Luminosa

The Costa Luminosa, which debuted in May 2009, is the sister ship of Costa’s Deliziosa. Her design and refined materials are combined with new attractions and architectural solutions to make the ship both charming and innovative at the same time. Luminosa happily bucks the "bigger is better" cruise trend, offering a smaller, sleeker alternative to big ships, which means she can pass through narrower channels like the Panama and Suez Canals. However, despite the smaller size, you will still enjoy the same spacious suites and grand entertainment available on Costa's other vessels. All 2,260 passengers will enjoy cosy cabins that have twin beds, which can be converted to a queen-sized one, private baths and flat-screen TVs, and suites have upgraded furnishings and a pillow menu with five options. The ultra-plush Panorama is a 672 square-foot room complete with wraparound balcony, chaise, dining table, and a luxurious bathroom with Jacuzzi tub.

The centrepiece of the Costa Luminosa is the two-level Samsara Spa, which specialises in thalassotherapy. These are treatments that use the healing and beneficial properties of seawater, marine mud, and other oceanic elements for your health and wellbeing. Other therapies are also available, from massages and facials to soaks and saunas, making relaxation paramount onboard Luminosa. You can even check into one of the 52 spa-focused Samsara suites and cabins which offer direct, private access to the spa, an in-room aroma diffuser, and ayurvedic tea kettle.

A cruise on Luminosa is a journey through light in all its forms, to perfectly compliment her name. The transparency of the glass structures, the myriad reflections of the Murano glass chandeliers, and the iridescent fabrics of the furnishings offer a unique sensory experience. There are also some fantastic sculptures and lighting effects onboard, and the PlayStation World, pool deck cinema screen and the Phoenix Theatre are all designed to hearten the sense of light and luminosity onboard.

Guests can enjoy an expertly-prepared entree at the ship's beautiful, two-deck-high dining room, the Taurus Restaurant, or pay a little extra for a posh meal at Club Luminosa. When it comes to dessert, Caffeteria Sugar offers both decadent chocolates and delicious coffee creations. The ship's buffet restaurant, Ristorante Buffet Andromeda, is open for breakfast, lunch and tea, and offers a wide range of stations that feature European and North American favourites. Evening entertainment options range from elegant musical productions to electric dancing at the Altair Disco. You can also check out the Grand Prix driving simulator or strap on a pair of Skorpion Quadline Rollerskates for a different kind of thrill.