Costa Cruises

From: European Cruise Guide

ABOVE: Costa Magica in Naples, Italy. INSET BELOW: Costa Victoria in Dubrovnik, and a close-up of a Costa ship's stacks and waterslide.

Costa Crociere is the largest cruise line in Europe, with a fleet of 15 ships. The company, a subsidiary of Carnival Cruises, is based in Genoa, Italy and welcomes English-speaking travelers aboard its multilingual voyages.

Unlike most cruise lines, Costa has a Mediterranean season that runs throughout the year. It also operates Northern European cruises in the warmer months. Several transatlantic crossings are  sandwiched into the schedule, since a number of Costa ships operate in the Caribbean during the winter months.

Costa Cruises attracts a younger crowd in Europe than many U.S. and British cruise lines do (especially during school breaks, when children and teens are likely to be on board). If you're looking for a chance to cruise with a middle-class crowd from the Continent, Costa should be on your shopping list.

Cruise line's Web site:

Costa Cruises

Cruise review:

Costa Magica Western Mediterranean Cruise

Cruise videos:

Costa Serena in Venice, Italy

Costa Victoria in Venice, Italy

Most recent cruise reviews:

• Costa Magica (Costa Cruises)

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