Croatia, Greece, Italy & France from Malta

Date: 20 Jun 2024
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Azura
Line: P&O Cruises
Date Sailed | January 0001 |
Cruise Line | Costa Cruises |
Ship Name | Magica |
Destination | 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.
Dining and Food | 6 / 10 |
Spa and Gym | 9 / 10 |
Entertainment | 8 / 10 |
Childrens Facilities | 8 / 10 |
Accomodation | 8 / 10 |
Shore Excursions | 6.5 / 10 |
Service | 7 / 10 |
Luxury | 7 / 10 |
Value For Money | 7 / 10 |
Drinks Packages | N/A / 10 |
Date: 20 Jun 2024
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Azura
Line: P&O Cruises
£1,930 OUTSIDE
£2,205 BALCONY
Date: 2 May 2024
Duration: 10 nights
Ship: Eurodam
Line: Holland America Line
£1,979 OUTSIDE
£2,299 BALCONY
Date: 17 Sep 2025
Duration: 12 nights
Ship: Constellation
Line: Celebrity Cruises
£2,779 OUTSIDE
£2,949 BALCONY
Date: 18 Apr 2025
Duration: 3 nights
Ship: Utopia of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£548 OUTSIDE
£592 BALCONY
Date: 9 Jul 2024
Duration: 15 nights
Ship: Ruby Princess
Line: Princess Cruises
£5,549 OUTSIDE
£5,699 BALCONY
£1,237 OUTSIDE
£1,401 BALCONY
Date: 4 Oct 2025
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Independence of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£855 OUTSIDE
£1,052 BALCONY
Date: 13 May 2025
Duration: 18 nights
Ship: Silver Whisper
Line: Silversea Cruises
£772 OUTSIDE
£862 BALCONY
Date: 29 Jun 2025
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Seabourn Encore
Line: Seabourn
Date: 20 Aug 2024
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Musica
Line: MSC Cruises
£1,449 OUTSIDE
£1,579 BALCONY
Date: 21 Sep 2024
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Royal Clipper
Line: Star Clippers
Date: 2 Apr 2025
Duration: 11 nights
Ship: Carnival Mardi Gras
Line: Carnival Cruise Line
£2,499 OUTSIDE
£2,599 BALCONY
Date: 14 Apr 2024
Duration: 14 nights
Ship: Norwegian Prima
Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
£2,699 OUTSIDE
£3,179 BALCONY
Date: 19 Jul 2025
Duration: 11 nights
Ship: Queen Victoria
Line: Cunard Cruise Line
£2,299 OUTSIDE
£2,449 BALCONY
Date: 14 Aug 2024
Duration: 11 nights
Ship: Carnival Firenze
Line: Carnival Cruise Line
£2,149 OUTSIDE
£2,349 BALCONY
Date: 30 Jul 2024
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Regent Seven Seas Explorer
Line: Regent Seven Seas
Date: 14 Feb 2024
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Costa Smeralda
Line: Costa Cruises
£1,199 OUTSIDE
£1,279 BALCONY
Date: 6 Jun 2025
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Allure of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£1,599 OUTSIDE
£1,649 BALCONY
Date: 9 Jul 2025
Duration: 10 nights
Ship: Anthem of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£2,979 OUTSIDE
£3,099 BALCONY