What Sets Costa Cruises Apart

Costa Cruises sets itself apart with its rich Italian heritage, offering a culturally immersive and family-friendly atmosphere that blends modern innovation with timeless elegance. Unlike the mega-ships of competitors, Costa delivers a European-inspired experience, filled with vibrant dining, engaging entertainment, and an eco-friendly focus. Their Excellence Class ships lead in sustainable cruising, while the onboard vibe is casual yet lively, perfect for families, solo travelers, and couples alike. With Costa, you'll enjoy authentic Italian hospitality and explore the world in harmony with local communities and the environment.

History

Founded in 1854, Costa Cruises has evolved from a humble Italian shipping company to one of the most iconic names in cruising. Starting with its first leisure ship, Anna C, in 1948, Costa has been a leader in Mediterranean voyages filled with Italian flair. In 1997, Costa Cruises was acquired by Carnival Corporation, becoming part of one of the largest cruise groups in the world. Despite this change in ownership, Costa has retained their distinctive Italian flair and remains a leader in European cruising. Over the decades, the cruise line expanded its reach, adding larger and more innovative ships to its fleet, including the revolutionary Costa Smeralda, powered by LNG. Costa’s history of blending tradition with modernity remains a key part of its appeal, making it a top choice for those seeking European culture at sea.

Fleet

Costa’s fleet is divided into several general categories, based on the ship size, design, and onboard amenities:

Excellence Class: Including Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana, these ships are the most innovative in Costa’s fleet, featuring sustainable LNG engines, larger capacities, and a wide range of amenities.

Luminosa Class: Including Costa Deliziosa, these smaller ships focus more on luxury and personalized service, with fewer passengers and more intimate settings.

Concordia Class: Including Costa Serena, Fascinosa, Favolosa and Costa Pacifica, these are some of Costa's larger, family-oriented ships, offering a blend of entertainment and relaxation.

Fortuna Class: Costa Fortuna, which are designed with an Italian theme and bring a unique blend of elegance and modern technology. These ships cater to guests looking for a more classic cruising experience; while still offering modern amenities, they have smaller capacities compared to newer classes.

Dream Class: The Costa Diadema is a large and elegant ship designed for a modern cruising experience. Known for its spacious outdoor promenades and stylish Italian design, Costa Diadema provides a vibrant, immersive Mediterranean experience with plenty of activities and entertainment onboard.

Dining

Costa Cruises is a haven for food lovers, particularly those who appreciate Italian cuisine. Most ships feature the Ristorante Buffet for casual dining and main dining room, with two seatings and assigned tables, for more formal meals. Fresh pasta, rich espresso, and indulgent desserts like gelato are a staple onboard. Specialty dining venues include the Pummid’Oro Pizzeria, Teppanyaki, Sushino, and the Archipelago, among others, where you can indulge in authentic dishes made with high-quality ingredients. Room service is available fleetwide, though some items may come with an extra charge. Whether you’re enjoying a poolside pizza or a gourmet multi-course dinner, Costa ensures that every meal is a celebration of Italian culture.

Entertainment

Entertainment on Costa ships spans a wide range of interests, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Theater Shows: All Costa ships feature nightly theater performances, with a variety of musical shows, acrobatics, and themed productions.

Colosseo Theater: Unique to Costa Smeralda and Toscana, this grand, three-level theater features cutting-edge light and sound technology for immersive performances.

Cirque du Soleil-style Acrobatics: Dazzling acrobatic shows featuring aerial performances and artistic displays on Costa Smeralda and Toscana.

White Night Party: Themed party where guests dress in white for a night of dancing and entertainment under the stars.

Virtual Reality Arcade: High-tech arcade with VR experiences, interactive games, and simulations on Costa Smeralda.

Interactive Culinary Classes: Participate in cooking classes at the LAB – Kitchen, an interactive space designed for food lovers, available on Costa Smeralda and Toscana.

Live Music and Piano Bars: Live musical performances, piano lounges, and acoustic sets held in multiple venues across all ships.

Squok Club Shows: Kid-friendly entertainment for younger cruisers, including themed talent shows, interactive games, and movie nights.

Poolside Movie Nights: Outdoor cinema screenings held by the pool, featuring family-friendly films and blockbuster hits, available on Costa Pacifica and Favolosa

Themed Parties and Festivals: Events like Italian Night, Carnival parties, and regional festivals celebrated onboard with live music, dancing, and themed food.

Discos and Nightclubs: Late-night discos for dancing with a DJ and themed parties, such as 80s nights.

Water Parks and Waterslides: Family-friendly water parks with splash zones, slides, and interactive water features, on Costa Pacifica and Serena.

Family and Youth Activities

Costa Cruises is a fantastic choice for families, offering fun and engaging youth programs and flexible accommodation options. Children can enjoy age-appropriate activities through the Squok Club, divided into the Squok Baby Area (0-3), Squok Club (3-11), and Teen Zone (12-17). From treasure hunts and talent shows to sports tournaments and family games, there's something for every age. Costa’s partnership with Kinder’s Joy of Moving adds an educational twist, blending physical activity with fun games. While the kids are entertained, parents can relax knowing their children are in good hands with Costa's expert staff. Costa offers family staterooms and connecting cabins, allowing families to stay close and enjoy comfortable accommodations. Whether it’s making new friends at the pool, pizza-making workshops, or family fun on the water slides, Costa Cruises offers an unforgettable family experience, with activities and amenities tailored for all ages.

Passenger Demographics

Costa Cruises welcomes a diverse range of passengers, making it a perfect choice for families, couples, solo travelers, and retirees alike. With its rich European heritage, Costa attracts many international guests, particularly those looking for culturally immersive experiences in destinations like the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Caribbean. Costa’s leisurely pace, exceptional service, and the opportunity to explore beautiful destinations in comfort make it a popular choice.

Canadian Resident Rates

While Costa Cruises does not offer Canadian Resident Rates their competitive pricing makes them an enticing option for Canadians.

Solo Travel

Costa Cruises make solo travel an exciting and affordable adventure with their Cruising Solo program, offering solo cabins on select ships and promotions offering reduced single supplements. Costa's solo cabins, available on Fascinosa, Favolosa, Pacifica, and Serena, offer comfortable ocean-view or interior options. Enjoy Costa’s immersive international atmosphere, with the chance to meet fellow travelers from around the world. From delicious dining and world-class entertainment to exciting shore excursions or simply relaxing by the pool, there’s plenty to enjoy without breaking the bank.

Private Island

Costa Cruises does not currently own a private island like some other cruise lines. However, Costa often docks at exclusive ports and private beach clubs in locations like the Caribbean and Mediterranean, offering guests similar experiences with dedicated facilities and activities.

Loyalty Program

Costa Cruises' loyalty program, C Club, transforms every journey into a special experience with privileges and exclusive events designed to elevate your cruise. With simple ways to earn points, you’ll quickly progress through membership tiers, Blue, Bronze, Silver, Gold, to the prestigious Platinum. Members enjoy access to special events, exclusive offers, and Club Cruises with unique itineraries. Booking through tripcentral.ca ensures that you keep all your C Club benefits, so you never miss out on the rewards.