Smooth Jazz

The Costa Atlantica was a constant surprise, as she played hostess for the Smooth Jazz Cruise. From the moment we entered the ship and were greeted by the Captain and Crew in the soaring atrium, which was resplendent with glass elevators, stained glass and brilliantly colored artwork and furniture, we knew we were in for an amazing week.

Add in a lineup of 9 smooth jazz stars, in Atlantica's beautiful Caruso Theater twice each night, and we had a very happy crowd!

The artwork throughout Atlantica took our breath away and I found myself photographing everything from hand-painted Michelangelo-esque murals on the buffet dining room walls, to the glass sculptures and wood inlay in the magnificent elevators (of all places to take photos!!) Even our room had colored glass sculptured light fixtures. Atlantica is a beautiful ship, to be sure.

The whirlpool and swimming pool areas are also well-appointed, but the water temperature, in mid-January, left a little to be desired in the way of HEAT! However, the spa whirlpool and amenities more than made up for the cool reception poolside.

We only dined in the formal dining room twice during the SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE, but this was more due to the fact that we had so much music to see, and only so little time in which to do it. I found that I could order our whole meal and have it delivered to our cabin while we dressed for the night's concerts, saving time and the hassle of dressing for dinner.

Our balcony room was larger than I expected it to be. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows and the glass balcony enclosure ensured a magnificent oceanic view for the whole cruise. At night, we used the heavy deck chair to prop open the door, and I slept with my head near the open door, lulled to sleep by the waves and the wind. Next cruise on the Atlantica: I am going to sleep ON the balcony!

The food was so-so. Not what we expected for an Italian ship, although the pizza, served in the buffet around the clock, was crispy and delicious! I am taken to understand that our week on the Atlantica was NOT representative of the food quality. I'm willing to give her another try, foodwise!

I will return to Atlantica in January 2005 for a fully-chartered SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE. This time we won't have to share venues with typical cruise acts and shows, but will have full scale smooth jazz entertainment for all 7 days. This cruise will be a sell-out, since it's the only one of its kind in the world. At first I was disappointed to be going back to the same ship, with the same itinerary, but now that I reconsider it, Atlantica is ideal for a theme cruise, with its grand theater and the other lounges, which accomodate up to 400 people for jam sessions and the like.

I am a group leader for the 2005 cruise and hope that this review helps potential cruisers decide on cruising Atlantica.

SMOOOTH JAZZ CRUISE
Join Team Jazzmaniac Today