Following a refurbishment costing approximately €22.5 million, which took place in Genoa, the ship will join the Costa neoCollection fleet, offering slow cruises to unique destinations. The first exclusive itinerary will depart from Savona on December 18th for the Indian Ocean.
From December 18, 2014, after a major refurbishment, the Costa Classica (53,000 tons and 654 cabins) will join Costa neoCollection as Costa neoClassica and, together with the Costa neoRomantica and the Costa neoRiviera, will offer some of the most impressive neoCollection itineraries, the slow cruising on smaller ships, offering cruises to unique destinations with great natural landscapes and magnificent cultural attractions, including some that have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Costa Cruises has invested approximately €22.5 million in the ship's refurbishment, which took place at the San Giorgio del Porto shipyard in Genoa, a world leader in ship repair and refitting, starting on November 8th. The project involved some 600 technicians and 400 crew members. The work encompassed the hull, engine, and hotel sections. Regarding the hull, the most significant work consisted of cleaning and repainting it.
The passenger areas and cabins have been completely renovated with a new Partner Ship Design, replicating the ambiance and elegance of the more intimate Costa neoCollection ships to provide the same unique cruise experience. The Costa neoCollection is ideal for couples, for a very special honeymoon, and for groups of friends, with top-quality services designed to allow each passenger to experience the ship at their own pace, with freedom and flexibility as the guiding principles.
The wellness area has been renovated and is now even more relaxing for passengers. In addition to the new TRX area for Total Body Resistance Exercises, there will be the option to participate in energy training sessions.
Several new onboard services will impress passengers, in the signature "Best of Italy" style offered by Costa. The Tivoli Restaurant has been equipped with tables for two and four people to ensure flexible dining options, including brunch on days at sea. The wine and food selection on the Costa neoClassica will be simply astounding: both onboard and ashore, Costa passengers can enjoy local culinary traditions made with healthy ingredients available in the various ports of call. Restaurant menus feature regional recipes designed to showcase the rich local cultural and culinary heritage, thanks to a significant new collaboration between the Italian company and the Università delle Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo.
Café Al Fresco, on the other hand, is a verdant haven: the central area, covered by a roof, is adorned with trees, creating a tranquil space for relaxation, while the outdoor area resembles a balcony overlooking the sea. The Foyer Bar is the perfect spot for an indoor aperitif with Ferrari sparkling wines, while at the Dolce Amore Bar, passengers can enjoy specialty coffees from around the world during the day and savor delicious pizza in the evening.
In their cabins, bathed in bright new colors, guests can enjoy authentic espresso thanks to their personal Illy coffee machine. New furnishings further enhance the suites' balconies, allowing guests to comfortably enjoy the sea views; Elemis beauty products will also be available.
On sunny days, passengers can enjoy the newly renovated lounge of the open-air deck and relax with a drink by the pool on warm summer evenings, sheltered by a wooden roof. The Costa neoClassica will also offer the Stargazer experience, an original entertainment activity from Costa neoCollection, allowing passengers to admire the skies with the high-quality telescopes on board and the assistance of Costa experts.
In addition, as with the other ships in the Costa neoCollection fleet, the Costa neoClassica features a concierge who advises passengers on the best services and activities both onboard and ashore. Information on all available excursions can also be obtained via the new onboard information kiosks, which are the same type as those found on the new flagship, the Costa Diadema.
