Costa Cruises, which originated as an Italian freighter company transporting olive oil and cloth, is now Europe's largest and most modern cruise fleet. Though Carnival acquired the company in 2000, Costa still maintains its roots as evident by its slogan, "cruising Italian style." Costa Cruises offers unique itineraries and visits hundreds of ports of call.

An Italian flair permeates Costa cruises, from the food (pizza, gelato and espresso are available, in addition to fine Italian cuisine) to the decor. The ships are beautifully decorated with millions of dollars worth of original art and furnishings.

Destinations

The eastern United States and Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Russia, Africa and Asia

Passengers

Most of the passengers on European cruises are from Italy, France, Germany and Spain, but summer cruises draw many guests from the United States. South American and Caribbean cruises are quite popular with Americans. Trips attract guests of all ages, from 20-somethings to seniors.

Costa Cruises offers a lively cruise experience -- whether via port-intensive itineraries, with only a handful of let-your-hair-down sea days, or its onboard emphasis on evening entertainment. In particular, the cruise line's newest ships -- from CostaAtlantica onward -- offer the most diverse nightlife and alternative eating options. Otherwise, a Costa Cruise is a traditional style experience -- albeit with its signature Italian flavor.

On European itineraries, Costa attracts mostly European passengers from Italy, France, Germany, Spain and Portugal. On an average winter sailing in Europe, there are 60 - 80 English-speaking passengers. During the summer in Europe, about 20 percent of passengers will be North Americans. (The line's former policy of making announcements in five or more languages has been brought under control. There are now very few announcements, usually only one per day as the ship leaves port.) On South American and Caribbean cruises, the demographics flip-flop, with Costa attracting about 80 percent North American passengers (vs. 20 percent from Europe). Particularly in its newer ships, investment in the "Club Squok" kids program has helped Costa attract more and more families. Costa's ships also appeal to a wide range of ages, from 20-something first-time cruisers to retirees