After living under the yellow and blue funnels of Costa Cruises for 10 years as cruise director, along with my wife as casino manager, we left our pseudo, onboard Italian family in 1990 to raise our own. Now, after 25 years in the onshore world of reality, we found ourselves about to embark on a reunion of sorts, a return to the distinctive yellow and blue “C” of Costa Deliziosa.
IN THE EARLY ’80S, WE WERE PART OF THE ADOLESCENT DAYS of the cruise industry, when Costa had a significant presence in the American market, sailing to an assortment of Caribbean ports from South Florida and Puerto Rico. The company became synonymous in the United States with its Cruising Italian Style mantra on ships such as Carla C, Flavia, Daphne, and the popular Costa Riviera. Today, after a brand refresh and an infusion of new upscale ships, the company offers a redefined contemporary cruise experience.
With a slight tinge of melancholy, our short drive to Port Everglades evoked memories of returning to our floating home on countless Saturdays after a few precious hours on shore. Today, technology has streamlined the embarkation process and after a few brief formalities we stepped aboard the eye-popping Costa Deliziosa. The vibrant welcome opened a mental time capsule providing us with the nostalgic feeling that we were home.
Our 10-day cruise promised a return to the often-visited ports of Freeport, Ocho Rios, and Grand Cayman along with new calls for us to Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; and the new port of Amber Cove on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.
LIVING THE LIFE
Esta historia es de la edición August 2016 de Porthole Cruise Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 2016 de Porthole Cruise Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
GALAPAGOS OF THE EAST
Koalas are just the beginning on Australia’s fauna-rich Kangaroo Island.
PLUG IN AND POWER UP!
More and more, ports and cruise lines are working together to keep the lights on and keep the pollution down
Making Up For Lost Time
After everything we’ve been through, who’s saying no to a postpandemic world cruise or grand voyage offering months at sea?
MEXICO'S COASTAL ESCAPES
With Mexico rolling out the red carpet and opening flight borders to Americans, now is the time to redeem the pent-up wanderlust of the last year.
Countess In!
Porthole Cruise and Travel enjoys slice after slice of Americana while sailing the new American Countess.
The Joy of St. Croix
Of all the Caribbean vibes, St. Croix’s is unique.
Unique Hotel Boutiques
Gone are the days of sad hotel gift shops that sold little but after thoughts. Today’s hotel shopping is varied and eclectic, offering status items and one-of-a-kind finds alike.
Sipping on the Sand
The unique beach bars near South Florida’s cruise ports are a perfect reflection of the shorelines they represent.
St. Thomas, Sophisticated
A former cruise director revisits the tiny, charming paradise he adored...only to find even more to love.
Traditional Tlingit Tastes
In Hoonah, Alaska, food is about much more than just what's on the plate.
