. The two main restaurants, Raffaello Restaurant and Michaelagelo Restaurant offer delicious Italian dishes in an elegant atmosphere. The ship’s speciality restaurant, Club Grande Conte serves international gourmet cuisine.
The cost for dinner at the specialty restaurants ranges from $25 to $30 per person. Any wine or drinks will be additional. Of course, both ships have casual dining options, like the buffet and pizzeria. The vessels also have casinos with slot machines, blackjack and roulette tables, etc.
Regarding smoking suites, guests may have ashtrays provided in their accommodations by request. There are not non-smoking cabins, but it is also not encouraged.
I hope this information helps! Let us know if you have additional questions. For reservations, you may contact your travel agent or call our reservations department at (800) GO-COSTA.