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February 13, 2024

Costa Cruises, once again, took center stage with Costa Smeralda at the Sanremo Festival, one of the most anticipated and beloved musical events for all Italians and beyond.

The cruise-event unfolded in two phases, a pre-Sanremo from February 3rd to 7th, and one during the full festival from February 7th to 11th, giving all guests the opportunity to experience either a part or the entire cruise.

Once on board, a festive atmosphere was already in the air, and all guests couldn’t wait to experience the magic of Sanremo from a completely different perspective, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in it.

During the pre-Sanremo days, we participated in various activities, all somehow related to music and, therefore, Sanremo. These activities undoubtedly allowed us to delve into the history of music. Notably, Ernesto Assante, an Italian journalist, music critic, and blogger, personally conducted several sessions at the Colosseo of Costa Smeralda, recounting a piece of music history each day, starting from the 80s up to the present day. Another music-related activity was in the realm of sports. Onboard, Technogym instructors provided workouts in the beautiful Piazza di Spagna, set to the music of the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s, dedicating each day to a different decade.

 

In addition to these daily events, we experienced unique and incredibly exciting moments such as the Sanremo Opening. On February 4th, while Costa Smeralda illuminated its floating stage with light displays, a fireworks show took place along the coast of the city of Sanremo, accompanied by Italian songs that had been successful throughout the history of the Sanremo Festival. An emotional event concluded with a virtual connection between the Teatro Ariston and Costa Smeralda, thanks to laser lights meeting in the sky.

Later on, an exclusive onboard show awaited all guests at the Teatro Saremo. With “ma…diamoci del tu,” Enrico Brignano made the entire audience laugh, joking about couple life and, of course, onboard life, which surely resonated with all present guests. Another highlight during this first day onboard was undoubtedly the Vanity Fair Opening Party, with a live boat party that energized the entire Teatro Sanremo, which, as we already know, has the ability to transform from a theater into a perfect party venue.

In the following days, in addition to the already mentioned activities, we also had the opportunity to participate in an Aperol Spritz Masterclass, involving various guests, giving everyone the chance to learn how to prepare the perfect Aperol Spritz. In Sanremo, flowers are a must, and thanks to the Flower Lab, with the help of expert florists, we learned to create the right floral composition and, above all, how to make flowers last longer. Lastly, the Photo Lab by Canon, an interesting photography workshop with Canon Italia professionals, taught us how to take the best photos on a cruise, from portraits to food.

Our evenings leading up to Sanremo were filled with a 70s Flower Party and a Dj Party by Rolling Stone, which got all Rock enthusiasts dancing to the rhythm of the most legendary hits.

On the big day, Costa Smeralda officially took the stage, allowing us to experience an incredible spectacle, watching the live show from the Beach Club aboard the floating stage set up for the occasion. Onboard, four great Italian and international artists performed. Costa Smeralda, for its connections with the Teatro Ariston in Sanremo, hosted Tedua, who rocked during the opening and closing nights of the Sanremo Festival, Bresh, an Italian rapper, who moved us with his love song, Bob Sinclar, who made us dance to the greatest hits like “Love Generation,” and finally, Gigi D’agostino, known as the captain, who literally set the Costa Smeralda stage on fire, providing moments of joy and fun to all guests who were eager to see him on stage again after a period of hiatus. These five amazing nights were followed by a mini-concert by all the artists dedicated exclusively to the guests on board.

But the fun didn’t end there. During the days of the Sanremo Festival, we attended various parties such as Rockmantics and the 90’s Party, as well as DJ sets by DJ Damianito, who kept us company throughout the cruise.

The Sanremo cruise also hosted many other famous personalities. Not only did we have the chance to catch a glimpse of some VIPs on board, but we also had the pleasure of witnessing a charming Blind Test Show with the presence of chef Bruno Barbieri and Maestro Iginio Massari. In this show, blindfolded guests had to guess the mysterious ingredients. We also participated in The Voice of the Sea, which featured Orietta Berti and Fabio Rovazzi as judges for this singing contest.

Costa Smeralda, of course, continued with its normal onboard life, with classic onboard games with the staff, evening shows at the Colosseo, and live music in various bars/lounges on the ship, making the Sanremo experience an added bonus to the classic cruise.

Now you might be wondering if you just stay on board. The answer is certainly no. Outside of all onboard activities, it was possible to book launches to visit the festive city of Sanremo. Of course, we went ashore. The feeling on land was incredible. Arriving at Piazza Colombo, where the Suzuki stage was set up, a long cordoned-off area began, leading straight to the Teatro Ariston, full of people waiting to catch a glimpse of their idols. But, most importantly, walking the streets of the city, you could feel that festive atmosphere, with street performers, events, and sponsorships crowding the streets. Also, thanks to the presence of many radio stations, it was possible to hunt for VIPs, meet them, and even attend their interviews.

In short, living this experience was something unique, allowing us to experience this important event live, in an alternative way, but above all, firsthand. Festival enthusiasts might think of missing it while on board, but that’s absolutely not the case because the Festival is also broadcast in various areas of the ship, giving everyone the opportunity not to miss a single second. We had fun creating listening groups because it’s more enjoyable to experience it together!

Don’t miss further news, updates, and reviews of Costa Cruises on Cruising Journal with photos, videos, and discounted cruises. 

Giorgia Lombardo

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