Having been just been back from Italy on a family trip last year, my heart still yearns for the beautiful architecture and delicious Italian cuisine. You can imagine the maiden call of Costa Venezia to Singapore was like the next best alternative for me to reminisce the wonderful days in the city of Venice. I really hope this largest ship introduced by Costa Cruises to Asia can live up to its name. Follow me as we board Costa Venezia, a ship that is designed specifically to offer the Asian market the best of Italy! 
Costa Venezia – Onboard The Biggest Costa Ship In Asia
Boasting of a gross tonnage of 135,500 tons, 323 meters in length and a capacity for over 5,200 guests, the Costa Venezia is the biggest Costa Ship in Asia. This magnificent ship offers a series of unprecedented innovations designed specifically for Asian customers, introducing them to Italian culture, lifestyle and excellence, starting from the interiors, which are inspired by the city of Venice. Behold the symbol of Venice – The Magnificent Winged Lion. 
Costa Venezia – The magic of Venice beckons
On Costa Venezia, you will experience the uniqueness of Venetian and Italian culture. The ship’s theatre is inspired by the world-renowned Venetian La Fenice opera house; the main atrium is reminiscent of St. Mark’s Square, while the main restaurants recall the traditional architecture of Venetian alleys and squares.
Actual gondolas, made by the Squero di San Trovaso artisans, can also be found on board.
Costa Venezia – Retail Experience
Shoppers would be thrilled to know that this amazing ship offers more than 8,000 square feet of retail space. Starboard Cruise Services, a premier retailer at sea, put together with some of the world’s most celebrated brands for your retail pleasure. Presented within an Italian-style shopping experience, the collection includes many famous Italian brands, including first-time-at-sea Max Mara, Salvatore Ferragamo and Bvlgari! 
We did not get to see and experience the ship’s beauty space but apparently it is one of the largest at sea, measuring more than 2,500 square feet and including over 30 international brands, with the first-at-sea Clé de Peau Beauté and Hermès, Yves Saint Laurent, La Prairie, Bvlgari, Chanel, Dior, La Mer, SK-II and more. Asian beauty brands include Dr. Jart+, Sulwhasoo and The History of Whoo are also available. The Merchant of Venice, a refined perfumer that pays homage to the beauty of Venetian culture, also makes its debut at sea and available for the first time in Asia.
In addition, Bvlgari joins Costa Cruises and Starboard to present the first production of its kind at sea: “the Bvlgari Jewelry Show”, an evening of elegance and glamour highlighting the Italian jeweller’s masterful craftsmanship. During the show, you will experience the epitome of “la dolce vita,” an Italian dream, presenting a dazzling display of Bvlgari jewels featured onboard at the Bvlgari boutique. The luxury line-up also includes Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre Tiffany & Co., Mikimoto, and many more, making it even more irresistible when they can be purchased onboard tax and duty-free.
Costa Venezia – Exclusive Juventus Football Club At Sea
Not soccer fans ourselves, we were not particularly excited that you can find Asia’s exclusive Juventus Football Club at sea. Football fans get to enjoy a 360-degree Italian football experience with special facilities on Costa Venezia which includes an outdoor soccer field, an indoor academy, a museum showcasing as well as a retail shop selling limited edition commemorative merchandise, historic trophies and memorabilia from as far back as the 1970s, magazine photos from all eras, jerseys and signed shoes from the club’s successful seasons,
Costa Venezia – Fun-filled Activities
Apart from shopping, you will be entertained by nightly shows and performances, including “Venezia Innamorata”, a musical inspired by the love stories of Venetian author and adventurer Giacomo Casanova, specially created for Costa Venezia’s Teatro Rosso. Themed parties such as the “Golden Party” and “Carnival of Venice” masked ball will recreate the magical atmosphere of “The City of Canals” onboard.
For folks who enjoy the outdoors, the ship has both outdoor and indoor swimming pools and jacuzzis, an aqua park with water slides, a mini-golf course, a high-rope garden, outdoor fitness facilities, a wellness complex with gym and spa, clubs for teens and kids, and many more.
Of course, there is always the casino onboard for folks who love to try their luck!
Costa Venezia – Wine & Dine
We ended our tour of the ship with a sit-down lunch. Onboard the ship, you get to savour the delicacies of regional Italian cuisines at the inclusive restaurants, as well as fine dining with menu curated by chef Umberto Bombana of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Otto e Mezzo Bombana, at Restaurant Casanova, one of the five specialty restaurants. Of course, folks who prefer Asian food will also feel at home with hotpot, teppanyaki, dim sum and noodles available.
We really enjoyed the Italian classic dishes served. Having been to Italy and specifically Venice for my family trip last year, I can personally vouch for the authenticity of the Venetian fare.
A second ship designed exclusively for the Asian market, a sister ship to Costa Venezia, is currently under construction by Fincantieri in Marghera and is expected to be delivered in 2020. If you are keen to experience these dream cruises, take a fly-cruise to cosmopolitan Shanghai for your next holiday!
