Costa Cruises - Costa Pacifica

Fast Facts

Ship: Costa Pacifica

Cruise Line: Costa Cruises

Tonnage: 114,500 GRT

Max passenger capacity: 3780

Total crew: 1110

Passenger decks: 13

Enters service: June 2009

Costa Pacifica

There's music in the air as Costa Pacifica launches.

Sometimes, what's old is new. Okay, not exactly old, more like tried and true. Such is the case with Costa Cruises' 114,500-GRT Costa Pacifica, the third in a series of 3,000-passenger ships. Like her sisters, 2006's Costa Concordia and 2007's Costa Serena, the new Costa Pacifica will boast such innovative features as spa suites, which link directly to the 2,000-square-metre Samsara Spa, one of the largest spas at sea. The ship also carries a Formula One race-car simulator, which puts passengers in the driver's seat of a virtual race car.

A giant video screen above the pool allows passengers to enjoy "dive-in" movies, as the line coyly puts it. This feature was first introduced by Princess Cruises and was subsequently adopted by Carnival Cruise Lines and Disney Cruise Line in addition to Costa. The pool itself is one of two covered by retractable Magrodomes, which allow the vessel to comfortably sail in Europe year-round.

Interiors on Costa Pacifica will be designed by Carnival architect Joe Farcus, who has decorated the public spaces on every new Costa ship since Costa Atlantica made its debut in 2000. Every Farcus design has a central idea and the theme for Costa Pacifica will be music through the eras, which will be heard and "experienced" throughout the vessel.

As is his wont, Farcus is sure to infuse the ship with his unique style and imagination, creating an atmosphere of fun and dignity that immerses and engages passengers at every turn. So for example, the ship's main atrium will be decorated by musical symbols and instruments, while the ship's main theatre will offer not only perfect acoustics, but also a harmonious atmosphere of warm colours, Baroque design, and accents of Murano glass.

"Cruising Italian Style" has always meant outstanding cuisine, and among Costa Pacifica's five restaurants is a special Ristorante Samsara for spa guests, as well as an a la carte Club Blue Moon for "elegant and sophisticated dining" on special culinary occasions. Other eateries include two main dining rooms and a more casual, buffet-style restaurant.

Costa Pacifica is part of a larger, five-ship new-building program currently underway for the Costa fleet, which will increase capacity by 12 per cent in 2009 alone. The ship's inaugural season takes it to the western Mediterranean ports of Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Tunis, Malta, and Palermo on seven-day cruises out of Rome, following its maiden voyage from Savona on June 6, 2009.

Written by MT Schwartzman - Issue 33 Autumn 08