On a Costa Cruises holiday, meals are an experience in their own right, designed to reflect both Italian tradition and international variety. Main dining venues such as Il Gattopardo Restaurant on Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana serve a daily changing menu that might include Roman-style saltimbocca or Tuscan olive oil-rich seafood pasta. For a more casual setting, Pizzeria Pummid’Oro crafts wood-fired pizzas by the pool, perfect after a morning of sunbathing or on a warm Mediterranean afternoon.
If you’re in the mood for flavours further afield, Ristorante Asia on Costa Pacifica and Costa Diadema pairs sushi rolls with miso-glazed edamame, while Chef’s Table offers a reservation-only experience with a multi-course tasting menu and wine pairings in an intimate setting. Every ship also features Costa Café, where expertly pulled espressos and Italian pastries are a favourite way to start the day. Throughout the ship you’ll find gelato stands and buffets that reflect local ingredients sourced from ports such as Savona, Barcelona, and Marseille.
Entertainment
Cruise evenings aboard Costa Cruises are lively yet stylish, with entertainment programmed to fit every mood. The Teatro Rosso on Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana is the flagship theatre where Broadway-style shows, contemporary dance, and live vocal performances take centre stage. After the show, guests often head to Piano Bar for sing-along favourites, or sip cocktails at Samba Dance Club, where resident DJs keep the energy flowing until late.
For something relaxed, venues like Blue Moon Lounge on Costa Diadema and Costa Pacifica host live guitar or jazz nights, while the Casino Admiral invites guests to try their luck at blackjack or roulette. On select sailings, Costa also introduces theme nights such as Carnival Party Deck with Latin rhythms and dancing under the stars — a particularly popular highlight on Caribbean and Mediterranean sailings.
Things to Do
Costa Cruises ships are packed with activities no matter the pace you prefer. If wellness is a priority, the SPA Costa on Costa Smeralda includes thermal areas, thalassotherapy pools, and a range of treatments such as deep tissue massages and anti-stress rituals. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the fully equipped gym and scheduled classes like Pilates and spinning, while the outdoor jogging track provides a scenic route with sea views.
Water lovers will enjoy the multi-level pool areas — for example, Costa Deliziosa’s main pool sits beneath an LED sky ceiling, and Costa Serena’s aft pool overlooks the wake. During sea days, workshops and games such as dance lessons, quiz challenges, and cooking demonstrations are hosted in venues like Salotto Blu and Arena del Mare. And for young adventurers, the interactive spaces and kids’ pools add that extra layer of fun.
Family
Costa Cruises is a firm favourite for family getaways thanks to its thoughtful blend of child-friendly spaces and activities. The Costa Kids Club offers dedicated programming for different age groups, from toddlers to teens, with arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and themed parties. Little ones can splash about on the Squok Club’s colourful slides, while older kids enjoy video game areas and dedicated lounges where they can meet new friends.
Meals are made easier with children’s options served in main dining rooms and buffets, and family cabins provide flexible sleeping arrangements for groups of all sizes. If you’re planning a multigenerational holiday, parents often enjoy that the whole family can come together for cinema nights in Cinema 21 or deck parties that bring everyone on deck under the stars.
Useful Information
Costa Cruises UK departures make it easy for British travellers to embark without the need for flights, with popular sailings from ports like Southampton and Barcelona. When comparing Costa Cruises against other lines, many guests are drawn to the Italian hospitality woven into every part of life onboard — from cheery service in restaurants to the energetic atmosphere on pool decks. If you’re researching ship feedback, looking up “costa ships reviews” gives a snapshot of how guests rate the food, entertainment, and family focus, which is consistently strong across the fleet.
Onboard language is typically English and Italian, reflecting the cruise line’s heritage and international guest mix. Costa’s online tools make it simple to plan your holiday details ahead of time — whether you’re managing pre-cruise purchases or reviewing shore excursions — so you can step onboard confident that your itinerary is set. If you’re searching for great value, our Costa Cruise Line Sales and Promotion page is a good place to start for discounted sailings and seasonal offers.
Destinations
Costa Cruises sails to a dazzling array of regions, with itineraries that take in culture, coastlines, and bucket-list ports. In the western Mediterranean, you can visit Porto Cervo on Costa Smeralda sailings — a glamorous harbour on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda where world-class beaches meet Michelin-star dining. From there, calls may include Rome’s Civitavecchia for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, colourful Cinque Terre towns, and Marseille’s Old Port with its seafood markets.
In northern waters, Costa itineraries to the Norwegian fjords deliver dramatic scenery and calm harbours like Geiranger and Flam, where departures allow unforgettable hikes or scenic rail rides to glacier viewpoints. In the Caribbean, calls to tropical anchorages offer sugar-white beaches and snorkelling among coral gardens. You could also choose a themed voyage such as a Costa Rica cruise that pairs sea days with rainforest excursions, volcano views, and natural hot springs when visiting Central American ports.
Special Costa Cruises Offerings
Costa Cruises combines Italian flair with modern amenities and regional highlights, creating a holiday that feels like a blend of cruise, resort, and cultural tour. On ships like Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana, the design celebrates the Mediterranean spirit with terracotta accents and panoramic promenades. Many voyages include local demonstrations, cooking classes showcasing regional ingredients, and curated shore excursions that immerse you in the food, art, and history of ports like Porto Cervo, Barcelona, and Naples.
Costa Ships
- Costa Smeralda – A flagship ship inspired by the Mediterranean, perfect for cultural and beach-rich itineraries.
- Costa Toscana – A sister ship to Smeralda with panoramic venues and Italian style everywhere you look.
- Costa Pacifica – Ideal for music lovers with spaces inspired by the world of sound.
- Costa Diadema – A family-friendly favourite with broad outdoor decks and entertainment venues.
- Costa Fascinosa – Combines comfortable cabins with lively public spaces.
- Costa Favolosa – Known for its storybook design and wide activity options.
- Costa Deliziosa – A sophisticated choice with warm interiors and refined service.
- Costa Serena – Balanced itineraries and classic Costa style.
- Costa Fortuna – Elegant and timeless, perfect for relaxed cruises.
What is the largest ship in the Costa fleet?
The biggest ships in the fleet are Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana, known for their vast promenades, entertainment venues, and Mediterranean-inspired design.
Can kids sail free?
Kids under 18 sharing a cabin with parents often pay only port, service fees, and insurance — making Costa Cruises a strong choice for family holidays.


























