Costa Cruises
The Vibe: Italian Style Cruising On A Budget
Costa Cruises is an Italian-flagged cruise line that aims to bring a lively and appealing "Italian style" to the sea. The atmosphere is often described as fun, with a strong focus on European passengers and a multinational mix of guests. The ships themselves are designed to evoke the feeling of a floating Italian city, with architectural details and decor inspired by places like Rome, Venice, and Milan. The dining experience highlights Italian cuisine, including delicious pastas. It's a great choice for those who want a more international, less-Americanized cruise experience.
Destinations:
The cruise line sails to a wide variety of destinations across the globe, including:
- The Mediterranean (their primary market)
- Northern Europe (including the Norwegian fjords and the Baltic Sea)
- The Caribbean
- South America
- The Arabian Gulf (Dubai and the United Arab Emirates)
- The Far East (Asia)
- Transoceanic and World Cruises
Costa's departure ports are primarily in Europe, with common embarkation points including:
- Barcelona, Spain
- Genoa, Italy
- Savona, Italy
- Marseille, France
- Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
- Kiel, Germany
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Singapore, Singapore
The Fleet:
Costa Cruises operates a fleet of 10 ships as of late 2024, with various sizes and classes. Their newest and largest ships, like the Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana, are over 180,000 gross tons and can accommodate over 6,600 guests. Other ships in the fleet range from around 90,000 to 133,000 gross tons, offering a range of experiences from a larger, more modern feel to a more intimate, classic vibe.
Cabins: Designed for Families
Costa cabins are designed for comfort and elegance. They are available in various categories, including Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suites. The beds are typically two twins that can be converted to a queen. Cabins are equipped with a phone, safe, minibar, and a flat-screen TV. Bathrooms are similar to those in standard European hotels, with basic amenities like a soap and gel/shampoo dispenser.
What Is Included
- Comfortable accommodations and ocean transportation.
- Most meals in the main dining rooms and buffet (drinks are often not included).
- Daily activities and evening entertainment.
- Access to pools, gyms, and other public facilities.
- Kids' clubs and activities.
What Is NOT Included
- Beverages, including soda, alcoholic drinks, and often even water at dinner. Beverage packages can be purchased separately.
- Gratuities and service fees.
- Shore excursions.
- Specialty dining restaurants.
- Wi-Fi.
- Spa treatments.
Onboard Activities & Entertainment
Pros
- Italian Vibe & Cuisine: Costa offers a distinct European and Italian experience, from the decor to the food, which is a unique alternative to American-centric cruise lines.
- Value for Money: The base fare is often very affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Diverse Itineraries: Costa sails to a vast array of destinations, especially within Europe, providing access to many port cities.
- Multicultural Atmosphere: The international mix of passengers can lead to a diverse and enriching social experience.
Cons
- Extra Costs: The low base fare can be deceptive, as many amenities that are standard on other cruise lines (like drinks with dinner or even pizza) are an extra cost.
- Language Barrier: The primary language on board is Italian, and while staff are often multilingual, communication can be challenging for non-Italian speaking guests, especially those from North America.
- Service & Food Quality: Some travelers have reported that the service and food quality can be inconsistent and may not meet the standards of other major cruise lines, especially for those accustomed to American cruise lines.
- Crowded & Busy: The large ships and high passenger capacity can lead to crowded common areas, especially during peak season.
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