This is a family-friendly large ship with bright Italian decor
Overview. Costa Magica is a ship that is built to impress, with decks named after famous Italian artists. The ship is designed to suit upbeat and active families with children. It is, after all, very Italian, and there are lots of loud announcements.
The Ship. There is not a lot of open deck space considering the number of passengers carried, so sunloungers tend to be crammed together.
Inside, the decor is quite chic, and not overly glitzy, as aboard some of the other ships in the fleet. There are three decks full of lounges and 11 bars to choose from, including the very pleasant Piano Bar Capo Colunna. A nine-deck-high, glass-domed atrium lobby houses a Costa Bar on its lowest level (you’ll find good extra-cost coffees here), and panoramic elevators provide pleasant views of the atrium.
Accommodation. There are numerous price grades, and accommodation ranges from two-bed interior cabins to grand suites with private balcony. There are two single-occupancy cabins (unusual for a large ship). No cabins have lifeboat-obstructed views, due to the smart design.
The largest accommodation can be found in eight Grand Suites, in the center of the ship on Perugino Deck 7. These feature a queen-size bed, while the bathrooms have a tub, two washbasins, and more storage space for personal toiletry items. Note that 12 of the most desirable (outside-view) wheelchair-accessible cabins are located a long way from elevators.
Dining. The two main dining rooms are Costa Smeralda Restaurant (aft) and the Portofino Restaurant (midships); both span two decks and feature two seatings on both levels. Dinner on European cruises is typically scheduled at 7pm and 9pm at assigned tables.
Other dining options. The intimate Club Vincenza is a more upscale dining spot with seating for around 150 under a large glass dome. There is a cover charge, and reservations are required, but it’s worth booking to get a sample of what Costa can do when food is cooked to order.
The Bellagio Buffet Restaurant is a self-serve eatery for breakfast, lunch, afternoon pizzas, and beverages at just about any time. The food here is extremely repetitive.
Entertainment. The Urbino Theater spans three decks in the forward-most section of the ship. It is the setting for all production shows and large-scale cabaret acts, is quite stunning, and has a revolving stage, hydraulic orchestra pit, excellent (but overly loud) sound, and seating on three levels.
In the ship’s aft section is the Salon Capri – a dancing lounge and nightclub – always popular with Europeans.
Spa/Fitness. Facilities in the two-deck high Saturnia Spa, with about 14,000 sq. ft (1,300 sq m) of space, include a large solarium, eight treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms for men and women, and a beauty parlor.