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October 23, 2023

The second Costa Cruises event cruise aboard the Costa Favolosa, exploring the most beautiful cities of the Mediterranean, Morocco, and Tunisia, concluded a few days ago, leaving us with a wealth of emotions and memories from this fantastic 15-day itinerary.

The C|Club Cruise has been described as a journey of the senses, and it truly was. During this experience, all our senses were heightened as we immersed ourselves in Moroccan and Tunisian culture, getting a hands-on feel for everyday life. This was complemented by onboard activities that extended our onshore experience, featuring specially crafted culinary offerings and themed parties.

So, let’s get on board! In the Atrio dei Diamanti, we were welcomed with special decorations for this Club Cruise, depicting a typical spice market stall in a souk. Looking at that image, we were already beginning to imagine what our experience would be like, and in reality, it was even more beautiful.

Among the classic onboard activities, competitions among club members were a must. It was a great opportunity to try something new and have fun. This time, the competitions brought some exciting new additions. Guests competed in Pastry, Art & Craft, and Lip Sync contests. The first consisted of two phases, the initial one involved preparing custard, and the second included a challenging quiz. The second contest featured several meetings with an art teacher, allowing guests to find inspiration and create their own artwork either in their cabins or around the ship. The last one was a lip-sync singing competition. These contests took place throughout the cruise, with awards presented on the final evening at the theater.

Staying in the entertainment theme, there were two themed parties representing our itinerary: the Magreb Night and the Mediterranean Night. During the first, a typical souk atmosphere was recreated with various tents offering Henna sessions, massages, and a place to enjoy authentic Moroccan tea. The Mediterranean Night celebrated Spain, France, and Italy with a show by the dancers and singers from the Costa Favolosa theater, transporting us to these three splendid countries. All of this was accompanied by a rich midnight buffet!

But that’s not all because there were three more unique evenings on board with two special guests. Talia Alexis presented two shows, including a tribute to Tina Turner that left the entire theater thrilled with her powerful voice. The other guest was Tony Hadley, the former lead singer of Spandau Ballet, who took guests back in time with the group’s greatest hits, and the excitement on the guests’ faces was palpable.

Now, let’s move to the culinary world. There were several moments where food took the spotlight. Star Chef Helene Darroze was on board, not only as a judge for the pastry competition but also to present a cooking show at the theater where she prepared a dish with pumpkin, ricotta, coriander, and mint, followed by a tasting for the guests.

Corporate Pastry Chef Riccardo Bellaera, on the other hand, conducted a pastry workshop, showing us some tips and tricks for preparing exquisite desserts at home, just like the ones he makes on board. It’s quite a challenge, though.

In addition to specially designed menus for this club cruise, the Destination Moments couldn’t be missed. During the Magreb Moment, typical dishes such as Maokouda (potato fritters) and Fricassè sakhoun (small fried sandwiches filled with potatoes, tuna, eggs, olives, harissa, and capers) were served. The Mediterranean Destination Moment featured the Pissaladiere typical of the French Riviera, a focaccia with anchovies and onions, Croquetas de Jamon (ham croquettes) from Spain, and Pane e Panelle (chickpea fritters) from Italy, all paired with appropriate wines.

A special addition that was greatly appreciated was the presence of a henna artist, Anna Moris, who conducted various tattoo sessions, allowing guests to get the tattoo they desired, and two henna workshops to better understand this product, the cultures in which it is used, and how to create and use it, thanks to her onboard demonstrations.

Conferences with Franco Alvisi were unmissable, offering insights into the cultures and history of the destinations we visited and revealing the connections and influences between these countries.

As for events and benefits reserved for C|Club members, which vary depending on their membership level, there was the VIP Cocktail, where guests were served an aperitif for a toast with the captain and the onboard staff. There was also the opportunity to meet and take photos with the captain while engaging in friendly conversation. The Welcome Cocktail at the theater featured a unique musical show, and the C|Club Show was dedicated entirely to C|Club members and included the participation of the onboard tenor.

We were also invited to a visit to the bridge, where an officer and later the captain welcomed us, explaining and describing their work. We spent an entire day in the spa with sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, and we also indulged in a relaxing massage. These services were complimentary for Platinum-level members, among others.

Onboard, we celebrated Costa Cruises’ 75th anniversary with a grand pool party, complete with a rich buffet and dancing with the officers, an event that was eagerly anticipated by many. It was a moment of celebration for all those who hold Costa dear!

Finally, we had the chance to try out the specialty restaurants on Costa’s ships, namely Archipelago, Sushino, and Teppanyaki. At Archipelago, the dinner was elegant and refined, with dishes meticulously crafted to follow the itinerary’s theme. At Sushino, which is less casual, we opted for the Unlimited Experience, and it offered some of the best sushi we’ve ever had. At Teppanyaki, the dinner was informal and highly entertaining, thanks to the show cooking by the waiter, who prepared the meal right in front of you, making you part of the preparation.

Regarding the destinations, we had incredible experiences in Tunisia, Morocco, and Spain with long, immersive, cultural, and exclusive excursions for this club cruise.

This was an experience to be lived, a true journey of the senses that provides unique emotions for a lifetime.

Don’t miss further news, information, and Costa Cruises reviews on Cruising Journal with photos, videos, and cruise offers.

Giorgia Lombardo

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