The Costa Favolosa, a Concordia-class ship from Costa Cruises, delivers a holiday inspired by fairytale elegance. Launched in 2011, this 114,500-ton vessel accommodates up to 3,800 passengers across 13 decks, blending modern technology with Italian style. With a design featuring gothic-inspired spaces and over 6,000 artworks, it offers a unique experience. Here’s what visitors can expect from the guest experience, focusing on standout features in reception areas, dining, entertainment, accommodation, and hospitality.
Reception Areas: Grand and Welcoming
The Atrio dei Diamanti, a soaring atrium, greets guests with sparkling diamond-shaped chandeliers and gothic-style decor. Interactive kiosks simplify bookings for dining and activities, while attentive staff provide prompt assistance. The Sala Fabergé, a lounge with plush seating, offers a relaxed space for socialising. The open-air Balconata Angelica, with sea views, adds a serene touch to the welcoming atmosphere.
Dining: A Culinary Delight
Five restaurants cater to diverse palates. The Duca d’Orleans and Duca di Borgogna restaurants serve Italian classics like steak and fish, alongside international dishes. Club Favolosa, an à la carte venue, offers gourmet meals with innovative techniques, such as liquid nitrogen desserts. Pizzeria Pummid’oro delivers authentic pizzas, while the Samsara Restaurant provides health-focused options. The Ca’d’Oro buffet offers a range of choices, though some guests note limited vegetarian selections and occasional queues. Eleven bars, including the Piano Bar Camelot and Amarillo Ice Cream Shop, serve cocktails, gelato, and pralines.
Entertainment: Fun for All Ages
The three-level Teatro Hortensia hosts nightly shows with acrobatics and musicals. A 4D cinema delivers sensory-rich films, and the Grand Prix simulator offers virtual racing thrills. The Etoile Disco keeps the dance floor lively, while the Red Passion Piano Bar provides an elegant setting for cocktails. Families enjoy the Squok Club’s fairytale castle and pirate ship, with a Mini Club for ages 3–6 and Maxi Club for ages 7–11. Teens have a dedicated zone with activities like karaoke and video games. The Aqua Park, with a pirate galleon and waterslide, adds outdoor fun, though some guests report repetitive shows.
Accommodation: Comfort with Style
The ship’s 1,507 staterooms include 70 suites, 524 balconies, 321 oceanviews, and 592 interiors, with 56% featuring private balconies. Cabins, averaging 185 square feet, offer twin beds, interactive TVs, minibars, and safes. Samsara cabins provide direct spa access, aroma diffusers, and Ayurvedic teas, while Grand Suites, at 456 square feet, include whirlpool tubs and large verandas. Wheelchair-accessible cabins number 28. Some guests note cabins feel dated, but cleanliness is consistently praised.
Hospitality: Warm and Attentive
The 1,100-strong crew maintains a 1:3.4 staff-to-guest ratio, delivering friendly service with an Italian touch. Pepper robots, introduced in 2016, assist with information on dining and activities in English, German, and Italian, interpreting voice tones and facial expressions. Cabin stewards and bar staff are known for their warmth, though some guests report occasional language barriers, as the ship caters primarily to European passengers. Service can feel stretched at peak times, but the overall atmosphere remains welcoming.
What Visitors Can Expect
Guests can anticipate a lively yet relaxed holiday, with activities for families, couples, and solo travellers. The ship’s fairytale theme creates a unique atmosphere, with decks named after cultural icons like Versailles and Tivoli. Families benefit from kids’ clubs, a children’s pool, and group babysitting until 1:30 AM. Adults can relax at the 6,000-square-metre Samsara Spa, featuring a thalassotherapy pool and Turkish bath, or enjoy cocktails at themed bars like the Cognac Bar. Four pools, five jacuzzis, a sports court, and a jogging track cater to active guests. Crowded dining and entertainment venues may require planning during peak hours.
