Debbie and I boarded our cruise ship - Costa Deliciosa - a little earlier than our embarkation time, so we could explore the ship, relax, and grab a cocktail. Crusin' mode, COMMENCE! LOL. We quickly discovered that the ocean liner exceeded our expectations! It was modern, glitzy, and new. We were in nautical paradise!
It was an Italian ocean liner company, but the crew spoke English - and several other languages for that matter. The passengers were a wide variety of international flavors - Italians, French, Germans, South Africans, Canadians, East Indians, Filipinos (Wup-Wup!), Japanese, Americans, Australians, Brazilians, Puerto Ricans. You name it. They were on it! Appropriately, Costa Deliciosa's literal translation is "delicious coast", and it certainly lived up to its name!
Deb and I quickly settled ourselves on lounge chairs on the promenade deck. The weather was in the high 50s-low 60s F, the air was crisp and clean, and the sun was still a brilliant zenith.
The heated outdoor pool remained empty, however. LOL.
The ship issued warm woolen blankets with their signature colors.
The outdoor bar was conveniently accessible, and its bartender was ever so accommodating!
Passengers quickly began taking advantage of the indoor pool and jacuzzi. A ginormous flat screen at the aft end of the pool intermittently showed music videos and news clips, and the sun streamed in through the sky panes above us.
The food served on the ship was off da hook! There were about seven different dining areas, and about 12 different bars and lounges. Every single one was uber contempo!
The ship had 15 levels. The main lobby overlooking the circular bar was a happening spot!
The casino lured people right away, as folks were quick to make (or lose money) on their first day onboard.
The elevators and stairwells for each deck were conveniently placed throughout the ship. The 9th deck was a favorite for many of the passengers, because it opened to the spa and beauty center, fitness gym, tanning rooms, and assorted dining areas.
No money was exchanged onboard. Each passenger was given a cabin card that served as a room key and charge card. Let's just say that the carpeted pathway to the ship's spa center was pretty worn out by the time the cruise ended, and that I'll be eating ramen noodle soup for many, many months to come. But, oh was it worth it! LOL.
If passengers got tired of their plethora of choices indoors, they could go outdoors and run on the track, or rent skates...
Some chose to lose themselves behind the wheel of a simulated race car...
Or work on their putting skills at the outdoor putting green. Costa Deliciosa was amazing!
Deb and I ate in the formal dining room on our first night, and enjoyed a scrumptious 8-course meal.
My favorite part of the meal - as with any meal - was dessert. I ordered the "pineapple express". The presentation was puzzling at first.
Until our waiter poured liquid nitrogen and chunks of pineapple into a bowl of vanilla ice cream, and "VOILA"! Costa Deliciosa pineapple ice cream at my service. Stupendous. Magical. Fantabulous. We were off to a great start!
