Costa Magica Review
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We have just returned from a 8 night pre-inaugural cruise on the brand new Costa Magica. I am pleased to say that that entire cruise was mostly a success - we were really pleased with all that Costa Magica offered us from boarding, embarkation, cabin, food and the entertainment.
Embarkation at Savona was a breeze. As I have a Costa card I was able to exchange our boarding card for one of a lower number and was among the first to board. We arrived at the terminal at 1330 - boarding commenced at 1400 hours and by 1415 hours we were in our cabin with our luggage being delivered. The lifts were super efficient and the stairs easy to climb. There were 2700 people on board - not quite full but with sensible planning you are able to avoid the crowds (especially at lunch times in the buffet). The buffet on Deck 9 has a balcony (Deck 10) which offered the best tables for a quiet buffet meal with wonderful views. Coffee/tea and juice as well as continental breakfast items (a wonderful fresh fruit yogurt type dish-don't miss it!) and cakes/ice cream at lunch times can be had from the balcony. As well as the main buffet counters there are 4 other areas which is where they offer the mexican, grill and other special dining events. Our assigned restaurant was the Portofino located on Deck 3 and 4 nearly in the middle of the ship. We were assigned our requested table of two on the balcony. It's quite a noisy meal. I am glad that they seem to have dispensed with the waiters dancing with the diners on Italian night and that is replaced by 3 waiters gyrating on the elevator which goes up the middle of the restaurant.
First sitting dinner is at 1830 hours, second sitting at 2100 hours. The alternative dinner was offered every night from 2000 to 2130 hours and was quiet and peaceful after the restaurant as well as better food we thought. Continental breakfast is offered free of charge as on all Costa ships - if your coffee arrives and is not hot write HOT please on the menu and the next day it will be! The gym at the front of the ship on Deck 11 was large and very well equipped with the steam room and sauna having large picture windows looking out to sea.