Costa Fascinosa

Costa Fascinosa is the youngest of the four Concordia-class ships, entering service in 2012 with glamorous, theatrical interiors full of rich color, mirrors and dramatic lighting. Her layout is classic Costa: a soaring atrium, a three-deck theater, a pool under a sliding glass roof and a large Samsara Spa with its own block of spa cabins. The crowd is a lively mix of European families and couples, so expect announcements in several languages, late dinners and a busy pool deck, especially during the Italian summer holidays in August. Fascinosa has sailed Europe as well as South America and the Caribbean in some winters.

Best for: Families and groups who want a lively, glamorous Italian ship and are happy with a busy, multilingual atmosphere.

Costa Cruises is Italy’s biggest cruise line, built for Italian and continental European holidaymakers who want an affordable, sociable ship with Italian food and late nights. Most sailings are in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, with winter seasons in the Caribbean and South America. North Americans can sail happily, but should expect English to be one of several languages onboard rather than the main one.