Port Everglades welcomes Costa return after four-year gap

'Thank you to everyone at Port Everglades for an incredible welcome, both to Costa Cruises and Costa Deliziosa,' said Scott Knutson, vp sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America. 'Costa Deliziosa is the newest Costa ship to homeport in the United States, and we are excited for North American guests to see firsthand what makes Costa Europe's most popular cruise line.'

Port Everglades chief executive and port director Steven Cernak called the ship a good fit for the port since it gives travelers an Italian-style cruise option. He added that Costa has a long tradition in South Florida, and 'we are delighted to have Costa Deliziosa join our fleet this season.'

Following a seven-night holiday cruise to Costa Maya, Belize City, Roatán and Grand Cayman, the ship will sail six 10-night cruises and one nine-night cruise. Destinations are Nassau or Freeport, Amber Cove, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Roatan and Cozumel or Costa Maya.

The 92,600gt Costa Deliziosa entered service in 2010 and has four restaurants, three pools, 11 bars, the Samsara Spa and a 4-D cinema.