Carnival Cruise Line Collaborates with Costa Cruises – What is Fun Italian Style?
When Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises announced their new “Costa by Carnival” collaboration, branded as Fun Italian Style, I’ll admit I raised an eyebrow. On paper, it makes sense: two sister lines under Carnival Corporation working together to put an Italian spin on Carnival’s famously lively, sometimes chaotic, brand of fun. But would it make sense to the average Carnival cruiser?
The result? Two former Costa ships, Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze, refitted and rebranded for U.S. cruisers. One sails from New York and Florida, the other from Long Beach. Both promise to deliver a taste of Italy while keeping Carnival’s trademark energy.
But the real question is: why?
Why Carnival Needed Italy (and Costa Needed a Lifeline)
The cruise market has shifted in interesting ways. MSC Cruises, once a niche player in North America, is now booming. With mega-ships like MSC Seashore and MSC World America offering sleek, European-inspired design and competitive pricing, they’ve carved out a strong presence in Florida and beyond.
Meanwhile, Costa Cruises hasn’t had the same luck. Although still somewhat popular in Europe, the brand has struggled to maintain momentum, especially after the pandemic. Demand softened, and some of their ships began to look underutilised. Costa Cruises don’t have any new ships planned either.
So Carnival Corporation came up with a clever fix:
- Take Costa’s hardware (Well known ships with distinctly Italian styling).
- Rebrand them under Carnival’s much stronger U.S. name.
- Market them as something new, fresh, and unique – without asking Americans to gamble on a brand they barely know.
What’s Onboard: Where Italian Elegance Meets Carnival Zest
Design & Ambiance
- Carnival Venezia immerses guests in Venetian charm, from gondola-inspired decor to Grand Canal aesthetics.
- Carnival Firenze captures Florence’s elegance with frescoes, cathedral-inspired architecture, and piazza-style spaces.
Staterooms & Outdoor Living
- New Terrazza staterooms feature private patios and exclusive access to the Terrazza Carnevale outdoor deck—complete with whirlpools and a bar.
Dining & Entertainment
- Italian-inspired restaurants like Il Viaggio and Tomodoro™, plus specialty bars like Frizzante™, blend seamlessly with Carnival classics like live comedy and deck parties.
Shopping with Style
- Venezia offers boutiques like Bvlgari, while Firenze steps it up with Gucci, TAG Heuer, and Norqain – a nod to Italian and European luxury.
Routes & Experiences
- Carnival Venezia: Sailing from New York and Port Canaveral to Bermuda and the Caribbean.
- Carnival Firenze: Departing from Long Beach year-round to the Mexican Riviera, visiting ports like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.
Does ‘Fun Italian Style’ Actually Work?
Here’s where I’m torn. Onboard, the ships look stunning, Venetian piazzas, frescoes, even gondola touches. The food menus lean Italian, the shopping leans luxury, and the vibe could feel more elevated than your average Carnival sailing. In theory, it’s a win: Carnival guests get something different, and Costa’s identity doesn’t vanish entirely.
Is This to Compete with MSC Cruises?
Well, there’s an idea… Because the catch it: isn’t this exactly what MSC already does? MSC has spent years building its brand in the U.S. Carnival Venezia and Firenze, while fun, might feel more like themed ships than a true cultural product. A pizza bar and some frescoes don’t necessarily make you feel like you’re in Florence or Venice.
It’s a way to take a sprinkle of what MSC are doing, but keeping it within the same brand.
That said, Carnival isn’t trying to copy MSC completely. They’re leaning on what they do best, fun, loud, family-friendly energy, and adding an Italian accent. If you’re a loyal Carnival fan, it’s a unique offering. If you’re curious about MSC but not ready to leave Carnival, this could be the bridge.
What Does The Future Hold?
Does this mean we’ll slowly see Costa Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line start to merge into one? Well, potentially. But, probably not. They’re both targeted towards very different cruisers. But it could mean that we start to see more of Costa Cruises’ influence in the American market. If it works, it might mean that more Costa ships go to the U.S.
My Take on Fun Italian Style
The “Fun Italian Style” experiment feels like Carnival hedging its bets. It’s not revolutionary, but it is smart. They’ve given underperforming Costa ships a second life, created buzz in the U.S. market, and thrown a little shade at MSC in the process.
Will it win over seasoned cruisers looking for elegance? Probably not. Will it make Carnival diehards feel like they’re trying something new without leaving their comfort zone? Absolutely.
Personally, I think it’s a fun idea, but whether it has staying power will depend on whether guests see it as more than just a themed repaint. After all, MSC isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
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