Costa Marina Ship Review
Built from the hull of a former container ship, Costa Marina is the perfect antidote to "cookie-cutter" cruise ships. Photo courtesy of Costa Cruises
One of the oldest of Costa’s ships, the 1990 vintage Marina was rebuilt from the hull and engines of a former container vessel and turned into a cruise ship. This was long before the days of sister ships built in classes for four, five or six, and about a decade before Carnival Corporation took full ownership of Costa.
So the Costa Marina remains a quirky relic of another era, full of charm and whimsy for people who like that kind of thing, and appreciate an alternative to what many consider to be the cookie-cutter boredom of many a megaship. Decor throughout the ship is retro or old-fashioned—depending on how you look at it. There is an abundance of glass, affording refreshing views of the sea.
The attractive Pool Deck aboard Costa Marina is a refreshing throwback to simpler times. Photo courtesy of Costa Cruises
In keeping with its vintage, the Costa Marina has touches that you won’t find on a lot of cruise ships today. The cabins are appointed in real rather than simulated wood. The single-level dining room is lined with traditional portholes. Another nice aspect is that the Costa Marina carries only 900 people when fully loaded—compare that to the average megaship with a capacity of 3,000 or more!
Dining On Costa Marina
For those who find the myriad public rooms of a megaship overwhelming, the Costa Marina provides a welcome relief. There are only two venues for dining: One traditional main dining room for formal sit-down meals and the buffet restaurant for casual self-serve breakfast and lunch—the way they used to do it on every ship.
Activities On Costa Marina
The Laguna Club aboard Costa Marina lets in plenty of light, like the rest of this ship. Photo courtesy of Costa Cruises
There are just three lounges for entertainment—all situated on one deck, where shows rely more on the performers’ talent and creatively than on special effects. Not surprisingly given the size of the ship, public rooms are on the smaller side, such as the modest children’s playroom and the library that does double duty as the ship’s internet center. Even so, activities are plentiful and nightlife is active onboard, with a ballroom for dancing and a casino for gaming in addition to the programs in the show rooms and lounges.
Out on deck, the Costa Marina sports a small spa and fitness center with high-tech workout equipment, a main pool amidships, and a smaller, shallower pool at the stern that’s best for wading by the kiddies.
Staterooms On Costa Marina
Cabins are somewhat on the small side at 170 square feet, but on the other hand they have a generous amount of storage space.
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