Costa Favolosa
Costa Favolosa / Costa Cruises
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Luxembourg Deck / Costa Cruises
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Salon Molière
Salon Molière / Costa Cruises
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Lido Squok / Costa Cruises
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Balcony Cabin
Balcony Cabin / Costa Cruises
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Cruise Costa Cruises

Costa Favolosa

Our Ship Review
Costa Cruises
Cruise Line
by Laura Manske
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Favolosa means “fabulous” in Italian, and this floating ode to Italian pizzazz couples vibrant décor with a ciao bella attitude. The creative arts are on display here, with more than 400 original artworks and 6,000-plus prints dressing up this large 3,016-passenger ship. There’s also a three-deck theater where all kinds of entertainers perform — from acrobats to ballet dancers. For quieter moments, there are four pools (two with retractable roofs, one with a nearby mega movie screen). The 13 bars, including a chocolate and coffee spot, encourage glass-clinking camaraderie.

What We Love

Massage Magic: Costa’s Samsara SPA Wellness Center is one of the best at sea, pampering guests with a thalassotherapy pool and Turkish bath. If you’re an avid spa-goer, book one of the 103 cabins located near the treatment rooms.

After-Hours Fun: If you want to get your groove on, party at the two-deck disco. There is also generous floor space allotted to fancy foot moves in Grand Bar Palatino, Molière Lounge, and Camelot Piano Bar. 

Best Known For

La Dolce Vita: Did we mention that Costa is based in Italy? The country’s cuisine, wine, music, culture, and people are well represented here, no matter where in the world the ship happens to be.

Food Is Getting Even Better: Savor risottos, red sauces, and pizzas, as well as newly masterminded entrées and desserts by Michelin-star chef Fabio Cucchelli, who has recently worked with Costa’s chefs to create more authentic Italian dishes.

Who It's Best For

International Travelers: Most passengers are from Italy, Germany, and France, with some Asian travelers as well. North Americans will be in the minority, but the friendly cruises mean it’s one big happy family no matter what language is spoken.

Families: There are kids clubs for all kids 6 months and up, the Aqua Deck has a pirate galleon play area, and Club Cavallo Bianco features an entertainment zone with virtual-reality games, PlayStation, and 4-D cinema.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

You’ll Become a Polyglot: Most broadcasts are spoken in five languages (Italian, French, German, Spanish, and English). If you don’t mind the endless directives, you might learn new words and phrases.

Small Casino: European travelers aren’t known to gamble much during sailings, so Costa puts less emphasis on the design and size of these spaces.