The Ultimate Guide To Costa Cruises

• Authentic Italian Flair: Experience genuine Mediterranean hospitality, espresso bars, artisanal gelaterias, and menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs.

• Innovative Flagships: Sail on modern vessels like Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda, featuring cutting-edge design and open-air promenades.

• Unique "Sea Destinations": Enjoy exclusive onboard experiences anchored in iconic locations, from starlit deep-sea parties to sunrise mindfulness sessions.

If you are looking for a holiday infused with Mediterranean sunshine, vibrant European culture, and genuine Italian passion, Costa Cruises is the perfect match.

Flying the Italian flag for over 75 years, Costa brings an energetic, warm, and distinctly continental flair to ocean travel.

From wood-fired pizzas and creamy gelato to sun-soaked lido decks and international entertainment, a Costa cruise offers a relaxed, resort-style atmosphere where multi-generational families, couples, and solo travellers come together to celebrate la dolce vita.

Whether you are considering your first Mediterranean sailing or exploring Costa’s expansive global fleet, this ultimate guide covers everything you need to know before you set sail.

The Costa Experience: Italian Style at Sea

Stepping on board a Costa ship feels like entering a lively Italian piazza. The atmosphere is warm, social, and proudly continental, attracting an international mix of guests from across Europe and around the globe.

Food lies at the very heart of the Costa experience, starting each day with rich Italian espresso and fresh pastries before moving on to regional culinary delights.

Archipelago

Archipelago is an exclusive dining venue featuring three distinct menus created by world-renowned, Michelin-starred chefs: Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze, and Ángel León. Each chef brings their own culinary perspective to Mediterranean seafood and regional flavours, allowing guests to embark on a gourmet journey alongside their sailing route.

Pizzeria Pummid’Oro

Serving authentic 100% Italian sourdough pizzas, Pizzeria Pummid’Oro is a fleet favourite for casual dining. The pizzas are topped with fresh mozzarella produced directly on board, traditional tomatoes, and high-quality regional ingredients cooked to crispy perfection.

Sushino at Costa

Sushino at Costa is the fleet's dedicated sushi bistro. Designed for food lovers seeking lighter Asian flavours, it offers fresh nigiri, maki, and sashimi for lunch, dinner, or a stylish evening aperitif overlooking the ocean.

Gelateria Amarillo

Artisanal Italian gelato is made fresh daily on board at Gelateria Amarillo. Using organic ingredients and traditional recipes, guests can enjoy classic gelato flavours, freshly baked crepes, and chocolate treats throughout the day.

Vibrant Nightlife & Entertainment

Evening energy on a Costa vessel is electric. The ships feature multi-level theatres hosting acrobatics, musical revues, and talent shows. Across the lounges, guests can enjoy live piano music, energetic dance bands, themed White Parties, and silent discos that stretch late into the night.

The Costa Fleet: Modern Innovation & Classic Charm

Costa’s modern fleet ranges from grand, innovative flagship vessels to intimate, classic ships designed for deep destination exploration.

The Flagships: Costa Toscana & Costa Smeralda

As the modern jewels of the fleet, Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda represent the pinnacle of Costa’s cutting-edge ship design.

Powered by advanced Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) technology, these Excellence-class giants feature outward-facing skywalks, glass-floored promenades, and multi-deck outdoor sun terraces with infinity ocean views.

On board, guests can explore dozens of distinct bar and dining concepts, including Ferrari Wine Bars and Nutella Outlets, alongside extensive thermal spa spaces featuring snow rooms and salt caves.

The Classic & Mid-Sized Fleet

For travellers who prefer traditional ship layouts and longer port stays, vessels like Costa Deliziosa, Costa Diadema, Costa Pacifica, and Costa Fascinosa offer a cosy, art-filled ambience. These mid-sized ships are ideal for navigating tighter archipelagos and historic Mediterranean ports.

Innovating the Way You Sail: Costa’s "Sea Destinations"

Costa has redefined the traditional cruise itinerary by introducing Sea Destinations. In addition to exploring historic cities during port calls, your ship becomes a destination in its own right during special pauses at sea.

Deep-Sea Stargazing

While anchored far off the coast in the middle of the Mediterranean, the crew dims the top-deck lights to transform the upper deck into an open-air planetarium. Guests can explore distant constellations and deep-sky wonders alongside an expert astronomer.

Bay Sunset Parties

Sip an Aperol Spritz on the open promenade while live DJs play as the sun dips below the horizon off the coast of Capri, Ibiza, or the French Riviera. These open-air events combine scenic views with signature Mediterranean party energy.

Sanctuary Wildlife Spotting

Passing through protected marine areas like the Ligurian Sea Sanctuary, guests can join guided marine observation sessions on the top decks to spot dolphins, fin whales, and local seabirds in their natural habitat.

Top Costa Cruise Destinations

While Costa sails across the globe, its true expertise lies in its home waters.

The Western & Eastern Mediterranean

Costa is the undisputed master of Mediterranean sailing. Western Mediterranean routes connect iconic hubs like Barcelona, Marseille, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, and Palma de Mallorca year-round.

Eastern Mediterranean sailings explore the Greek Isles, the Dalmatian Coast, Istanbul, and the Aegean, often featuring late-night stays in party hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini.

Northern Europe & Norwegian Fjords

During the summer months, Costa positions ships in Northern Europe. Itineraries out of ports like Kiel and Copenhagen explore the majestic Norwegian Fjords, Baltic capitals, and dramatic Arctic landscapes under the Midnight Sun.

The Caribbean & South America

In the winter season, Costa brings Italian warmth to tropical shores. Tropical Caribbean sailings operate out of Guadeloupe and the Dominican Republic, while dedicated South American itineraries explore the vibrant coastlines of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Family Cruising with Costa

Costa is exceptionally welcoming to families. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive, ensuring parents and children feel right at home.

Squok Club for Kids

Squok Club is Costa's dedicated youth programme for children aged 3 to 11. Supervised by trained youth staff, kids can participate in treasure hunts, sports competitions, arts and crafts, and themed pizza parties throughout the day and evening.

Peppa Pig Partnerships

Younger cruisers can meet Peppa Pig in person on board. Children can take photos with Peppa, participate in themed creative workshops, and join special Peppa Pig pool deck games and lunches.

Teens Club Hangouts

Teenagers aged 12 to 17 have their own dedicated hangout spaces completely separate from younger age groups. The Teens Club hosts video game tournaments, dance classes, music workshops, and teen-only evening socials.

Understanding Costa Fare Types

When booking a Costa cruise, you can choose from three straightforward fare structures to match your travel budget and holiday style.

My Cruise Fare

The My Cruise fare is the ideal baseline option for budget-conscious travellers who prefer paying for drinks as they go. It includes your cabin accommodation, main dining room and buffet meals, main theatre entertainment, and youth clubs, while allowing you to choose your specific cabin location at the time of booking.

All-Inclusive Fare

The All-Inclusive fare is designed for travellers seeking complete peace of mind and zero unexpected charges at the end of their holiday. It covers everything in the My Cruise fare plus the comprehensive My Drinks beverage package, which includes wine, beer, spirits, speciality coffees, and soft drinks, alongside all prepaid service charges and gratuities.

Super All-Inclusive Fare

For explorer-focused cruisers looking for maximum value both on board and on land, the Super All-Inclusive fare offers the ultimate package. It includes everything in the All-Inclusive fare plus the My Exploration shore excursion bundle, which provides a curated selection of guided excursions in top ports of call.

Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Costa Cruise

Embrace the Continental Pace

Mealtimes and evening entertainment follow traditional European schedules. Dinner seatings run slightly later than standard UK times, and nightlife across the lounges kicks off late into the evening.

Download the Costa App

Use the ship’s free mobile app to view daily activity schedules, book speciality dining venues, check your onboard balance, and chat with travelling companions on board without needing an internet package.

Try the Regional Specialities

Main dining room menus change daily to reflect the specific region the ship is passing through. Always try the chef's regional speciality recommendation for an authentic taste of local culinary traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Costa Cruises good for families?

Yes, Costa is a fantastic choice for families. The relaxed Italian atmosphere is incredibly welcoming to children. The ships feature excellent free youth clubs (Squok Club and Teens Club), character partnerships like Peppa Pig, family-friendly dining options (including dedicated pizzerias), and expansive pool decks with splash zones and waterslides.

What kind of plug sockets are used on Costa ships?

Costa ships generally feature standard European two-pin sockets (220V) and US standard two-flat-pin sockets (110V) in the staterooms. Newer ships like Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda also include built-in USB charging ports. UK travellers will need to bring a universal or European travel adapter to plug in UK three-pin devices.

What currency is used on Costa ships?

For European itineraries, including the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, the onboard currency is the Euro (€). On Caribbean itineraries departing from US ports, the onboard currency is the US Dollar ($). All purchases on board are charged to your cashless ship account.

Are drinks included on a Costa cruise?

Basic beverages like tap water, tea, and filter coffee are included at the buffet during breakfast hours. For all other drinks, you can pay per order under the My Cruise fare or select the All-Inclusive fare, which bundles the comprehensive My Drinks package covering wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, coffees, and soft drinks.

Do I need to pay gratuities on Costa Cruises?

If you book the "All-Inclusive" or "Super All-Inclusive" fare, your service charges and gratuities are fully prepaid and included in your cruise price. If you book the baseline "My Cruise" fare, a mandatory daily service charge will be added to your onboard account.

What is the dress code on Costa Cruises?

Daytime dress is relaxed resort wear. In the evenings, the dress code transitions to smart casual. Most cruises feature one or two Gala Evenings where guests dress up, as well as popular themed nights like the famous "White Party" (where guests wear all-white) and "Italian Night" (green, white, and red).

Are Costa Cruises suitable for British travellers?

Absolutely. Costa is an excellent choice for UK holidaymakers who enjoy authentic European culture, outstanding regional food, and an international holiday atmosphere. Fly-cruise packages out of major UK airports make joining a Costa ship in the Mediterranean seamless and hassle-free.