Built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Marghera as the Costa Romantica, sister ship to the Costa Classica, it entered service at the end of 1993 and sailed seas all over the world until November 2011 when it entered the San Giorgio del Porto shipyards in Genoa to undergo an extensive 90 million euro renovation.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 54 – October 2020
It left the shipyard in March 2012 sporting a new name, Costa neoRomantica, and luxurious interiors designed by the Swedish studio Tillberg Design and the London-based Syntax, to please the company's most demanding guests.
An additional 111 cabins and suites were added, increasing the tonnage to 57,100 GRT. The aim at the time was to launch a new brand, Costa neoCollection, with more exclusive ships for the company's premium clients. One of the interesting decisions made was to remove the theater and replace it with a spectacular two-story spa. Alternative restaurants were added, and, most notably, a gourmet wine and cheese shop featuring delicious products from around the world.
However, the neoCollection concept never quite took off, as no other ship in the company underwent such an impressive refurbishment as the neoRomantica. Costa sent the ship to Asia in 2017, where it operated cruises in Japan and China until its sale to Celestyal Cruises.
The ship's highlights include a large spa, a wine and cheese shop, alternative restaurants, luxurious suites, and a beach club
Celestyal Cruises has thus acquired a unique ship, with capacity for 1,800 passengers in a premium environment, opening up new commercial and onboard service possibilities. There are 166 cabins with balconies or verandas, of which 132 are junior suites and 34 are suites. Suite passengers will have access to concierge service, priority boarding, and an exclusive dining area, among other services.
Celestyal will also take advantage of the large 4,300 m² spa,with "Wellness Spa" cabins surrounding it that include spa access in the price, as well as the exclusive Beach Club area on the outer deck, also reserved for suite guests. The company will maintain the wine cellar and cheese shop, emphasizing Mediterranean wines, olive oils, cheeses, and other outstanding specialties. Dining options will also include a Greek grill and a delicatessen offering local delicacies, as well as wood-fired pizza.
