Magica to Bermuda

This was a rare sailing, on an Italian ship from Florida to Bermuda and back. Needless to say, most of the passengers were American on this particular voyage.

It is safe to think of Costa as the 'Italian Carnival', especially as Carnival owns and bankrolls it. And the Costa Magica herself is a direct copy of the Carnival Destiny class, right down to the cabin furnishings and layout.

So, we have the same big, interior boulevard. Thronged with a row of gloriously over the top bars and lounges, it gives a kind of feverish, frantic feel to the area. A quartet of lifts swoop silently up and down through the monumental, ten storey lobby, complete with lobby bar. In short, the Costa Magica is a glittering, stupendous theme park, filled with good things to do from bow to stern, and all overlaid with a thin film of 'Disneyland Italian' styling. All in all, quite a brew.

Up top, there are pools for children and adults alike, although the latter is simply an idea in practice. Stepped, tiered decks are packed with sun beds. There is live music and party games, and no shortage of hot comfort food grilling, boiling and simmering around all day.

Costa Magica is an exuberant ship, and passengers on board loved the huge ballroom, one of the most beautiful at sea. There is also a two level disco and, right aft, another, quieter pool area that was quite magical at sunset.

It was nice to have a balcony cabin, just to escape the on board hugger mugger at times. This is very much a late night party ship, with two main dining rooms that are as much about theatre as the mediocre food they serve. Waiters sang and danced on plinths on designated theme nights.

The Costa Magica is a colossal, yet commodious ship, whimsically decorated, undeniably dramatic, and yet supremely comfortable. But there are thousands of people on board, so expect lines for getting ashore, at the buffet, and for getting in and out of the show lounge. Go with an open mind.