Welcome to Cruise Talk the Internet's most popular discussion forum dedicated to cruising. Stop by Cruise Talk anytime to post a message or find out what your fellow passengers and industry insiders are saying about a particular ship, cruise line or destination.
>>> Reader Reviews >>> CruisePage.com Photo Gallery >>> Join Our Cruise Club.
Latest News...Today, the newly refreshed Queen Elizabeth has arrived to the Port of Seattle for the first time to begin a season of highly anticipated Alaskan voyages. Cunard's Queens have embodied the pinnacle of British luxury travel for 185 years, and now Queen Elizabeth will homeport in Seattle for the first time, bringing Cunard's renowned White Star Service to the region for two exclusive seasons...
Latest News...Azamara Cruises, known for its Destination Immersion and industry-leading number of late-nights and overnights in port, is giving travelers a chance to see the world in an entirely new light — moonlight. While most cruise lines sail away before sunset, Azamara Cruises is just getting started. "Guests will enjoy more time – and more local culture – beneath the night sky in...
Latest News...Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the world's leading ultra luxury cruise line, has once again raised the bar with the reveal of the Skyview Regent Suite — the largest all-inclusive, ultra luxury cruise ship suite in history. Stunning renderings and an immersive fly-through video showcase this extraordinary two-level suite, which will sit atop the brand's newest ship, Seven Seas Prestige....
For example, 4 new restaurants were created, shops were extended by 50%, the theater was turned into a ball room and the entire decoration of the ship is now inspired by italian neo-classicism.
Source (in french, sorry) www.partirencroisière.fr : Costa s’écrit également en Chinois
On this site, 3 pictures of the "new" Allegra can be seen (the two inside pictures are Piazzeta Allegra and the main lobby).
You can compare with the old decoration checking the virtual tours available on the various Costa sites, which haven't been updated yet.
I'm puzzled by this new style as I think that Allegra main asset was her modern inside design. It gave this ship all her charm and originality.
Perhaps some CTalkers who cruised on the Allegra can give us their thoughts about all this ?
[ 05-05-2006: Message edited by: Pascal ]
Costa Allegra is ready for China29/4/2006Costa Allegra, newly refurbished at Mariotti shipyard in a €12m transformation for the Chinese market, will sail on Sunday from Savona’s Palacrociere. The destination is Hong Kong, followed by two other sold-out voyages – marketed to Europeans – between China and India. Starting July 3, Costa Allegra will begin its new program of five-day cruises from Shanghai for Chinese vacationers.
The ship's 40-day refurbishment aimed to create an ambience and amenities appealing to Chinese customers, but with a European style. The newly designed interiors were inspired by the Italian neo-classic period.
The most ambitious work was the new wellness center, created by installing a 30-ton aluminum superstructure that houses a gym, eight treatment rooms, two locker rooms, two saunas and a relaxation area. The spa will be co-managed with Steiner.
The shopping area was increased by 50%, with shops that will be managed by DFS, a leading operator in Asia, owner of the Starboard brand and an existing Costa partner. The main focus of the area is ‘Made in Italy’ products and craftsmanship.
Other work included the conversion of the theater into a lounge with a dance floor and seating capacity of more than 250. The four new restaurants include Piazzetta Allegra, a pay-to-eat sushi and sashimi bar seating 110 with a karaoke area, and Almalfi, an Italian pay-to-eat a la carte restaurant with that seats 76 indoors and 52 outside, with a dance floor.
The Montemartre Verandah Restaurant is an a la carte, pay-to-eat venue with an Italo-Asian menu and seating capacity for 134, while the adjacent Montmartre Restaurant offers free dining with open seating for 310 and an international menu.
This Italian neo-classicism is still better than "Italian Farcusism"
What I see now somehow lacks of the bold spirit which influenced Allegra at the time she was transformed into a cruise ship.
quote:Originally posted by Pascal:[QBII'm puzzled by this new style as I think that Allegra main asset was her modern inside design. It gave this ship all her charm and originality.[ 05-05-2006: Message edited by: Pascal ][/QB]
[ 05-05-2006: Message edited by: Pascal ][/QB]
Glitzy faux traditional design is very popular w/many Chinese. Look at the original Oriana and her over-the-top interiors after being rebuilt in China. Carnival just had her redecorated to suit her new market. Las Vegas is a huge destination w/Chinese people. They often will make a trip to North America and only visit Las Vegas-land of the over-the-top interior design.
Personally I really like the new look of the Piazzetta Allegra. It's much warmer than in its previous configuration.
I don't like the new look of the atrium. The previous one, with the unusual crystal sculpture was much better. The new one looks like it was made by hard paper.
I am really curious to see the refurbished cabins and other public areas.
The Montmarte Restaurant and the Yacht Club were very elegant. I particularly liked the Flamenco Ballroom, while the Folies Bergeres Theater and the Murano Bar were so so... the latter one was too dark.
Ultimate Bulletin BoardTM 6.1.0.3
More Vacation & Cruise Specials...