"WOW!" With deck after deck of colorful Roman fresco's, huge lighting ornaments hanging like stalactites from the ceiling, glittering panoramic elevators that change color every minute or so, a glass skylight and a large circular bar deep down, the Dolce Vita Atrium is meant to dazzle everyone. If you are familiar with Carnival Cruise Lines' ships you will immediately recognize the hand of Miami-based interior architect Joe Farcus here. His version of "The Good Life" has turned into a sensory blast of exuberant colors and forms, giving Costa Atlantica's interiors the same look and feel as the vessels in the US-based Carnival fleet. 

The seemingly endless array of pools and places to enjoy the sunshine make Costa Atlantica a very popular ship in warmer waters. Directly aft of the now famous upright yellow smokestack is a circular wading pool for the youngest, done in a yellow-and-blue rendition of the cruise line's logo and well guarded from grown ups by  secure fencing. The young at heart are well catered for by the gigantic blue water slide aft on La Voce della Luna ("The voice of the Moon") Deck. Don't expect to make a formidable splash into the aft pool though - the slide comes to an abrupt end in a rather unremarkable small shallow pool directly underneath the structure. 

All the way aft on Ginger & Fred Deck is the beautiful Lido Aurora, with a very befitting sculpture of the goddess of the dawn gracing the nicely sized pool and Jacuzzi. Many deck chairs line the pool and its location close to the buffet restaurant make this a very popular hangout. On the same deck, forward of the buffet restaurant are two more swimming pools. First, covered by a huge glass sliding dome  is the Lido Ginger & Fred. Featuring a poolside snack bar, a large stage and dance floor, this is the ultimate multi-purpose area. I even discovered a black jack table in one corner!

With its imaginative yellow and blue patterned rubber flooring, the Lido Ginger & Fred continues further forward, where automatic glass doors lead to yet another open-air pool with Jacuzzi. An indoor/outdoor bar right between the two pool areas serves all thirsty sun seekers, while padded lounge chairs can be found in abundance lining both pools. Done in an attractive, upbeat decor with beautiful sculptures overlooking each pool, the Lido Ginger & Fred is a good example of a well-designed indoor/outdoor pool area.  One deck up, more wide spacious sun decks can be found with even more lounge chairs. Finally, deep down on La Strada Deck (3) is a gorgeous teak wrap-around Promenade Deck, ideal for a peaceful stroll before or after dinner.