Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017 (Berlitz Cruise Guide) (2016)
Costa Victoria
★★★ +
Berlitz’s Ratings
Ship: 339 out of 500
Accommodation: 132 out of 200
Food: 219 out of 400
Service: 262 out of 400
Entertainment: 62 out of 100
Cruise: 246 out of 400
Overall Score: 1260 out of 2000
Costa Victoria Statistics
Size: Mid-size Ship
Tonnage: 75,200
Lifestyle: Standard
Cruise Line: Costa Cruises
Former Names: none
IMO Number: 9109031
Builder: Bremer Vulkan (Germany)
Original Cost: $388 million
Entered Service: Jul 1996
Registry: Italy
Length (ft/m): 823.0/251.0
Beam (ft/m): 105.5/32.2
Draft (ft/m): 25.6/7.8
Propulsion/Propellers: diesel (30,000kW)/2
Passenger Decks: 10
Total Crew: 800
Passengers (lower beds): 1,928
Passenger Space Ratio (lower beds): 39.0
Passenger/Crew Ratio (lower beds): 2.4
Cabins (total): 964
Size Range (sq ft/m): 120.0-430.5/11.1-40.0
Cabins (for one person): 0
Cabins (with private balcony): 246
Cabins (wheelchair accessible): 6
Wheelchair accessibility: Good
Cabin Current: 110 and 220 volts
Elevators: 12
Casino (gaming tables): Yes
Slot Machines: Yes
Swimming Pools: 3
Hot Tubs (on deck): 4
Self-Service Launderette: Yes
Dedicated Cinema/Seats: No
Library: Yes
Onboard currency: Euros
Bland decor in an Italian setting for mature-age cruisers
Overview. Where this vessel differs from many other ships is in its distinct interior decor, with styling that is decidedly Italian.
The Ship. Costa Victoria features an outdoor walk-around promenade deck, although it tends to be full of sunloungers. Inside is a charming four-deck-high observation lounge with a glass elevator; in the center is a cone-shaped waterfall. A seven-deck-high ‘planetarium’ atrium is the ship’s focal point. The uppermost level of the atrium is the deck where two outdoor swimming pools are located, together with four blocks of showers, a grill, and an ice cream bar.
All of the printed material - room service folio, menus, etc. - will typically be in six languages: Italian, English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. During European school holidays, expect to be cruising with a lot of children of all ages.
Accommodation. There are 13 price categories. The six large Panorama Suites (each with third/fourth Pullman berths in tiny, train-like compartments) and 14 mini-suites have butler service; 65 percent of all other cabins have outside views (portholes and not windows), but they are extremely small for two persons. While the suites aren’t large, all other cabins are of mean dimensions. Only 16 of the interior cabins accommodate four people, while all other cabins are for two or three.
All cabins have wood cabinetry, minibar/refrigerator, and electric blackout window blind, but the storage space is very limited. The ocean-view cabins have large picture windows. Bathrooms are small but quite well appointed.
Dining. This ship has two main dining rooms: the 594-seat Sinfonia Restaurant and the 506-seat Fantasia Restaurant. There are two seatings, with assigned tables for two to eight, according to your chosen accommodation grade. Some tables have a less than comfortable view of the harsh lighting of the escalators between the galley and the two decks of the dining room. Also, a number of support pillars provide a bit of an obstacle course for the waiters.
Other dining options. Ristorante Magnifico by Zeffirino (reservations only) is available six nights each week, with an additional service charge. Passengers occupying suites receive a free pass for one evening. The ship also has casual buffets, although the displays and food variety are poor (and a source of passenger complaints).
Entertainment. The entertainment consists of revue-style shows performed by a small troupe of resident onboard singers/dancers.
Spa/Fitness. The congested spa/fitness area, on a lower deck, is much too small for the size of the ship. It has a beauty salon, tiny indoor swimming pool, treatment rooms, sauna and steam room, but cramped changing areas. Sporting facilities include a covered walking/jogging track and a tennis court.