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Costa’s first new build ship was the 24,000 ton Frederico C that entered service in 1957. By the early 1990s, the Costa Cruise Line was running a fleet of liners and two converted freighters, Costa Marina and Costa Allegra. Their first purpose built cruise ship Costa Classica entered service in 1992 with her sister ship Costa Romantica following in 1993.

This class of cruise ship has 8 passenger decks, 2 pools, 8 bars, fitness center, 700-seat theatre, 438 outside cabins with 10 having verandas, 216 inside cabins, can carry 1,308 passengers and a crew of 610.

Classica was to be fitted with a new mid section in 2001 that would see her lengthened by 146 feet and weight increased to 79,000 tons. After the new midsection had been built at Cammell Laird in Birkinhead/England, the conversion was cancelled at the last minute leaving the shipbuilders with the newly constructed section.

Classica is mainly operated out of Savona/Genoa on 7,8&11 night cruises to various ports throughout the Mediterranean and Agean seas. Northern Europe cruises depart from Kiel.

Romantica cruises out of Savona/Genoa & Rome 4,5&11 nights to destinations throughout the Mediterranean & Agean seas. Seven night Middle East cruises depart from Dubai.

Websites, US: www.costacruise.com UK: www.costacruises.co.uk .