ABOARD THE COSTA MEDITERRANEA –– When you learn Costa Mediterranea’s boat drill is at 10:15 p.m., you know it is an unusual cruise. Boat drills usually take place around 4 or 5 p.m. The itinerary and length of these cruises are also unusual.
The unusual itinerary goes from Nassau in the Bahamas to Samana in the Dominican Republic, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, St. John’s in the U.S.V.I., Antigua, Guadeloupe, St. Maarten (the Dutch side) and Freeport in the Bahamas. This wide selection of Caribbean islands has attracted many international travelers to this, the first sailing on this route.
Costa has designed these 11-day itineraries to expose these multi-cultural islands to the world. I met a young couple at breakfast yesterday who were especially eager to head to the Atlantis resort when we docked in Nassau. In fact, Atlantis seemed to be the most popular attraction on the island. Other passengers are excited to see the Baths on Virgin Gorda (reachable from Tortola) and a few are planning to take the ferry from St. Maarten to Anguilla.
Now 10 years old, and a sister to Costa Atlantica, the Mediterranea is quite lovely. Designed by noted ship designer Joe Farcus, the vessel has been well maintained. Cabins and public rooms are great. The Osiris Theater where nightly productions take place hosts port lecturers and the like during the Day. The three-level showroom is a melange of mixed patterns in upholstery and carpeting, with huge Egyptian murals and symbols on every inch of wall space.
It has just come over from the Mediterranean and shop staff in the boutique on Via Condotti are changing prices from euro to dollars and room stewards are discovering Americans want washcloths and ice in their cabins while the Lido deck is now offering iced tea for those thirsty Americans.
It is changing world, not only a changing itinerary and fun to watch.
December 13, 2014
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
