Carnival Corp. acquired Costa Cruises in 2001, but CostaMagica -- Costa's newest flagship, is proof that the line's distinct Italian flavor and personality have been not only preserved, but also enhanced.

CostaMagica was designed by Joe Farcus of Carnival Cruise Lines. Farcus has brought to Costa the flashiness and theme-centric ideals that have gained popularity for Carnival in North America, but this ship still represents the "Cruising Italian Style" concept. Its theme draws inspiration from some of Italy's most "magical" vacation towns, like Capri, Sicily and Portofino. Each of Magica's public areas is fashioned after one of these places.

Some of these spaces work exceptionally well. The Capri Lounge has the effect of Capri's grottos. The Grada Disco feels like a coastal hot spot, with a floor that looks and feels like packed sand, mosaic tile "waves" along the walls, colorful beach umbrellas, and a gigantic brass disco-ball-turned-sun hanging above the dance floor. And Magica's Aquila cigar bar, named after the main city in Abruzzo, invokes a rustic Old World feeling.

What also stands out is the ship's collection of artwork. Magica has no fewer than 5,642 pieces of art, 360 of which are original works. Many of the paintings, sculptures and puppets onboard come straight from students and professors at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, one of the most respected art universities in Europe.


Cabins

As far as European ships go, CostaMagica has 522 cabins with balconies. Inside- through verandah-category cabins are average in size (insides measure 160 square ft. while ocean views with verandahs are 210 square ft.) and are outfitted with shower-only bathrooms, twin-to-queen beds, decent closet space (two cabinets with hanging bars and one with wide shelves), a vanity and a mini-fridge. Verandahs are equipped with two chairs and one table.

A Suite is 360-square-ft. with a sitting area and whirlpool bath. There are eight Grand Suites that measure 650 square ft.

There are 27 cabins onboard that are designed for disabled passengers.

Dining

There are two main restaurants onboard CostaMagica that operate on the set-time, set-tablemates tradition. Costa Smerelda and Portofino serve breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.

At the highest point of the ship is the Vincenza Club, CostaMagica's alternative restaurant. Reservations are required, and a service fee of 23 Euros applies, though it is well worth it with live entertainment each night. Dinner is served on Versace china, and meals are inspired by Zeffirino, one of Genoa's most famed restaurants.

Less formal dining is available in the Bellagio Buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast consists of cereal, hot fare, as well as a custom egg station, plus continental fare and cold cuts and cheeses for those with a European palate. The buffet lines can get lengthy, but there is plenty of seating inside and out, and the food is hot, varied and plentiful. Pizza is consistently good as are desserts. A grill is also located poolside with grilled meats, fries, burgers, hot dogs, salads and fruit.

Room service is available 24 hours a day. Be prepared to pay a two Euro service charge.

Public Areas

Passengers enter the ship through the nine-deck-high atrium, dubbed Italia Magica. Looking up, guests take in a photographic collage of Italian landscapes. Standing at the base of the atrium, one side is bordered by a pre-dinner-favorite bar, the opposite by glass-backed elevators zooming up toward a glass ceiling that lets in natural light during the day.

CostaMagica lays claim to the largest bar and dance floor at sea, Grand Bar Solento. There is live music each evening, and plenty of seats for spectators.

Each of the three lido areas -- Positano, Maratea and Palinuro -- has their own pool and at least one Jacuzzi (there are six in total onboard), and each has their own distinct personality.

The Internet cafe is located on the outskirts of the disco so anyone who wants to send a late-night email better be prepared for loud music with enough bass to move the mouse on its own.