Costa Fascinosa

The Nightlife: Dance floors are plentiful on Fascinosa, so listening to music often turns into an excuse to cut loose.

Spa Time: The two-level spa is a hot spot, with thermal baths (called the “Temple of Peace,” including indulgent beds for meditation and air infused with aromatherapy), exotic Ayurvedic- and Asian-inspired rituals, and even a Japanese Tea Room. Fascinosa’s 12 suites, plus 91 of its cabins, have direct access to the spa and dedicated dining room, making pampering all the more convenient. 

Packing in the Action: Flashy casino? Glittering disco? Impressive waterslide? Check, check, check. There are 13 bars, including the Cognac & Cigar Bar and the Coffee & Chocolate Bar, plus five Jacuzzis and four pools, two with retractable roofs. A multipurpose sports area, jogging track, and gleaming fitness center are popular daytime zones. For those who enjoy an adrenaline rush, the Grand Prix driving simulator thoroughly thrills.

Ample Applause: The glamorous three-level Bel Ami Theatre stages action-packed entertainment — dancers, acrobats, magicians — in choreographed performances designed to appeal to the ship's multilingual audience. There's also a 4-D cinema with an enormous screen.

Italophiles: If you’re passionate about Italy and Italians, Costa will immerse you in the language and contemporary culture.

It’s Loud and Smoky: Costa’s European guests love to drink and party late into the night — and that often includes cocktails and cigarettes on the outside decks. The cruise line allows passengers to smoke on their stateroom’s private balcony, so you may not appreciate it if it’s your next door neighbor doing the puffing.