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December 16, 2024

Sailing aboard the Costa Voyages Special Edition Around Africa was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that redefined the concept of cruising for someone like me, well-versed in the world of Costa Cruises. While accustomed to traditional cruising experiences, this special edition revealed a higher level of personalization, adventure, and magic.

My journey began in Tenerife, leading us on an epic adventure to Port Louis, Mauritius, through a blend of cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and rich traditions. Each day was a cascade of emotions, marked by extraordinary stops and activities that turned this cruise into an unforgettable story.

Onboard, every day was filled with a vibrant program of events designed to engage every type of passenger. The “Sea Olympics,” for instance, became one of the most popular events, featuring a series of challenges that made everyone feel like part of one big team. The lively competition created a dynamic and energetic atmosphere, uniting passengers of all ages in games of skill, sportsmanship, and, above all, fun! Afternoons were dedicated to creativity and play, with activities like Art & Craft workshops, where we had the chance to express ourselves through hands-on projects and create small masterpieces, as well as bridge and burraco tournaments, which delighted card enthusiasts. Of course, there was also time for relaxation, with the Solemio Spa offering a true oasis of tranquility—perfect for recharging and rejuvenating after a day full of exciting activities. Another highlight was the “baptism of the sea,” followed by Neptune’s blessing after crossing the Equator—a hilarious ritual where the captain and Neptune exchanged the keys to their respective realms.

What truly made these days unforgettable were the grand entertainment events. Officially kicking off this extraordinary adventure was the Welcome Cocktail Party, a wonderful opportunity to toast with the captain and celebrate the beginning of an incredible journey together.

Two of the most eagerly awaited events were undoubtedly “Dancing with the Stars” and the Officers’ Ball. The former delivered an unmissable show, as contestants, paired with the onboard dancers, performed three choreographed routines bursting with passion, energy, and determination. It was captivating to witness the progress of each participant and share moments of joy and lightheartedness. Meanwhile, the Officers’ Ball, one of the most anticipated and memorable highlights of the cruise, masterfully combined elegance, tradition, and enchantment into a single unforgettable evening. The perfect setting for this exclusive ball was Costa Smeralda’s Colosseum, whose dazzling lights and grandeur made every moment even more special.

Another highly engaging and intense activity was the “Behind the Scene” tour, an exclusive journey into the heart of Costa Smeralda. We explored the ship’s restricted areas, uncovering the secrets behind its flawless operations. One of the highlights was the ship’s bridge, where officers showcased the sophisticated navigation technologies and gave us the rare opportunity to see advanced tools such as emergency radio transmitters and monitoring systems up close. An officer explained how every maneuver is meticulously planned and executed, giving us a deeper appreciation for the precision and care behind each decision that directly impacts our journey. We also visited the onboard kitchens, a fascinating microcosm of efficiency and creativity, as well as the backstage area of the Colosseum theater, where we discovered the magic behind the shows, admiring glittering costumes and props. Another intriguing stop was the ship’s storeroom, where vast supplies of food, beverages, and tableware are kept—a vital warehouse ensuring that everything is always available for guests. Finally, we explored the crew’s area, where staff members relax between shifts. We had the chance to share a refreshing drink with them and even got a glimpse of their cabins and common spaces. The tour concluded with a small aperitif, celebrating the experience that allowed us to see and appreciate the immense effort behind every aspect of this magnificent ship. It was both fascinating and enlightening, giving us a deeper connection to the beating heart of Costa Smeralda. Each step of the tour was a revelation, showcasing the dedication and passion of the Costa team in ensuring passengers have an impeccable experience.

Aboard Costa Voyages, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a series of new and extraordinary experiences. Among these, the Sea Destination program “Sea of Stars” stood out as one of the most thrilling highlights. Over two unforgettable nights—one in the Atlantic Ocean and the other in the Indian Ocean—I lived a truly unique adventure. On the first night, in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, complete darkness gave way to a star-filled sky. Using an app recommended onboard, we identified planets and constellations, while the captain shared fascinating stories about the universe. In that moment, I felt both humbled by the vastness of the cosmos and deeply connected to nature and the infinite. Our journey continued in the Indian Ocean, where the second Sea Destination offered a completely new perspective of the night sky. Familiar constellations, such as Orion’s Belt and the Pleiades, appeared inverted, while new and intriguing formations, like the Chameleon and the Toucan, enriched our view. Through the captain’s narration, every star seemed to tell a story, unveiling myths and mysteries that turned astronomy into a spellbinding experience. Two nights, two different horizons, yet the same awe in the face of the vastness of the sky and the universe.

A highly anticipated cultural highlight of the cruise was undoubtedly the series of lectures, which offered the opportunity to delve deeper into the destinations we were about to visit. This time, thanks to a collaboration with Rolling Stone, the lectures took on an even more special significance, uniquely blending culture and music. Each lecture became a fascinating journey where history and music intertwined, allowing us to explore the destinations from an entirely new perspective.

We had the pleasure of attending three extraordinary lectures, each with its own style and musical vibration. The first, titled “The Desert, the Moon, and the Diamonds. Namibia on the Rock Tracks,” took us on a fascinating journey to discover a mysterious and wild land, exploring not only its breathtaking landscapes but also its most evocative symbols: the moon, diamonds, and the starry night. Under the expert guidance of Franco Alvisi, we crossed the landscape and history of Namibia, a land rich in diamonds that, like the stars in the sky, shine in the darkness of the desert. Franco skillfully intertwined these symbols, reflecting on how the moon, diamonds, and the vastness of the sky were linked to rock music, particularly through the famous Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” which united the mystery of the moon and diamonds in a unique harmony, reflecting on beauty and the infinite.

The second lecture, “Safaris, the Night, and Freedom: South Africa on the Tracks of Rock,” took us on an extraordinary journey into the heart of South Africa. Once again, music became the connecting thread, leading us through the social and cultural struggles that have shaped this land’s history. The concept of freedom, reflected in stories of transformation, was conveyed through rock music, which served as a soundtrack to moments of struggle and rebirth. The lecture also explored the symbolism of the garden as a representation of beauty and harmony—an idea deeply resonant with the South African landscape, where nature continuously thrives despite challenges. The final lecture, “Nirvana, the Rainbow, and Nostalgia: Mauritius on the Tracks of Rock,” offered an emotional journey blending Indian culture, spirituality, and rock. Franco Alvisi delved into the connection between universal love and light, symbolized by the rainbow, an image that illuminated the history of Mauritius, an island Mark Twain described as “paradise.” The lecture wove philosophical reflections on time and the return to one’s authentic self, analyzing the influence of the Beatles—particularly their song “Love You To”—which bridges Eastern and Western sensibilities. What struck us most was the depth with which each lecture explored history and culture, enriched by the musical vibrations that accompanied us throughout the experience. These lectures were not just moments of learning but true sensory journeys, seamlessly uniting the beauty of the destinations with the energy of music.

A central element of this cruise was wellness, thanks to the Healthy program by Technogym, which made the experience even more special. I had the opportunity to follow a personalized fitness journey that combined innovation, health, and enjoyment. My experience began with a full check-up, during which an expert personal trainer used sophisticated equipment to analyze my physical parameters, such as body fat, muscle mass, and mobility. This advanced test allowed me to receive a tailored workout plan, perfect for my goals and the time available on board.

I chose to train three times a week, and each session was motivating and highly effective. The instructor, always attentive and supportive, also provided useful advice for a balanced diet, offering specific guidelines for every meal of the day, from breakfast to dinner. The Technogym program turned out to be not just a fitness program, but also a journey toward a healthier lifestyle. For those seeking an even more complete wellness experience, the perfect choice is the Healthy Full package, which includes a special menu developed in collaboration with Technogym. I couldn’t resist and tried this menu, discovering balanced and delicious dishes that turned every meal into a real pleasure, without compromising on health or the enjoyment of great food. At the end of my journey, what I realized is that the Technogym program is a comprehensive and perfect fit for both fitness enthusiasts and beginners. Thanks to its customization, it adapts perfectly to the relaxing rhythm of the cruise, allowing you to keep your body in shape without sacrificing pleasure.

During the Costa Voyages Special Edition, one of the elements that truly defined this experience was the food, a hallmark of excellence for Costa. Every meal on board was a journey through flavors, a unique opportunity to savor dishes that blended tradition with innovation. I had the pleasure of enjoying extraordinary desserts, such as the millefeuille with zabaglione, which melted in my mouth with every bite. But it wasn’t just the desserts that won me over; the savory dishes were also exceptional, like the Baba Ganoush soup, a velvety cream enhanced with black lemon, pistachio spheres, and fresh goat cheese. All of this was made possible through the collaboration of Pastry Chef Riccardo Bellaera with Master Iginio Massari for the desserts, and the three Michelin-starred chefs who crafted the culinary excellence on board.

Finally, one of the aspects that most impressed me about this cruise were the Land Destinations with the overland excursions: multi-day land tours that allowed us to immerse ourselves deeply in the cultures and landscapes of the places we visited. Each destination was a journey within a journey. In South Africa, the thrill of experiencing a safari and observing the animals in their natural habitat was unparalleled. We traversed nature reserves amidst landscapes of extraordinary beauty, spotting lions, elephants, and giraffes in the wild. It wasn’t just a visit, but a journey into the wild soul of the continent, making us feel like an integral part of nature. These excursions were meticulously organized, with expert guides who led us on an unforgettable experience.

My excursion, “Four Days Up Close with the Big Five,” turned out to be much more than I had ever imagined from the very first day. The first day began with our arrival in Cape Town after a long and pleasant sail. The sight of Costa Smeralda arriving at the harbor with Table Mountain in the background was a unique thrill. After picking up my small luggage and heading to the meeting point, the adventure began. A short bus ride took us to our first stop, Kirstenbosch National Garden, a true natural paradise. Walking among vast stretches of indigenous plants, colorful flowers, and majestic trees felt like stepping into a living painting. Afterwards, a typical South African lunch allowed us to savor the authentic flavors of this land, featuring fresh fish and a traditional dessert, malva pudding, which won me over with its sweetness and delicacy. In the afternoon, we visited Boulders Beach, home to a colony of charming African penguins. Watching these little creatures in their natural habitat was delightful, an experience that brought out the child in all of us. Seeing them swim freely, relax in the sun, or protect their eggs was something simple yet unique. The excursion then continued to the majestic Cape of Good Hope. There, amid the strong winds and breathtaking views, I experienced a sense of freedom like no other. The day concluded with a refined dinner at a luxurious hotel, the perfect prelude to the real adventure that awaited us.

The following day, we headed to Port Elizabeth to reach the Amakhala Game Reserve. The alarm went off early in the morning as we made our way to the airport for a direct flight to our next destination. The lodge was an oasis of comfort nestled in nature, a dream retreat. The location made this experience unique, as my “room” was actually made up of just one masonry wall, while the rest was a tent. Thanks to its position, I could enjoy the landscape from dawn to dusk, with a beautiful view right in front of my bed. By unzipping the tent, I accessed my private balcony, where there was a small bathtub, allowing me to immerse myself in nature’s beauty while watching animals come to visit! In the afternoon, we embarked on our first safari, where we had thrilling encounters with buffaloes and rhinos, not to mention the adorable zebras with their young and the charming, funny warthogs. At sunset, three cheetahs crossed our path, keeping us company for a while. The day concluded with a typical dinner, a “braai” under the stars, which added a magical touch to my experience and allowed me to truly connect with the essence of the place.

The third day began with an early wake-up call for the morning safari. The encounter with the lion, the king of the savannah, was one of those moments that will remain etched in my mind forever. After a relaxing lunch, we set off for another safari, which ended with an unexpected visit from giraffes right in front of the lodge—a moment of pure magic. The fourth and final day began with the last safari at dawn, which gave us the peak of this adventure: a close encounter with a majestic elephant. A face-to-face moment, just a couple of meters away, which marked the perfect conclusion to this journey, leaving everyone in awe. Although I didn’t spot the leopard, one of the Big Five, this trip exceeded all expectations, leaving me with a desire to return. The bond with nature, the unforgettable moments, and the emotions experienced during these four days were so intense that they cannot be fully described, as they must simply be lived to be fully understood.

In addition to the thrilling experiences during the overland, I also had the opportunity to participate in a day excursion to Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, which turned out to be equally fascinating. The cruise concluded right there, with an excursion that allowed me to discover the vibrant city, a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture.

The first stop was the Marie Reine de la Paix monument, an open-air church that overlooks the city from above. This serene place holds special significance, as Pope John Paul II stopped here during his visit in 1989. The view of the city from this panoramic point was breathtaking. We then proceeded to the famous Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, one of the oldest in the world. Walking among centuries-old trees and giant lily ponds, I was able to appreciate the extraordinary biodiversity of the place. Every corner offered something unique: a rare species, an unexpected fragrance, or silence broken only by the songs of the birds. Next, we visited a beautiful colonial villa, with a vintage atmosphere and elegant furnishings that made me feel as though I had stepped back in time. The day ended with a visit and free time at Caudan Waterfront, a place that perfectly blends modernity and tradition. Here, among colorful boutiques and the harbor as a backdrop, I was able to do some shopping and relax.

My experience aboard the Costa Voyages Special Edition Around Africa was much more than just a cruise. It was a true celebration of the sea, the stars, cultures, and life itself. This cruise represented a new way of experiencing long voyages, combining the discovery of unusual destinations with the best of gastronomy and entertainment. From thrilling excursions to onboard activities, every detail was designed to offer something extraordinary. With just one cruise, I had the opportunity to explore unique and fascinating places, experiencing every moment as an adventure to remember.

The Costa Voyages Special Edition Around Africa is not just a cruise, but an experience that will remain in my heart forever. It gave me powerful emotions and the desire to continue exploring the world with the same spirit of curiosity and wonder, and who knows, maybe relive it on the return journey in March!

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Giorgia Lombardo

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