Costa Cruises: Italian Chaos Meets Mediterranean Charm
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Italians design cruise ships, Costa Cruises is your answer. Think bright colors, excellent pasta, enthusiastic crew members who gesture with their hands, and ships that look like floating art installations had a collision with a rainbow. They’ve been perfecting the art of Italian-style cruising since 1948, and somehow managed to make it work brilliantly.
Costa is owned by Carnival Corporation but maintains its distinctly Italian personality. From the gelato bars to the fact they charge for water (yes, really), this is cruising with an unmistakably European twist. Love it or hate it, you’ll definitely never forget it.
What Makes Costa Different (And Why Your Kids Will Never Want to Leave)
Authentic Italian Chaos: Everything on Costa ships feels genuinely Italian – from the pasta that’s actually good to the entertainment that’s more Eurovision than Broadway. The crew’s enthusiasm is infectious, even if their English sometimes requires creative interpretation.
Bright, Bold Design: Costa ships look like someone gave a toddler unlimited access to a paint store. Every deck is a different vibrant color, and subtlety was clearly not invited to the design meeting. It’s either charming or overwhelming, depending on your tolerance for visual stimulation.
Family Paradise: Italians worship children, and it shows. Kids under 18 often cruise for free (just pay port taxes), there are brilliant kids’ clubs, and family cabins that actually work for families. Your offspring will be treated like visiting royalty.
LNG-Powered Ships: Costa was among the first to use liquefied natural gas, because apparently saving the environment is important even when you’re painting ships in colors visible from space.
European Crowd: Expect a multicultural mix with lots of Italian families, which means dinner starts later, kids stay up past bedtime, and there’s always someone’s nonna offering food advice.
No Free Water Policy: Yes, they charge for water in restaurants. Yes, it’s annoying. Yes, you’ll survive. Welcome to European cruising, where nothing is free except the entertainment and judgment.
The Honest Truth: What You’re Getting Into
The Good Stuff:
- Genuinely excellent Italian food (the pasta alone is worth the price)
- Brilliant value for families with kids sailing nearly free
- Ships that are actually fun to explore, not just functional
- Authentic Italian atmosphere without leaving the Mediterranean
- Environmental commitment with LNG-powered ships
- Entertainment that’s refreshingly different from American-style shows
The Reality Check:
- They charge for everything, including water (seriously, everything)
- Bright ship design either delights or gives you a headache
- Can feel very crowded during European school holidays
- Entertainment assumes you enjoy participation and enthusiasm
- Drink packages are almost essential unless you enjoy bankruptcy
- Language barriers occasionally happen (though most crew speak English)
🛳️ Pro Tip: Book Early
I found out that booking excursions early through Costa’s website can save you some cash. They often have discounts for early bookings, and you can avoid the last-minute rush on board. Plus, you’ll have a better chance of snagging a spot on the most popular tours.
The Fleet: From Intimate to “How Did They Fit All This Stuff?”
Costa currently operates 10 ships, though this is changing faster than Italian politics. Here’s what you need to know:
The Giants:
- Costa Smeralda (2019) and Costa Toscana (2021) – LNG-powered behemoths carrying over 6,500 passengers each. Think floating cities with better food.
- Costa Diadema (2014) – The “Queen of the Mediterranean” with nearly 5,000 passengers and enough activities to exhaust a small army.
The Sweet Spot: Ships like Costa Fascinosa, Costa Favolosa, and Costa Pacifica carry around 3,800 passengers – big enough for variety, small enough that you won’t need GPS to find your cabin.
The Classics: Costa Fortuna (2003) – The oldest ship in the fleet, but not for long. She’s being sold to Margaritaville at Sea in September 2026, because apparently even cruise ships can have midlife career changes.
Future Plans: Costa is focusing on upgrading existing ships rather than building new ones. They’ve spent €200 million over five years renovating their fleet, which is either smart business or expensive ship therapy.
What’s Actually Included (And What’ll Cost You)
Your cruise fare covers:
- Accommodation that’s colorful and functional
- Main dining rooms serving actual Italian food
- Buffets with machine coffee, water, and juice (only during buffet hours)
- Entertainment that ranges from charming to enthusiastically bizarre
- Kids’ clubs that might actually tire out your children
- The right to walk around a floating Italian festival
What costs extra (prepare your wallet):
- Water anywhere except the buffet (this cannot be overstated)
- All alcoholic beverages and specialty coffee
- Specialty restaurants (though they’re genuinely excellent)
- WiFi that works sporadically
- Shore excursions to actually see the places you’re visiting
- Spa treatments and fitness classes
- Photos, because memories should apparently require payment
🛳️ Pro Tip: Costa App
I always download the Costa Cruises app before I board. It gives me access to daily schedules and ship info, plus it lets me use the onboard messaging feature for free. It’s a great way to stay in touch with my travel buddies without needing an internet package.
Dining: From Decent to “Madonna Mia, That’s Good!”
Included Options:
- Main Dining Rooms – Multiple restaurants serving Italian and international cuisine that doesn’t taste like cafeteria food
- Buffets – International selections with live cooking stations and the only free coffee on the ship
- Pizzeria Pummid’oro – Wood-fired pizza that’s genuinely Italian, not cruise ship Italian. For everything you need to know about Costa’s pizza game, check out our detailed Pizza Time at Costa guide
Specialty Restaurants (Extra Cost but Criminally Good):
- Ristorante Archipelago – Michelin-starred chef creations that justify the expense
- Teppanyaki – Japanese hibachi where chefs perform knife juggling without insurance claims
- Bruno Barbieri Restaurants – “Destination menus” created by Italy’s celebrity chef that reflect your next port
Reality Check: The included food is genuinely good, and the specialty restaurants are excellent. Italian cruise lines understand food in ways that others simply don’t.
Drink Packages: The Math That’ll Make You Drink
Costa’s drink packages are essential unless you enjoy financial ruin:
My Drinks Package (Basic): Around €35-48 per day. Includes house wines, basic cocktails, draft beer, soft drinks, specialty coffee, and one bottle of water daily. Because hydration costs extra.
My Drinks Plus (Premium): Around €55-65 per day. Everything in My Drinks plus premium spirits, molecular cocktails, unlimited bottled water, and minibar access. Included free with suites because luxury means not dying of thirst.
Targeted Packages: If you’re not a heavy drinker, Costa offers packages for specific items:
- Water Package: €33 for 13 bottles (because €3.50 per bottle adds up)
- Beer Package: €105 for 20 beers (roughly break-even pricing)
- Coffee Package: €82 for 25 cappuccinos (essential for Italian cruise survival)
Important Notes:
- Everyone in your cabin must have the same unlimited package
- Set-number packages can be shared
- No drinks are included with meals except during buffet breakfast
- Kids under 18 get free soft drinks if adults buy unlimited packages
Reality Check: You need about 3-4 drinks daily to break even on My Drinks, or you’ll spend more on individual beverages than some people’s mortgages.
Cabins: From Cozy to “Is This Someone’s Apartment?”
Interior Cabins: Compact but colorful rooms around 160 sq ft. Perfect if you plan to actually explore the ship instead of hiding.
Ocean View Cabins: Similar size with a porthole, because natural light apparently costs extra.
Balcony Cabins: Private outdoor space averaging 180-200 sq ft. Worth it for morning espresso (that you’ll pay extra for).
Suites: Range from junior suites to grand suites with separate living areas and My Drinks Plus included. The luxury makes the bright décor almost bearable.
Family Cabins: Designed for Italian families, which means they actually work for families. Some sleep up to 5 people without requiring bunk bed tetris.
Solo Travelers: Costa offers single cabins on some ships, though they’re not as common as other cruise lines. If you’re cruising solo, check out our singles cruises guide for more options that cater specifically to solo travelers.
🛳️ Pro Tip: Costa Deals
Before my cruise, I log into the ‘My Costa’ section on their website. They often post special deals on dining packages, drink packages, and spa treatments that I can book ahead of time. These pre-cruise deals are sometimes cheaper than what you’ll find once you’re on board.
Entertainment: European Style Means Participation Is Expected
Costa’s entertainment reflects its European roots:
- Live Shows – Productions that assume you enjoy singing along and clapping
- Themed Parties – Dance nights where participation isn’t optional
- Live Music – Musicians who can actually play instruments, revolutionary concept
- Game Shows – Expect to be dragged on stage if you make eye contact
The entertainment style is distinctly European – less polished than American cruise lines, more authentic and engaging. You’ll either love the community feel or miss the Broadway productions.
Activities: Because Floating Isn’t Entertaining Enough
Adventure Options:
- Water parks with slides that challenge both physics and common sense
- Sports courts for pretending you’re athletic while on vacation
- Climbing walls for conquering fears or creating new ones
- 4D cinemas for motion sickness with a plot
Relaxation Options:
- Samsara Spa for treatments that cost more than most people’s holidays
- Multiple pools including adults-only areas for peace
- Quiet decks for reading or questioning life choices
- Hot tubs for soaking and people-watching
Italian Family Philosophy: Kids Rule Everything
Children’s Programs: Costa’s approach to families borders on worship:
- Kids under 18 often sail free (pay only port taxes)
- Age-specific clubs with Italian enthusiasm levels
- Family activities that actually include the whole family
- Babysitting services for when parents need adult beverages
Reality Check: Costa ships during school holidays feel like floating nurseries. If you love the energy of happy children everywhere, you’ll thrive. If you prefer adult-focused cruising, consider timing carefully.
No-Fly UK Options: Because Airports Are Terrible
Costa sails from several UK ports:
- Southampton: Regular Mediterranean and occasional Northern European cruises
- Dover: Select Mediterranean departures
- Liverpool: Occasional repositioning cruises
Destinations: Everywhere the Mediterranean Touches
Mediterranean: Costa’s specialty with year-round cruises to Italy, Spain, France, and Greece. They know these waters like your local barista knows your coffee order.
Caribbean: Winter escapes from European weather, departing from Guadeloupe and Martinique for French Caribbean vibes.
Northern Europe: Summer cruises to Scandinavia and the Baltic for those who find the Mediterranean too warm.
South America: Brazilian and Argentinian adventures for when you want to practice your Portuguese.
Middle East: Dubai and Arabian Gulf cruises for cultural experiences and shopping therapy.
Environmental Efforts: Actually Trying to Save the Ocean
Costa leads environmental initiatives:
- LNG-Powered Ships: Costa Smeralda and Toscana run on liquefied natural gas
- Waste Reduction: Advanced processing systems and plastic elimination
- Energy Efficiency: Ship design focused on reducing environmental impact
- Ocean Protection: Because destroying your workplace seems counterproductive
Frequently Asked Questions: The Stuff They Don’t Put in the Brochures
Do I really have to pay for water at dinner? Yes, Costa charges for bottled water even in the main dining rooms. The only free water is from machines in the buffet during open hours. It’s annoying but survivable – think of it as paying for the privilege of staying hydrated while eating excellent pasta.
Can I bring my own drinks onboard? Officially, no food or drinks are allowed, though some passengers report success bringing wine with prior authorization (plus a €10 corkage fee). Your bags will be X-rayed, so don’t try smuggling a hip flask unless you enjoy awkward conversations with security.
What language are the announcements in? Announcements are typically in Italian, English, French, German, and Spanish. Entertainment and activities follow the same multilingual approach, though Italian enthusiasm transcends language barriers anyway.
Are Costa ships suitable for British tastes? If you’re expecting subtle décor and reserved service, Costa might be culture shock. If you appreciate vibrant design, genuine Italian food, and enthusiastic hospitality, you’ll love it. Think of it as a holiday from British understatement.
How crowded do the ships get? During European school holidays, Costa ships feel like floating family reunions. Summer Mediterranean cruises are particularly busy. If you prefer peaceful cruising, avoid July and August unless you enjoy the energy of 500 excited children.
Is the entertainment in English? Most shows include English, though the style is distinctly European – more audience participation, less Broadway polish. Don’t expect West End productions, but do expect genuine enthusiasm and the occasional chance to embarrass yourself on stage.
Can I get by speaking only English? Absolutely. Most crew speak English, and Italians are masters of communication through gestures anyway. You might encounter some language barriers, but enthusiasm and pointing usually solve most problems.
Are the drink packages worth it? Unless you’re planning a completely alcohol-free cruise, yes. Even the basic My Drinks package saves money if you have 3-4 beverages daily. Without a package, you’ll spend more on drinks than some people’s entire holiday budget.
What’s the dress code really like? Smart casual for dinner, whatever’s comfortable during the day. Italians appreciate style but won’t refuse you service for wearing shorts to lunch. Pack clothes you’d wear to a nice Italian restaurant, not a job interview.
How does Costa compare to other cruise lines? Costa offers authentic Italian style at excellent value, especially for families. They’re not trying to be Royal Caribbean or Celebrity – they’re unapologetically Italian. If you want European flair over American-style entertainment, Costa delivers brilliantly.
Practical Realities: What Nobody Tells You
Language: English is spoken by most crew, though enthusiasm sometimes exceeds vocabulary. Italians are masters of communication through gestures anyway.
Timing: Dinner starts later (7:30pm onwards), kids stay up later, and everything runs on Italian time, which is wonderfully relaxed.
Crowds: European school holidays turn ships into floating families reunions. Summer Mediterranean cruises are particularly busy.
Dress Code: Smart casual for dinner, whatever makes you comfortable during the day. Italians care about style, but they’re not checking your outfit at dinner.
Gratuities: Automatically added to your account, around €10-12 per person per day.
Who Should Choose Costa
Perfect for:
- Families with children (seriously, kids will never want to leave)
- First-time cruisers wanting European flair
- People who appreciate authentic Italian culture
- Budget-conscious travelers seeking good value
- Anyone who enjoys vibrant, energetic atmospheres
Maybe reconsider if:
- You prefer understated, elegant ship design
- You’re on a tight budget (extras add up quickly)
- You want American-style entertainment and service
- You prefer adult-focused, quiet cruising
- You’re philosophically opposed to paying for water
Bottom Line
Costa figured out how to make cruising feel like a floating Italian village festival. The ships are bright, the food is genuine, the families are everywhere, and somehow it all works beautifully together.
Yes, they charge for water, and yes, the décor might give you sensory overload, but you’re getting authentic Italian hospitality, excellent food, and value that’s hard to beat for families.
Costa isn’t trying to be the most luxurious or the most innovative – they’re trying to be the most Italian. And if you embrace the chaos, the colors, and the community spirit, you’ll understand why Italian families have been choosing Costa for generations.
If you’re still deciding between cruise lines, take a look at our comprehensive cruise lines comparison guide to see how Costa stacks up against the competition.
Ready for Italian-style cruising? Costa might be exactly the floating festa you never knew you needed.
Written and researched by Jo, who’s learned that paying for water is a small price for experiencing genuine Italian cruise hospitality, and that bright orange corridors are surprisingly cheerful at 6am.
