Your Ultimate Guide To Costa Smeralda

Book a holiday with Costa Cruises, and you can expect a lively, Italian-inspired experience. The Costa Smeralda cruise ship is one of the line's Excellence-Class vessels, known for being one of the most sustainable at sea. It is also the largest of Costa Cruises' fleet, giving off an impressive air from first appearances. So, what can you expect when you set sail on this ship?  

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Costa Smeralda, from its range of cabins and dining options to things to do during your days at sea and what alluring destinations it can take you to.

So, if the ocean is calling for your next holiday, read on to learn what Costa Smeralda can offer.

Vital Statistics of Costa Smeralda

When Did Costa Smeralda Debut?

Costa Smeralda set sail in December 2019. Becoming Costa Cruises’ flagship vessel, it led the way in sustainability as one of the world’s first LNG-powered cruise ships. It also reduces environmental impact by including cutting-edge desalinators, which convert seawater into safe drinking water, and implementing other energy-saving technologies across the ship.

How Big Is Costa Smeralda, And How Many Cruise Guests Does It Hold?

Costa Smeralda is 337m long and has a gross tonnage of 185,010. It accommodates 6,554 guests at maximum capacity, alongside 1,646 crew, making it one of the world's top 10 largest cruise ships. Across the 20 decks, you’ll find plenty of entertainment, dining, and relaxation options to satisfy throughout your cruise holiday.

Costa Smeralda Cabins: Your Home At Sea

Costa Smeralda offers a range of comfortable and stylish accommodation options designed to suit every budget and preference. All cabins include modern amenities, such as air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, a hairdryer and a safe. 

Let’s take a closer look at the Costa Smeralda cabin options:

Suites

For a next-level luxury experience, consider booking one of Costa Smeralda’s suites. These feature a spacious living area, private balcony, and premium perks, such as personal butler services, priority embarkation and disembarkation and in-room dining. Grand Suites also benefit from a large bathroom with a whirlpool bathtub and a step-out veranda. 

Balcony Cabins

If you love to wake up to stunning ocean views, choose a cabin with a balcony on Costa Smeralda. These cabins provide a private outdoor space where you can enjoy your morning coffee or watch the sunset in peace.

Interior and External Cabins

For great value, look to Costa Smeralda’s interior or external cabins. Providing all the essential comforts in a stylish design at an affordable price, Costa Smeralda's inside cabins are the perfect place to relax after a day's activities. Meanwhile, if you appreciate natural light but don't need a balcony, an external cabin offers a large window with sea views. 

Remember to check the Costa Smeralda deck plan before booking to choose the ideal location for your cabin. Where you stay can make a big difference to your overall cruise experience!

Costa Smeralda Bars and Entertainment

If you have children and are keen to know if Costa Smeralda is family-friendly, you’ll be pleased to learn that this ship is packed with exciting entertainment for all ages. 

Here are some of its highlights:

Pools, Adventure And Water Fun

If you and your family love the water, the main pool area, La Spiaggia Beach Club, is a crowd-pleasing place to spend time. Overlooking the wake of the ship, it offers spectacular views where you can soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip and enjoy the onboard games and entertainment. 

If you're looking for adrenaline-fuelled activity, try the Volare Skywalk. This glass-floored walkway soars 65m above sea level, offering breathtaking ocean panoramas. For more thrills and spills, head to the Aqua Park, which features adventurous waterslides and fun splash zones.

Sport and Relaxation

Keen to keep up your fitness? Don’t worry; Costa Smeralda’s state-of-the-art gym, positioned to overlook the sea, and its outdoor running track will keep your energy levels up. Alternatively, the ship's multi-sports court is great for those who enjoy a game of basketball, football, or volleyball in the fresh ocean air.

If relaxation is more your style, Costa Smeralda’s spa offers a haven of tranquillity. At the Solemio Spa, you can indulge in soothing treatments, with a full menu including everything from massages to facials. Tune into some zen at the yoga area or chill out in the Solarium Giardino Del Fiore, a beautiful outdoor space on the highest deck furnished with cabanas and cushions.  

Evening Entertainment

The outstanding entertainment continues well into the evenings on Costa Smeralda. At the Colosseo Theatre, the ship's multi-deck entertainment hub, you can take in dazzling live performances, high-energy shows, and fantastic music acts. 

For more excitement, try your luck at Casino Laguna, a stylish space offering slot machines, poker, and blackjack. Meanwhile, kids and adults alike will love the Arcade Games Room, where a full range of video games and fun-filled activities are on offer.

Bars And Lounges

When looking for a place to enjoy a drink, Costa Smeralda’s bars and lounges do not disappoint. With 19 in total, there's a favourite spot for every mood. 

Highlights include the Piano Bar Il Cielo in Una Stanza, an elegant venue offering live music, ideal for sipping a cocktail while unwinding from your day. If you're a fan of classic Italian aperitifs, the Aperol Spritz Bar is a wonderful laid-back spot to enjoy a refreshing drink before dinner. Or, if you’re keen to keep up with your sports, head to Bar Maranello, where top live games are screened.

Costa Smeralda Restaurants: A Feast For The Senses

There are plenty of culinary delights to suit every taste across Costa Smeralda’s restaurants.

The ship’s main dining rooms, La Colombina, Il Meneghino and Il Rugantino, bring Italian flair and fresh, high-quality ingredients to some well-loved dishes. For a more casual setting, Buffet La Sagra dei Sapori offers a variety of international choices, perfect for those who love to mix and match flavours.

Meanwhile, if you're travelling with children, you'll appreciate Tutti a Tavola, a relaxed dining venue designed with younger guests in mind.

For a truly special evening, Costa Smeralda boasts an array of speciality restaurants. Favourites include Archipelago, a fine dining concept created by three world-class chefs showcasing gourmet, sustainable cuisine and Pummid’oro Pizzeria for delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in a traditional stone oven.

And if you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, try out the Teppanyaki Restaurant, where expert chefs prepare sizzling hibachi dishes right before your eyes. 

How Much Are Speciality Restaurants On Costa Smeralda?

Speciality restaurants do come at an additional cost, but they’re definitely worth treating yourself to. Prices are comparable to, or sometimes even lower than, what you’d pay at a restaurant on land, making them a fantastic option for a memorable dining experience! 

Costa Smeralda Itineraries: Stunning, Sun-Soaked Destinations

Costa Smeralda cruises offer mesmerising journeys across the Mediterranean, stopping in some of the region’s most iconic destinations. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, spectacular coastlines, or vibrant city life, there’s a Costa Smeralda itinerary ready to delight.

Take in the history and art of beautiful Italian cities, including Rome, Naples, and Genoa. Then, experience the buzzing coastal destination of Barcelona before sailing along the French Riviera to take in the captivating culture of Marseille.

With each itinerary designed to offer a delightful blend of exploration and relaxation alongside the luxury and comforts of Costa Smeralda, a cruise holiday on this ship is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.