By
Rebecca Gibson |
Costa Cruises is to carry out a major €8 million (US$ 9.3 million) renovation onboard Costa Fortuna ahead of her return to Europe in March 2019.
The 3,470-guest Costa Fortuna, which is currently operating in Asia, will enter dry dock in Singapore on 16 December 2018 and be fitted with upgraded public areas, suites and guest services before leaving on 26 February 2019. Costa’s main aim is to provide spaces, services and experiences that reflect its Italian heritage.
Italy-based company Artefice Group has redesigned all areas of the vessel, except for the Costa Shop, which has been restyled by Dordoni Architetti, the Milanese firm that has designed the cabins for Costa’s new flagship Costa Smeralda.
Following the refurbishment, Costa Fortuna will have suites with new showers that have mood lighting; modern lighting and an extended dance floor in Sala Leonardo; a new ‘constellation’ of lights in Conte Rosso wine bar; restyled outdoor swimming pools and Jacuzzis; two redecorated main restaurants; and an updated central atrium with three large sails illuminated by LEDs in different colours.
Meanwhile, Conte Verde will be transformed into a multifunctional lounge bar and conference space, and there will be a new ice cream parlour by the central swimming pool, which will be inspired by traditional Italian bathing establishments. Guests will also be able to visit a photo shop with a ‘My Moments’ shop and gallery, a concept that will debut on Costa Pacifica and Costa Diadema this October and December respectively. In addition, Costa will introduce the Pizzeria Pummid’Oro on deck 10, serving pizzas made from ingredients sourced through the line’s partnership with the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo. A partnership with Latteria del Curatino and machinery from Comat will also enable the chefs to produce fresh mozzarella onboard the ship.
After leaving dry dock, Costa Fortuna will sail two different one-week voyages (which can be combined) from Singapore to Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia, before embarking on a repositioning cruise from Singapore to Genoa, Italy on 5 March. The ship will then offer 34 Mediterranean cruises from Genoa between 26 March and 8 November. Ports of call will include Marseilles, France; Barcelona, Valencia, Tarragona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Civitavecchia, La Spezia and Olbia, Italy.