Italian Elegance: One Week Onboard Costa Smeralda

What's It Really Like Onboard Costa Smeralda?

Costa Cruises is all about bringing the spirit of Italy to the sea. With its warm atmosphere and great-value cruise offers, it’s a fantastic choice for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys a lively onboard atmosphere with a European twist.

One of Costa Cruises' most well-known ships is Costa Smeralda — a large, modern vessel that’s bursting with personality. Mamun Meah, part of the finance team at Cruise.co.uk, recently set sail aboard Costa Smeralda to find out what it's really like onboard. From the food and cabins to unique stargazing experiences, here’s what Mamun thought of his time on board...

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing fun and leisure at sea, Costa Smeralda delivers it in spades. From the moment I stepped on board, I was immersed in Italian elegance and innovation.

Firstly, I would highly recommend that anyone boarding a Costa cruise download the Costa app, as it gives you everything you need to know, including restaurant opening times, dinner menus, all entertainment happening daily, a list of excursions you can purchase, details of your onboard spending and much more.

Balcony Cabin

My balcony cabin was really well-designed, making the most of its space. It featured two twin beds (which can likely be combined into a queen), a long sofa/daybed near the balcony, a writing desk with a chair, and ample lighting. The room felt modern, clean, and bright. The beds were comfortable, with clean linen. The balcony is a definite highlight, with two comfortable chairs and a table offering a private spot to relax and enjoy the ocean view. The glass railing allows for a clear view, and it’s just the right size for enjoying morning coffee or evening sunsets.

The bathroom had a sleek design, marble-patterned walls, and a glass shower enclosure with adjustable water pressure. The toilet area is compact but thoughtfully laid out, with towel racks, shelves, and a magnified shaving mirror. This cabin is ideal for couples or small families looking for a modern and comfortable space with the bonus of a balcony. The layout makes efficient use of space and offers nice extras like the sofa, vanity, and great lighting. The only things to be aware of are the semi-transparent shower and how it fits your comfort level regarding privacy, and the lack of a mini fridge or cooler. Would I stay in a balcony cabin again? Absolutely. It's a cosy and stylish cabin that offers a great base for a relaxing cruise experience.

Dining

Dining aboard Costa Smeralda was a highlight of my cruise. I was impressed by the variety and quality of food. With more than ten venues ranging from elegant dining rooms to casual buffets and upscale speciality restaurants, every meal felt like a fresh experience.

The ship features four main dining rooms, La Colombina, Il Meneghino, Arlecchino, and Il Rugantino, each with its own personality and ambience. These became my go-to spots for slow mornings and relaxed dinners. The menus changed daily, blending Mediterranean flavours with international flair, and I was especially pleased by the many vegetarian options available.

For something faster and more casual, especially after busy shore excursions, I often headed to La Sagra dei Sapori, the ship’s main buffet. It was ideal for assembling flavourful vegetarian plates, salads, fresh bread, pasta, seasonal vegetables, and international specialities. Despite the buffet format, the quality and freshness remained high, and the ever-changing offerings kept it interesting. What truly set Costa Smeralda apart were its speciality dining experiences.

Teppanyaki offered an energetic, interactive meal with chefs cooking tableside, blending flavour and entertainment. Pummid’Oro Pizzeria served some of the best wood-fired, thin-crust pizza I’ve had at sea, so good I went twice, despite it being outside the standard dining package. Archipelago stood out for its intimate atmosphere and tasting menus by celebrity chefs, beautifully crafted and well worth reserving early.

The dining on Costa Smeralda exceeded all my expectations. The food, much like the ship itself, is inspired by the richness of Italian culture, flavourful, generous, and full of charm. From fresh pastries in the morning to wood-fired pizza at night, the ship delivers a culinary experience that feels curated yet approachable, indulgent yet effortless.

Entertainment & Activities

It doesn’t take long to realise this ship is more than just a floating hotel, it’s a lively, all-day, all-night celebration of life, music, and Italian-style fun. While the Mediterranean views and Italian cuisine may draw you in, it’s the vibrant entertainment and engaging activities that truly bring the ship to life. Over the course of the week, sailing the coastlines of Spain, Italy, and France, I found myself constantly surprised by how many ways there were to spend a day onboard, and how hard it was to pick just one.

Centre Stage Evenings at the Colosseo

At the very heart of Costa Smeralda is the Colosseo, a stunning multi-deck circular theatre that becomes the pulse of the ship once the sun goes down. With its LED walls, 360° design, and cocktail tables scattered across its balconies, the Colosseo doesn’t just host shows, it creates an atmosphere. There were also bingo nights (5k euro/ 2k euro jackpots), Deal or No Deal, singing and dancing competitions to enjoy onboard too. Even if you're cruising with kids, Costa Smeralda has it covered. The Squok Club is colourful, creative, and staffed by multilingual professionals. There’s also a Teen Zone for older kids, complete with video games and movie nights. These spaces weren’t hidden away; they were thoughtfully integrated into the ship’s design, meaning families could stay close but still enjoy their own kind of fun. Pelagos Sanctuary "Cetacean echoes”

During one night of my cruise, the ship entered the Cetacean Sanctuary, a protected marine corridor crossed by whales, dolphins, and sperm whales, which felt both magical and humbling. To preserve the natural silence of this special place, all guests wear headphones with narration and soundscapes that transport you into the depths of the underwater world. From the highest deck at the stern, a small porthole opens onto a surprising performance, a dancer moving in perfect harmony with projected images of marine life, shifting gracefully between pools of light and shadow. It’s a deeply immersive, respectful experience, thoughtful, and unlike anything else in the Mediterranean. Highly recommended for those who crave something rare and meaningful. Balearic Sea Darkest Spot: "Sea of Stars"

On another night of my cruise, the ship reached the darkest point of the Balearic Sea, one of the last places in the Mediterranean where the sky remains truly untouched. With no coastline, no artificial lights, and nothing but open water all around, the heavens took centre stage. All lights on board were switched off and, after a short introduction by the captain and the help of the Stellarium app, guests were guided through constellations, planets, and distant galaxies. It was an incredible, rare experience, only possible while sailing through that exact location, and a must for avid stargazers.

Best For / Who Should Go

Costa Smeralda is a vibrant, family-oriented ship with a distinctly European atmosphere, perfect for travellers who enjoy a lively Mediterranean vibe. It’s best suited to:

- Families with kids, thanks to its excellent children’s clubs and kid-friendly facilities

- Couples wanting a stylish getaway, with plenty of stylish spaces to relax

- Lovers of Italian culture, who appreciate authentic Italian food, décor, and flair throughout the ship

Final Thoughts

Costa Smeralda offers a vibrant and stylish cruise experience infused with unmistakable Italian flair. Ideal for families, couples, and cruise enthusiasts, it strikes a unique balance between fun, culture, and modern cruising.