Carnival Firenze

The 2021-built (as Costa Firenze) cruise ship Carnival Firenze joined the CCL in 2024 February. This is the second newbuild liner ordered for Costa Cruises - following the 2019-built sistership Costa Venezia (Carnival Venezia since 2023). Both vessels are Italy-built (by Fincantieri) - Venezia at Monfalcone Shipyard (near Trieste) and Firenze at Marghera Shipyard (near Venice). Each vessel has volume 135,500 GT-tons, 2116 cabins and passenger capacity 4200 (max 5260 pax).

Under the "COSTA by CARNIVAL" brand, the vessel (IMO number 9801691) is currently Panama-flagged (MMSI 352003546) and registered in Colon. Costa Firenze was Italy-flagged (MMSI 247431800) and registered in Genoa

From the same series (Vista-class sisterships) are also the CCL-Carnival liners Vista (2016), Horizon (2018) and Panorama (2019), as well as Adora Cruises' ships Adora Magic City (2023) and Adora TBN (2024).

In June 2022, CCL-Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises announced the "COSTA by CARNIVAL" cruise program targeting CCL's North American source market. The program is based on two newbuild Costa ships - Venezia (starting in 2023 with homeporting in NYC New York USA) and Firenze (starting in 2024 with homeporting in Long Beach/Los Angeles California USA). Both Costa liners are CCL-managed (while operating out of the USA) and were scheduled for drydock refurbishments before the Carnival service.

History - construction and ownership

Costa Cruises is a Genoa-headquartered subsidiary company owned by Carnival Corporation. Costa is Europe's second-largest cruise line (after MSC) with year-round operations in the Mediterranean. Costa was founded in 1854 as a cargo shipping company. It started passenger shipping services in 1947, with regular Transatlantic crossings between Europe (Italy) and South America. In 2000, Costa Cruises was acquired by Carnival Corporation (shipowner).

Тхе сhip's design features more efficient use of both indoor and open-deck spaces, with several multi-functional areas. The activity (Lido) deck features an aqua park with a water slide, high-rope garden, and mini-golf course. The pool deck is covered with a retractable glass roof. The Beach Club (adults-only complex) is beneath the glass roof and features a swimming pool, waterslides, rock climbing wall, Сports Дeck area. This deck also has a giant LED wall for movies and other outdoor video entertainment.

The ship has dedicated club lounges for teens and kids, including for toddlers. The panoramic glass elevators also connect the outdoor areas. There is a glass-bottomed skywalk, huge wellness complex (Organic Spa and Fitness), Plaza (with numerous bars and shops), Atrium Lobby Lounge (meeting place with a stage for street performers), large-capacity Theater (main show lounge).

Another agreement (with the German shipbuilder Meyer Werft) was signed in July 2015 and included the construction of 4 new ships. The contract was finalized in April 2016. Of these 4 vessels, 2 are for Costa Cruises (Costa Smeralda from the new Helios-class vessels) and the other 2 for AIDA Cruises (Carnival's German brand).

Managed by Costa Group, the combined fleet of Costa and AIDA is Europe's largest. In 2014, one out of every two cruise ship tourists in Europe sailed with either AIDA or Costa.

In 2015, Costa Group had 20 offices in 14 countries, ~27000 shipyard employees and total passenger capacity of 68000+ berths (across the combined fleet). Costa Group also is the leader of China's rapidly growing cruise market in Asia.

Besides the ship's staff and crew, Costa cruise passengers are also served by Peper robots - the latest cyborg technology implemented fleetwide in 2016. These humanoid robots greet and guide passengers upon embarkation. They also assist them throughout the cruise by providing information and tips on onboard dining, entertainment, enrichment program (workshops, pre-scheduled events), casino and shopping promotions, shore excursions and tours. Pepper robots are mobile and communicate in 3 languages (English, German, Italian). They can also interpret human emotions by analyzing voice tones and facial expressions.

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Firenze staterooms (2116 total) are in 4 main categories: Balcony Suites, Balcony Cabins, Oceanview (with picture windows) and Inside.

All cabins provide a shower in the bathroom, twin beds (convertible to a Queen-sized double bed), hairdryer, electronic safe box (in the closet), mirrored vanity desk with chair, smart HDTV. Balcony Staterooms also feature sofa beds as well as paid-for minibars. Wifi is available in all staterooms for an additional charge as well as in public areas. Suites receive free 24-hour room service, slippers, bathrobes plus drinks package and personal valet.

The boat has 14 decks (all passenger-accessible), of which 12 are with cabins.

CARNIVAL Firenze review

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Palazzo Restaurant and Medici Restaurant are complimentary, waiter-served Main Dining Room restaurants for Breakfast, Brunch (seadays only), Lunch (seadays only) and Dinner. On portdays, Breakfast is served between 7:30-9:30 am (closed for lunch). Dining Room hours are subject to change due to itinerary/port of call arrival times or scheduled onboard activities. On seadays, one MDR serves "Punchliner Comedy Brunch" (breakfast and lunch /between 8:30 am - 1 pm) while the other MDR serves Breakfast (between 8-10 am) and Lunch (between 12-noon - 1:30 pm). Afternoon Tea service (between 3-4 pm /seadays only, complimentary) includes a selection of teas, mini sandwiches, sweets. Dinner (seadays/portdays) is with 2 fixed/pre-assigned seatings - Early (at 6 pm) and Late (at 8:15 pm), plus Anytime ("Your Time Dining" between 5:45-9:30 pm). Dr Seuss themed "Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast" (cover charge $5 pp, reservations recommended) is once per cruise (on a seaday /itinerary based) at 8:30 am and 9:30 am. The dining experience features Dr Seuss character visits, waiters in special uniforms, themed decoration, unique menu.

Lido Marketplace (complimentary, 826 seats) is the ship's self-service buffet restaurant for open-seating Breakfast (7:30 am - 12-noon /made-to-order omelet station), Lunch (12-noon - 2:30 pm), Dinner (6-9:30 pm /Good Eats buffet) and for Late Night Snacks (11 pm - 1 am). Good Eats buffet menu is a Main Dining Room dinner alternative offering steaks, prime rib, grilled chicken, pastas, salads, desserts, daily Chef's Special. Lido Marketplace consists of various take-away food stations and themed food bars. Among those are Carnival Deli (sandwiches, draught beer dispenser), Mongolian Wok (stir-fry, made-to-order Asian food /you choose the ingredients), The Captain's Pasta Bar (choice of 3 pastas, 4 sauces, 12 toppings), Salad Bar (35 items), Pizza Pirate (24-hour Pizzeria), Chef's Choice Bar (international cuisine /different menu each day), Hot and Cold Buffet (stir-fry, pastas, carving station), Grille (ham-cheese-veggie burgers, hot dogs, fries, chicken fritters/sandwiches, sauteed mushrooms/onions, sauerkraut, Chili con Carne, homemade tortillas-chips-salsa), Dessert Bar (incl sugar-free items). There are also (self-serve, complimentary, 24-hour) tea/coffee station and machines for soft ice cream and yogurt. Chocolate Extravaganza Buffet (complimentary) is on the last seaday (7-day and longer cruise itineraries) and offers chocolate smorgasborg, chocolate fountain, cakes (incl pear, orange, cheesecake, dry fruit, diet).

Seafood Shack (open for lunch and dinner /both with waiter service) is a casual restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating located near the Lido buffet (poolside). Seafood Shack's menu is a la carte priced (between $4-16 per item) and offers lobster (BLTs, rolls, steamed, fried), shrimp (salad, rolls, fried), crab cakes, clams, oysters. The menu also has buckets (fried clams, fried buffalo shrimps, and combos), platters (lobster/snow crab by the pound, crab cake - served with corn on the cob, garlic bread, hush puppies or fries), Fish & Chips, Soup of the Day (Lobster Bisque, Oyster Stew, Seafood Gumbo, New England Clam Chowder). The Seafood Shack restaurant is unique for offering fresh fish purchased from local markets along the cruise itineraries. Two to three times per sailing, one of the ship's chefs goes to the port's local fish market and purchases fresh fish and seafood. At Seafood Shack you can check out the cruise itinerary's current selection.

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (open between 6-9:30 pm/menu) is a premium steakhouse/seafood restaurant at a surcharge (reservations recommended). Cover charge fee of $35 pp (adults/kids) includes 1 appetizer, 1 entree, 1 dessert and gratuity. Steakhouse's menu has starters (escargots, grilled mushroom, tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail, crab cake, lobster bisque, onion soup), salads (Caesar, spinach/mushrooms, iceberg lettuce, beefsteak tomato), sides (Baked Potatoes, Sauteed Mushrooms, Creamed Spinach, Steamed Broccoli), entrees (prime-aged beef steaks - 14oz NY strip loin, 18oz rib and 18oz ribeye, 9oz filet mignon, lamb chops, chicken, Maine lobster, fish fillet from the market /itinerary based), desserts (cheesecake, caramelized apples, chocolate sampler, fresh fruits, selections of cheeses, sherbets and ice creams). The Steakhouse also serves beverages (bar prices apply) - fresh coffee/tea, dessert wines and after-dinner drinks. The food is wheeled on a cart to your table for examination. A cooking demonstration offers an hour-long presentation from a team of chefs. The dress code is "Elegant" (jeans permitted). At the steakhouse can also be made reservations (bookings) for the "Chef's Table" (private dinner package).

Bonsai Teppanyaki (within Bonsai Sushi Restaurant) is a food bar for authentic Far East dishes and a live cooking show performance (by the chefs) at custom-built cooking stations positioned at the center of an 8-seat dining table. Due to the room's limited seating, reservations are required. Each meal at Bonsai Teppanyaki starts with a sampling of 5 appetizers (Miso Soup, Pork Belly Yakitori, Spicy Tuna on Rocks). Combo dinners are also offered. Each meal ends with the specialty desserts "Chocolate Bento Box" and "Green Tea Ice Cream". The restaurant is open for lunch (seadays only) and for dinner (every night of the voyage). Cover charge/price is per person and covers the entire meal.

Bonsai Sushi restaurant serves Japanese cuisine specialties and drinks (a la carte priced menu). The sushi bar is open for Dinner (between 5 pm - 12-midnight) and also for Lunch (12-noon - 2:30 pm /on seadays only). The menu has appetizers ($4 each /wagyu short ribs, salmon, tuna), soup/salads ($2 each /miso, mixed greens, noodle), sushi sashimi ($1,50 per piece /shrimp, tuna, salmon, amberjack), sushi rolls ($5 per roll /tuna, California-crab), sushi rolls ($7 per roll /fresh water eel, fried shrimp), bento box ($10 combo), sushi ship ($17 combo). The menu also offers Japanese drinks (Kirin beer, Nigori sake, Tyku Junmai Ginjo sake, Carafe sake /served hot), wine by the glass and desserts ($2 each /Yuzu Custard, Green Tea Cupcake). Complimentary sushi is offered in the evenings at the buffet restaurant.

Pizzeria del Capitano (complimentary, 24-hour, self-serve) is equipped with a wood-fired oven and offers fresh-baked pizzas (Margherita, Pepperoni, Napolitana, Capricciosa, Calzone), pan pizza, Caesar salad, also made-to-order pies.

Lanai BBQ (open between 12-noon - 2:30 pm /seadays only) is an outdoor bar serving the Lanai Promenade with cooked-to-order fast food. BBQ Bar's menu has grilled items (steak, pork, chicken), chicken quesadilla, sliders, BBQ tacos (choice of meat), topless burgers, Carnival Dog (hot dogs), salads, homemade chips/salsa, traditional BBQ condiments.

JavaBlue Cafe (open between 7-10 am, and between 4 pm - 12:30-midnight) is a specialty patisserie/coffee bar. The a la carte priced menu includes coffees ($3 – cappuccino, latte, mochaccino), espresso ($2), Javablue Drip ($1), chi tea latte ($3), hot chocolate ($2), spiked coffees ($6 – Caribbean, Mexican, Irish, Chocolate Lovers), iced coffees ($3,50), milkshakes ($4), specialty teas, bottled water, Perrier, San Pellegrino (1 L). JavaBlue Cafe menu also has desserts – Blue Velvet Cake ($2), cheesecakes ($2), cookies ($1 each), chocolate-covered strawberries ($0,75 each), flavored syrups /$0,50), and ice cream scoops.

Tomodoro offers Mexitalian fusion creations with ingredients like Italian meatballs/Sicilian chicken alongside traditional Mexican tacos/burritos, for breakfast and lunch.

Guy's Burger Joint is Carnival's signature burger bar by the US celebrity Guy Fieri (Food Network). The bar is complimentary and open for lunch and dinner (between 12-noon - 6 pm). The menu includes specialty burgers (Plain Jane, Straight Up, Pig Patty, Chilius Maximus, The Ringer), also made-to-order burgers, hand-cut fries, condiment bar. The ingredients include 80-20 beef patties, buttered buns, melted cheese, mushrooms, lettuce, onions, pickles, tomato, Donkey Sauce (mayo), crispy bacon patty, spicy onion rings, chili, BBQ sauce.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Themed party events held onboard include Captain's Venetian Toast (held in the Atrium and featuring cast members dressed in Venetian costumes and passengers wearing Venetian masks) and Italian Street Party (with rotating entertainment including Italian-themed performances and live music).

Teatro Rosso (Theater Lounge, lower level 1 of 2) is the ship's main show lounge for grand-style show productions featuring live performances (tribute acts - singing and dancing) combined with sound and lighting special effects. The evening shows last 30 min. The music is backed by high-definition graphics (photos and videos) projected on large-size LED screens. The evening entertainment program also offers popular family game shows (like "Love and Marriage") and guest performers (stand-up comedy acts, magicians, musicians). The ship's theater also hosts the "Playlist Productions" (live stage musical revues) and "Hasbro The Game Show" (interactive board games). The daily program includes seminars, expert lectures, multimedia presentations, workshops and classes, bingo sessions. Carnival Venezia ship offers an exclusive program with 3 production shows (at 7 pm, 8:45 pm, 10:30 pm) followed by after-show parties allowing guests to interact with the performers. Carnival Venezia's Playlist Productions' programming also includes three new shows - Broadway Beats (New York City-themed), Vintage Pop NYC's prohibition era-themed) and Epic Rock (concert).

The ship's theater lounge is designed as a multi-purpose venue, so instead of traditional stadium seating (bench-style), all chairs are individual allowing different configurations. The theater also hosts pre-scheduled daily events - port talks, Carnival shore excursions meetings, land tours-related media presentations, etc.

Hasbro Game Shows are based on the TV series "Family Game Night" (board games and EA Games). These family fun shows are giant versions of popular trademarked board games (like Connect 4, Yahtzee, Sorry! Sliders, Operation Sam Dunk, Simon Flash, Monopoly, 10-pin Bowling) in which guests can team up to win prizes (Hasbro board games).

Playlist Productions are music revues combining live performances (singing, dancing, acting) with LED staging and special effects. Among the offered live musical shows are 88 KEYS (Rock n' Roll Piano Show with singalong hits), 80s POP TO THE MAX (1980s), GETAWAY ISLAND (beach movies of the 1960s with 3D effects), HEART OF SOUL (R&B and soul), EPIC ROCK (hits from 1970s-1980s), STUDIO VIP (1970's), THE BRITS (UK singers tributes), MOTOR CITY (R&B /1960s-1970s), LATIN NIGHTS (Latin singers tributes), DIVAS (one-name female singers tributes).

Limelight Lounge (the place for the "Punchliner Comedy Club") offers live evening entertainment by vocalists, musicians, comedians, and karaoke.

Carnival Seaside Theatre is a complimentary outdoor cinema with a huge LED screen. The Cinema also has a stage (for live performances and games) and is used daily for showing funny videos, TV shows, concerts, live sporting events, and nightly for watching movies with complimentary provided popcorn.

Firenze Casino (plus Annex) is a Vegas-style gambling casino equipped with various slot machines ("Coinless Fun Slot Machines") and gaming tables (Craps, Roulette, Black Jack 21, Caribbean Stud Poker, dealer-free poker tables). The Casino also provides complimentary gambling lessons and hosts regularly gambling tournaments. Guests can pay in cash or with their S&S cards ("sign and sail" /backed by the credit card given at check-in). Travelers checks can be cashed at the Cashier's Window (casino cage). Table games are cash only. Slot machines are S&S cards only (coinless). The opening hours on seadays are - slots (9 am), select tables (10 am), all games (12-noon - 3 am), but may vary depending on itinerary port times. The Casino is closed when the ship is in port, and opens 30-60 min after the ship leaves port. On Carnival ships calling overnight on Nassau Bahamas, the Casino stays open. On Carnival ships in Half Moon Cay (the line's private island) the Casino opens at management's discretion. Smoking is allowed only on designated slot machines and gaming tables. Carnival chips are fleet-transferable and generic (logoed). MegaCash is the world's largest jackpot that can be won on a cruise ship - over USD 1 million.

Heroes Tribute is a bar lounge (age limit 21+ yo) via a partnership with Operation Homefront (a USA-based nonprofit organization that provides services and supports military families and veterans). Each souvenir glass purchase at Heroes Tribute Lounge donates US$ 1 to Operation Homefront. The venue offers comfortable seating (leather armchairs with low tables) and large TVs (for live sporting events).

Pixels Photo Gallery and Shop sells photo-video equipment and accessories, and displays and sells photos made by the ship's professional photographers.

Dreams Studio (photo sessions studio)

Art Gallery in the Atrium displays original works from renowned art dealers, available for purchasing at discount prices (allegedly cheaper than at land galleries). Gallery art auctions are complemented by sparkling wine and held daily (usually in the early afternoon) at the Atrium's Lobby.

The Fun Shops is named the ship's duty-free shopping arcade of stores (open between 8 am - 12 midnight) selling Carnival Cruise Lines logo merchandise (ship models, fun wear-apparel), Special Occasions (gifts, souvenirs, packages), name-brand boutique merchandise (luxury jewelry-watches, designer bags-hats-shoes-fashion-accessories-sunglasses, perfumes-cosmetics-beauty products), also liquor-tobaccos and conveniences.

Cherry on Top (open between 4 - 10:30 pm) is a Carnival signature shop selling bulk candies by the oz (mix and match, sugar-free, assortments), confections (lollipops, sweet apples, truffles, chocolate deep cheesecakes and pretzels, cupcakes, fudge, cookies /and sugar-free). Cherry on Top also sells ladies and kids apparel (bathrobes, hoodies, lounge pants, tank tops), balloons, flowers, Carnival Greeting Cards, shower/spa items. The shop also provides formalwear rentals available only for pre-cruise ordering (not on board).

Cloud 9 Beauty Salon (facials, manicure/pedicure, hair styling-cutting-coloring, eyebrow shaping, makeup, waxing, grooming-barbering, teeth whitening, Medi-Spa)

SkyCourse is a suspended ropes course - another complimentary, outdoor high-adrenaline action attraction.

Mini Golf Course

Serenity is the ship's adults-only retreat (complimentary/free entry for passengers 21+ yo) accessible at any time. This is a forward-location outdoor area/sundeck with 2x Jacuzzies/whirlpools (large-size outdoor hot tubs, cantilevered/infinity pool type, with glass walls), 2x massage huts, cabanas, Fresh Creations (complimentary chopped salad station for made-to-order fresh salads), Spritz Bar/Serenity Bar (waiter-served beverages), and an exclusive sundeck for relaxation, sunbathing and evening dance parties. Both bars and the whirlpools are available between 8 am - 10 pm. Hours may vary depending on cruise itinerary, portdays/seadays, weather.

Serenity Deck is furnished with hammocks, premium wicker chaise lounges and clamshell chairs (plush seating, teal cushions), shaded seating areas with double loungers and plush wicker sofas, live trees for decoration. At regular bar prices, Serenity Bar's menu offers drinks and refreshments (cocktails, beer/buckets, wine by the glass, frozens, smoothies, shakes, sodas).

Piazza Duomo is a 3-floor-high Atrium space (midship on decks 3-4-5) with an open-floor design and housing the Lobby (Carnival Adventures/Tour Desk and Guest Services/Reception Desk), the Atrium Bar and the stage (for street performers) on its lower level. From the Atrium's mid-level (deck 4) are directly accessed the Fun Shops and the Dreams Studio (photo studio) and Cherry-on-Top. Piazza Duomo's upper level (deck 5) provides direct access to the Fun Shops and the Beauty Salon.

Amari Bar, Frizzante Bar, Pergola Bar, Rococo Bar (frozen drinks)

Kids & Teens venues and programs

Camp Ocean is the ship's kids complex providing supervised by counselors age-appropriate activities and themed entertainment for 3 age groups - 2-5 yo (Penguins), 6-8 yo (Stingrays), 9-11 yo (Sharks). Each group has its own room and dedicated staff. Operational hours (may vary due to Carnival cruise itineraries) are - seadays (10 am - 1 pm, 2 - 5 pm, 7 - 10 pm) and portdays (port arrival time until 2 pm, and 2-10 pm).

Youth staff is international, professional, CPR-certified. Staffing depends on the ship's current cruise itinerary and season. All children must constantly wear their muster station wristbands (available here or at Guest Services). In cases of emergency, parents must collect their kid's lifejacket from their cabin (when picking up their own).

Camp Ocean provides supervised dinners for kids every evening (between 6-6:45 pm - time may vary due to itinerary) excepting the first evening. Kids-only dinners (chaperoned) take place in the Lido buffet restaurant. Among the menu choices are mac and cheese, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fries, fish sticks, chicken nuggets, spaghetti and meatballs, vegetables, fruits, Jell-O.

Carnival Cruise Lines Camp Ocean youth program is complimentary and offers over 200 marine-themed activities. The programming also includes family afternoons (when parents can play with their kids) and a family day with group activities, like face painting and family scavenger hunts (parents and kids receive cameras and search for things hidden in various places throughout the ship).

Camp Ocean PENGUINS (2-5 yo) arts-crafts, Penguin Palooza (costume making, parades), music/singalongs, aerobics, sculpturing, face painting, T-shirt decorating, bingo (candy prizes), storytime (reading), Dr Seuss, Mr Potato Head, Playstation gaming, dance parties, indoor ball games, movie nights, "Owl Jams" themed parties (10 pm - 12-midnight /fees apply).

Camp Ocean STINGRAYS (6-8 yo) PlayStation-Nintendo games, arts-crafts, Pirate Game Night, Memory Game, face painting, T-shirt decorating, sport contests, music time, bingo (prizes), Superheroes, "Fun Til' One" themed parties (10 pm - 1 am /fees apply).

Camp Ocean SHARKS (9-11 yo) PlayStation-Nintendo games, music trivia, arts-crafts, T-shirt decorating, design your own cruise ship, scavenger hunts, origami, bingo (prizes), dance parties, outdoor sports competitions, Fun At Sea themed parties (10 pm - 1 am /fees apply).

Camp Ocean NIGHT OWLS (babysitting of kids 6 months to 11 yo) is available each evening between 10 pm - 1 am (no in-cabin babysitting). The service is at fee $6,75 per kid per hour (plus 15% gratuity, no discounts). Fees are paid via the S&S card (ship account /no cash) and due upon pick-up. Any kid left past 1 am is charged double and forfeits babysitting privileges for the remainder of the cruise. The service offers slumber party activities (movies, toys, board games, video games, arts-crafts) and includes room-service snacks. Babysitting of infants (babies under 2 yo) on portdays begins 15 min before first shore excursion/tour until 12 noon (or from 1 to 5 pm on port arrivals after 12 noon) and on seadays from 8 to 10 am. Kids don't have to be potty-trained (parents provide diapers/toiletries).

Carnival's Camp Ocean-themed programming on select nights offers additional parties (surcharged $13 per kid plus 15% gratuity). These are "Owl Jams" (2-11 yo, 10 pm - 12-midnight /challenges, hide and seek, music), "Fun Til One" (6-8 yo, 10 pm - 1 am /video gaming, dancing, singing) and "Fun At Sea" (9-11 yo, 10 pm - 1 am /video gaming, sports events, pizza). Snacks and beverages are included.

For Carnival Camp Ocean participants only (kids under 5 and kids with special needs/allergies) are provided complimentary beepers, cell phones and phone chargers. At fee can be rented baby strollers (single and double) - 5-day+ itineraries ($30 full cruise) and 3-4-day itineraries ($8 per day).

Carnival Firenze ship's kids complex also has Party Reef (lounge area), Creative Cove (dedicated room for kids arts-crafts-workshops), Dr Seuss Bookville (kids library) and an Outdoor Playground.

Creative Cove is a dedicated room for kids arts-crafts and workshops. The Beary Cuddly Workshop is a build-your-own-stuffed-animal activity where kids can make and take home a stuffed toy (teddy, bear, dog, lion, koala). This workshop is for-fee (prices start from $20 depending on selected outfits/accouterments). A portion of these sales goes to St Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis TN). The "Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea" is a themed activity via an exclusive partnership with the toy company. Like at its stores on land, the Carnival's cruise ship workshop allows children to create and dress their own toy bears using a variety of materials, outfits and accessories, including toy shoes/sneakers, all kinds of suits, hats, sunglasses. Each bear also has its own voice (kids record the voices themselves).

Dr Seuss Bookville (themed library) is a family reading/play room featuring iconic decor (with brightly colored furniture), all Dr Seuss books (over 40 titles in several languages) available for reading, themed board games and activities.

Circle C (children's club lounge for 12-14 yo; video games, movies, parties, planned activities, all complimentary), with the new Dr Seuss Bookville library.

Club O2 (teens-only club lounge for movies, video games, karaoke, themed parties, booking teen-only cruise shore excursions).

COSTA Firenze review

Costa Firenze offers a total of 13 restaurants and 7 bar lounges. The food offerings consist of classic Italian dishes, fast food, traditional Asian and Chinese cuisine. Italian food includes the menu of 3-star Michelin chef Umberto Bombana. However, authentic Chinese cuisine is available in the main and specialty restaurants at any time.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Follows the complete list of Costa Firenze restaurants and food bars.

• The Main Restaurant (waiter-served) and the Lido deck buffet restaurant (Versilia Restaurant) offer Chinese and Italian food from the early hours until night.
• Another option is street food, with Dim Sum offering traditional Chinese food.
• Casanova Restaurant is the ship's stand-out specialty restaurant. Its menu was created by Italian chef Umberto Bombana of 3-star Michelin restaurant Otto e Mezzo Bombana.
• Ristorante dei Medici
• Ristorante Palazzo Vecchio
• Frutti di Mare is a seafood restaurant serving Venetian and oriental dishes.
• Lanai BBQ Restaurant and La Fiorentina Steak House both feature sea views.
• Napoli Pizza delivers classic Italian pizza anytime anywhere onboard.

Introduced in 2021, "Destination Dishes" are complimentary and available at the MDR's/main dining rooms fleetwide. They are based on individual recipes designed by a "celebrity chef trio" (Bruno Barbieri/Italian, Helene Darroze/French, Angel Leon/Spanish) and interpret the traditional food of the destinations to be visiting by the ship on the following day of the voyage.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Costa Firenze was specially designed to showcase Italian food, lifestyle, and culture, which is why the ship's atrium is modeled on the St Mark's Square in Venice and there are a couple of real gondolas onboard. The Lounge Tuscany is where travelers can have a virtual reality trip through the port city in a gondola and the Grand Canal Restaurant features a "canal-side" walk to admire the Bridge of Sighs - Ponte dei Sospiri. The restaurant replicates the architecture of Venetian alleys and guests are served by waiters specially dressed as 17th century Venetians. Costa Firenze voyages also offer a Venice Carnival party night with Italian entertainment and Venetian masks.

Every night there are shows in the theatre with a focus on Italian productions like Venezia Innamorata, which is based on the life of Venetian lover Giacomo Casanova. The Lounge Della Moda is where guests can join Costa Venezia Film Festival, being entertained with songs from popular films and watching Venice Film Festival movies.

Despite the Italian ambiance of Costa Firenze, the vessel has been designed exclusively for Chinese passengers with much of the entertainment Chinese, including the Golden Party where there are gifts and surprises to be won every ten minutes.

Typical family entertainment is at the heart of the experience, including kids' clubs, mini-golf, Rope Garden, and Water Park Laguna for onboard fun.

The ship also features some of the most popular Asian entertainment venues (including 11 karaoke rooms) and the Masquerade Ball event themed on Venice City's Carnevale. The liner has 6 large bar lounges (serving premium cocktails) plus Bella Bar (for bubble teas and fresh-made juices).

Onboard shopping

Costa Firenxe's retail shopping (managed by Starboard Cruise Services) is tax- and duty-free and features premium brands (including best-known Italian designers), exclusive (for the ship) collections as well as memorable shopping experiences.

Spanning 13 decks, Firenze's Galleria Shops offer a huge variety of retail categories, including jewelry-watches-glasses, fashion clothing and accessories, shoes-handbags-hats, cosmetics-perfumes-fragrances-skincare-bath products, special gifts and souvenirs, travel essentials.

• The Italy-themed collections are rotating (the merchandise is refreshed twice per cruise) and feature hand-made pottery, miniatures, keyrings, decorative magnets.
• Italian brands on the liner include Salvatore Ferragamo (designer handbags, shoes, ties, belts), Ciclamini Milano (handmade jewelry), MYTO Firenze (artisan jewelry), Save My Bag (handmade bags, totes, clutches, crossbodies, accessories), as well as the major fashion brands Versace, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Diesel, Ermanno Scervino, Etro, Marni, Missoni, Trussardi, Moschino, Roberto Cavalli.
• New brands presented onboard include Louis Vuitton (designer handbags) and What Goes Around Comes Around (vintage streetwear).

The onboard Retail Concierge service enables in-cabin shopping, as well as private store appointments and guided outings).

CARNIVAL Firenze itineraries

For COSTA by CARNIVAL, Costa Firenze is currently planned to start ex-USA operations in April 2024, out of LA/Long Beach California.

On March 23, 2023, CCL opened for booking Carnival Firenze's inaugural cruise season (voyages departing between May 2024 and April 2025) from Long Beach CA. The program includes 15 itineraries ranging in length from 3-day to 7-day (all LA roundtrips to Baja Mexico ports) including 5-day "Mexican Riviera Inaugural Cruise" (Maiden Voyage for CCL/departure May 2, 2024, to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada), 6-day "Mexican Riviera Cruise" (visits Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas/overnight stay) and 7-day "Mexican Riviera Cruise" (visits Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas).

In 2025-2026, Carnival Firenze has scheduled short breaks to Mexico from Long Beach, including a 4-day Baja California itinerary (to Ensenada and Catalina Island) and a 5-day Mexican Riviera itinerary (to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada).

COSTA Firenze itineraries

Costa Firenze itinerary program was originally planned to start in October 2020 with a month-long inaugural season in Europe/Mediterranean, from the Italian homeports Trieste and Savona. Next was scheduled (starting November 2, 2020) a 51-day relocation voyage from Savona to Hong Kong China.

Bookings for all (five) 5- to 7-day Mediterranean itineraries and the 51-day Europe-China voyage were opened on May 6, 2019. However, due to the Coronavirus crisis, the vessel's delivery was delayed and its itinerary program significantly postponed and changed.

Costa Firenze's Maiden Voyage (7-day itinerary Trieste to Savona) had to start on October 1, 2020, to Bari, Barcelona and Marseille. On October 8, a roundtrip from Savona had to visit Marseille, Barcelona, Savona. Departing from Savona on October 12, 19 and 26, the liner had scheduled three 7-day itineraries visiting Naples (replaced by Civitavecchia-Rome for itinerary October 19), Messina Sicily (replaced with Palermo Sicily for itinerary October 19), Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille. The last scheduled voyage (available for booking) was the 51-day Suez Canal repositioning cruise leaving out of Savona (November 2, 2020) and planned to end in Hong Kong (December 22, 2020).

In late-October 2020, Costa made several major itinerary changes for the ships Deliziosa, Diadema and Favolosa. Firenze's inauguration was rescheduled for February 28, 2021. The 7-day Western Mediterranean program was based on homeporting in Genoa for roundtrips visiting La Spezia, Naples, Valencia, Barcelona and Marseille. Roundtrips were also offered from Marseilles and Barcelona. A new 7-day itinerary (roundtrip from homeport Civitavecchia-Rome) visits Naples, Ibiza (Balearic Spain), Barcelona, Marseilles, Genoa, with alternative homeporting in Marseilles (roundtrip departures).

After the inaugural season in Europe (March-October 2021), Costa Firenze had to be relocated (via Suez Canal) to Asia to join the sistership Venezia.

In late-April 2021 Costa rescheduled Firenze's Maiden Voyage for July 4th, with an all-Italian itinerary (7-day) visiting Savona, Civitavecchia, Palermo Sicily, Naples, Messina Sicily, Cagliari Sardinia. The Mediterranean season (June 4 thru October 11) ended with the 36-day Suez Canal repositioning cruise from Barcelona to Singapore.

Firenze's last season for Costa featured the 14-day "Canary Island and Portugal" itinerary visiting ports in Italy (Savona), France (Marseille), Spain (Barcelona, Cadiz-Sevilla, Valencia), Spain's Canary Islands (Santa Cruz/Tenerife, Arrecife/Lanzarote, Las Palmas/Gran Canaria) and Portugal's Madeira Island (Funchal). Roundtrip departures (October 2023 through January 2024) were available from 4 homeports (Savona, Barcelona, Valencia, Marseille).

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera yard/hull number 6273) has volume 135156 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 12568 tons, max draught 8,6 m. The powerplant is based on 5x MAN marine diesel engines (4-stroke, common-rail injection/2x 14V48/60CR plus 3x 8L48/60CR) with combined output 62,4 MW (83680 hp). The propulsion is diesel-electric and based on two ABB Azipod thrusters with combined output 33 MW (44250 hp). The registered shipowner is CARNIVAL CORPORATION while the registered manager is CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE (both companies are Florida USA-based).. Costa Firenze was managed by CARNIVAL MARITIME GMBH.

The vessel is named after Firenze-Florence's historic downtown (centro storico di Firenze) which in 1982 was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Firenze is also the capital city of Italy's Tuscany region, after which is named the fleetmate Costa Toscana (2021).

In January 2016, the shipowner Carnival Corporation signed an MoA agreement with Fincantieri to build 4 new vessels. Contracts were finalized in April 2016. Of these, 2 units were for Costa Asia (Venezia, Firenze), 1 for Princess (Enchanted) and 1 for P&O Australia (TBN-2022). With this shipbuilding order, Carnival Corporation had a total of 17 ships on order scheduled for deliveries between 2016-2020. All four units are Fincantieri- built (at the shipyards Monfalcone and Marghera) with scheduled deliveries in 2019-2022.

The shipbuilding order was placed on April 2, 2016. Vessel's construction started with the keel-laying ceremony held on May 26, 2018. Like the sistership Venezia, Firenze's shipbuilder is Fincantieri's Marghera Shipyard (near Venice Italy). The propulsion system is diesel-electric. Ship's powerplant consists of all 5x Tier-II compliant MAN marine diesel engines (two model 14V48/60CR, three model 8L48 / 60CR) providing total power output 62,4 MW.

Between 2019-2021, a total of 4 new ships were scheduled to enter service for Costa Cruises, increasing the company's fleet capacity with 43% (17-liners fleet). The Costa ship Firenze was originally scheduled for delivery on September 30, 2020, with the naming ceremony to be held in Venice.

The vessel was launched (floated out from drydock) on November 6, 2019, at the Marghera Shipyard. The float-out ceremony's godmother/madrina was Franca Pierobon (a shipyard employee). The launch ceremony was attended by Vanessa Li (Costa Asia's VP) and Luigi Matarazzo (Fincantieri SpA's General Manager for the company's Merchant Ships Division).

Costa Firenze is one of all 7 newbuilds ordered by Carnival Corporation for Costa Group (scheduled deliveries 2019-2023) and part of the company's EUR 6 billion investment plan. Venezia and Firenze are Costa's largest vessels ever homeported in China.

Following the planned October 2020 inauguration, the newbuild was scheduled for a month-long Mediterranean cruise season. The inaugural itineraries were planned from homeports Trieste and Savona. On November 2, 2020, had to start the 51-day repositioning cruise from Europe to China (Savona to Hong Kong via Suez Canal) for year-round deployment in East Asia. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the ship's delivery was delayed and the inaugural cruise program was canceled.

On December 22, 2020, following the successful completion of sea trials off Sicily Island, Costa Firenze was officially delivered to Costa Crociere by Fincantieri Marghera. The delivery ceremony was attended by Michael Thamm (Costa Group's and Carnival Asia's CEO), Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri SpA's CEO) and Mario Zanetti (Costa Cruises' CCO/Chief Commercial Officer, and Costa Asia's President).

In February 2024, CCL announced Firenze's inaugural leadership team (senior officers and directors) - Captain Crescenzo Palomba (Master/with CCL since 1999), Rosario Capilli (Chief Engineer/with CCL since 1990), Renil Kuruvilla (Hotel Director/with CCL since 2004), Gordon Travis (Entertainment Director/with CCL since 2016), Joey Boyes (Cruise Director/with CCL since 2017).

Carnival Firenze's official launch/naming ceremony was on April 24, 2024, in Port Long Beach/Los Angeles CA. The christening ceremony was live-streamed (on CCL's Facebook page). The special event was led by godfather Jonathan David Bennett (1981-born American actor and TV host/Food Network's competition series Cake Wars and Halloween Wars) and attended by Captain Crescenzo Palomba (the ship's Master) and Christine Duffy (CCL's President).

Costa-Carnival Firenze refurbishment 2024

Costa Firenze arrived at Navantia Shipyard (Port Cadiz Spain) on January 27th (2024) for the conversion (drydock refurbishment project) to transform the vessel into Carnival Firenze.

Along with the redesign of public areas, all venues and staterooms, the project also included a complete machinery overhaul, steel works, classification inspections, and works on the exterior (superstructure and hull leaning/repainting, adding CCL's signature hull livery).

Costa’s signature funnel was also redesigned.

Unlike most CCL ships, Firenze's red stripe (on the hull) was painted in yellow.

Carnival Firenze officially joined the Carnival fleet on February 2nd (2024), in a handover ceremony held at Port Cadiz.

After completing the refit project, Carnival Firenze left Cadiz on March 24th.

Inaugural itineraries 2024 (Carnival Firenze)

The next tables show Firenze's first voyages for Carnival departing roundtrip from Los Angeles, California USA in 2024.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE) 5-day "Mexican Riviera" itinerary - from US$365 per person with double occupancy

4-day "Baja Mexico" itinerary - from US$255 pp

Godspeed!

Inaugural itineraries 2021 (Costa Firenze)

Next tables show the new Costa ship's maiden voyages scheduled for 2021 as themes, call ports, and times. Prices for the 7-day Med roundtrips were in the range EUR 730-1020 (USD 890-1250) per person with double occupancy.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE/first cruise) 7-day Western Mediterranean itinerary roundtrip from Spain.

Roundtrips were also offered from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Savona.

7-day "Western Mediterranean with Sicily and Sardinia" itinerary

36-day Suez Canal repositioning from Europe to Asia (from EUR 2570 / USD 3140 pp)

The relocation voyage was also offered in smaller segments:

• Oct 15 (22-day) Barcelona to Dubai (EUR 1580 / USD 1930 pp)
• Oct 17 (20-day) Savona to Dubai (EUR 1430 / USD 1745 pp)
• Oct 17 (34-day) Savona to Singapore (EUR 2430 / USD 2970 pp)
• Oct 18 (33-day) Civitavecchia to Singapore (EUR 2360 / USD 2885 pp)
• Nov 6 (14-day) Dubai to Singapore (EUR 1000 / USD 1225 pp)

The next two tables show Firenze's last cruises for Costa (2024), including the Canary Islands itinerary.

(Canary Islands) 14-day Mediterranean (from US$1400 pp)

(Costa Firenze's last voyage) 1-day from Marseille to Savona (from US$90 pp)