The Piazza San Marco is the ship's social hub (All photos: Costa Venezia)
Costa Venezia, the newest and largest cruise addition to the Costa fleet in Asia, docked at Port Klang on April 12 for day 36 of the ship’s 56-day inaugural Marco Polo voyage across three continents and 18 countries.
Designed specifically for the Asian market, the cruise ship stylistically mirrors Venice in terms of architecture, art and onboard products — all of which reflect the distinctive characteristics of the hometown of Marco Polo and Giacomo Casanova. The resulting Italian art-lined walls, actual life-sized gondolas, authentic cuisine and onboard celebrations create an immersive environment that instantly transports one to the city of canals. Here are some impressive places you can explore while onboard the Venetian cruise.
SEE
Piazza San Marco
First impressions are always important, and Piazza San Marco gives guests a lasting one. Reminiscent of the real Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) in Venice, the social hub — one of the most beautiful places on the ship — is located at the main atrium, where guests are warmly welcomed. Spot the golden lion and arlecchino as you sip on your favourite drink at the bar or lounge in the luxe velvet chairs.
Teatro Rosso
Attention to detail becomes one of the most notable aspects of Costa Venezia. Each section of the 20-decked ship is introduced with a landmark plate, allowing guests to feel as if they are actually on a tour around Venice. And if one were to actually travel there, the Teatro La Fenice opera is a must-see. Likewise, it is as such with the ship’s Teatro Rosso. Modelled after La Fenice, Teatro Rosso is the ship’s grand theatre with a capacity of 900 people. The theatre offers shows every night, including the tailored Sapori d’Italia, which is based on the famous Venetian lover Giacomo Casanova in addition to tenors, jugglers, comedians, magicians, acrobats and party bands.
EAT
Ristorante Casanova
The Venetian experience would not be complete without authentic Italian food. Guests will be spoilt for choice from the lengthy list of restaurants, bars and eateries available onboard. Hailed as the ‘King of White Truffles’, Umberto Bombana curates a fine dining menu at Casanova Restaurant, one of the five specialty restaurants on the ship. The Italian chef is the co-owner of 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, a three-star Michelin restaurant in Hong Kong.
Canal Grande
Inspired by the great canal, the Canal Grande restaurant sits above and along a centerpiece waterway platform supporting an actual gondola used in Venice. Opt for a unique and romantic canal-side dinner served by waiters clad in gondolier outfits — complete with striped shirt and a straw hat. Each room is decorated differently with new styles of furniture, wallpaper and paintings. Here, guests are served various cuisines, from Chinese to Italian — a perfect blend of Eastern and Western foods. Apart from the Casanova and Canal Grande restaurant, a wide range of Asian food is also available onboard, including teppanyaki, hot pot and dimsum.
DO
Retail Pavilion
This ship’s duty-free shopping gallery spans more than 8,000 sq ft of retail space amid two decks. The area for beauty products alone takes up 2,500 sq ft, the largest on any ship in the world. Curated with some of the world’s most celebrated brands, including Cartier, Omega, Bvlgari and Tiffany & Co, the retail pavilion brings guests on an all-around luxury shopping experience.
La Laguna Aqua
As lively as it is indoors, Costa Venezia’s outdoor deck is where all the fun-in-the-sun happens. La Laguna Aqua (the ship’s very own water park) is equipped with three water slides and a body bowl — making it the perfect family activity on a sunny day. Soak in the rays while being serenaded by Venetian music on the Burano Sunshine Deck, and don’t forget to stop by the ship’s wellness complex, mini golf course and high-rope garden.
To book a trip via the Costa Venezia, see here.
