WHY IT RATES: Competition for the travel dollar is fierce. Costa's calling card is its Italian heritage, and the cruise line has done a tremendous job of adding amenities that appeal to that aspect. - Rich Thomaselli, TravelPulse Senior Editor
PHOTO: Yum! That is all, just yum! (Courtesy Costa Cruises)
This year, Costa Cruises will become the first cruise line in the world to produce authentic Mozzarella di Bufala onboard. The Italian specialty will be featured in the new Mozzarella Gourmet Bar on ships across its fleet.
Cruise guests will be able to observe as the cheese is made, beginning with buffalo milk curd from Paestum Greek temples of Salerno, Italy, and sample it while it is still warm. The cheese will be paired with an assortment of cold cuts and other high-quality Italian specialties. Burrata, Stracciatella and the traditional Fior Di Latte will also be served.
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The Buffalo Mozzarella produced onboard will also be used in the fleet's Pummid'oro pizzerias for a truly special, handmade pizza. They will be the first and only pizzas offered on a cruise ship prepared with Mozzarella made on the spot and dough based on natural yeast, which is already being used in Costa's pizzerias thanks to a collaboration with the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo.
This new offering is part of Costa's ongoing effort to bring the best in Italian cuisine onboard. In addition to regional Italian menus and special gala night menus, crafted by two Italian, Michelin-star chefs, the line has partnered with popular brands like Barilla, Illy Caffé, Ferrari Spumante and Campari.
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Guests can enjoy burgers made with high-quality and 100-percent Italian Fasson meat and at Costa Diadema's Amarillo ice cream parlor, Agrimontana handmade ice cream makes the perfect midday treat. Costa has also collaborated with maître chocolatier Guido Gobino and maître pâtissier chocolatier Luigi Biasetto to bring Italian-style sweets onboard.
Costa Diadema will be the first ship to debut the new gourmet bar in 2016 and the rest of the ships in the fleet will begin to produce Buffalo Mozzarella onboard in 2017.
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