Costa Cruise Deals: What to Know Before You Book
Costa Cruises brings Italian style to life at sea. It is the only major Italian cruise line. It was founded in Genoa back in 1854. Every ship carries that Italian feel. This shows up in the food, the design, and the overall mood on board.
This guide covers where Costa sails, what a Costa ship feels like, and what to check before you book.
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Check current pricing and open sailing dates straight from Costa Cruises. Cabin availability changes often.
Check Costa SailingsItalian Style at the Center of Everything
Costa built its name around Italian hospitality. Pizza and pasta are made fresh on board. Staff trained in Italy often handle the cooking. Many ships have an onboard cafe built around Caffè Vergnano, a well-known Italian coffee brand. The overall feel leans festive and social. It runs a bit more relaxed than some other major lines.
Costa’s newest ships include Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda. Both use cleaner-burning fuel. Both also offer some of the most modern designs in the fleet. Browse current ships and sailing routes to see what is available for your dates.
Where Costa Sails
The Mediterranean is Costa’s strongest region by far. Many sailings leave right from major Italian ports. Routes cover Italy, Greece, Turkey, France, and Spain. Costa also runs Norwegian fjord cruises in the summer. These reach places like the Geiranger fjord and Norway’s dramatic coastline.
Beyond Europe, Costa offers Caribbean sailings and South America routes. It also runs longer world cruises that last for weeks at a time. Routes and regions shift somewhat from year to year. Always check the current season’s map before booking. Compare current routes and destinations to see what fits your trip.
Compare Ships and Sailing Dates
Ship, route, and season all affect the trip. Compare your options directly on Costa’s site before you book.
Compare Costa Sailing OptionsA Different Feel Than US-Based Lines
Costa draws a large mix of European travelers. Many are Italian guests. Announcements and some onboard signs may appear in more than one language, not just English. This adds to the international feel. It is worth knowing ahead of time if you prefer an all-English trip.
Excursions work the same way as most major lines. You can book them on board or ahead of time for an extra fee. Popular picks include gondola rides in Venice and beach stops in the Caribbean. This depends on the route.
Dining and Onboard Life
Main dining rooms serve Italian-inspired menus alongside other international dishes. Specialty restaurants are available on many ships for an extra fee. Entertainment tends to lean festive, with music, dancing, and a lively pool deck atmosphere during the day.
Who Costa Tends to Fit Best
Costa is a strong pick for travelers who want a true Mediterranean-based cruise. This is different from a Mediterranean stop tacked onto a US line’s calendar. Costa also suits travelers who enjoy a festive, international mood. It fits less well for those who want a quiet, predictable trip.
Tips Before You Book
Check the ship’s build year before booking
Costa’s fleet includes both newer and older ships. If ship age matters to you, check the build year and recent updates before you choose.
Confirm the language mix on board
English-only announcements may matter to you. If so, ask about the typical language mix for your specific sailing. Do this before you book.
Book Mediterranean sailings in the shoulder months for fewer crowds
Spring and fall tend to bring fewer crowds. Italian and Greek ports feel much busier during the peak summer months.
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This article is for general information only. It is not official advice from Costa Cruises. We are not a booking agent. We are not a representative of Costa Cruises unless stated otherwise. All content reflects our own opinions and research at the time of writing.
Cruise prices, cabin availability, itineraries, ports of call, onboard offerings, fees, and policies can change at any time. Cruise lines update their offerings often. The details in this article may not reflect the very latest changes at the time you read this. Fleet details can also change, including ships joining or leaving service. Weather, mechanical issues, and other factors beyond anyone’s control can also change a sailing. Always confirm current pricing, itinerary details, and terms directly with Costa Cruises before you book or pay for anything.
We do not control the pricing on Costa Cruises or any ship, port, or third party mentioned in this article. We do not control the availability, service quality, safety, or policies either. We are not responsible for those things. We make no guarantees about specific savings, onboard experiences, or outcomes of any kind.
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Nothing in this article should be treated as legal, financial, medical, or travel insurance advice. Read all terms and conditions from Costa Cruises before booking. This includes the cancellation policy. By reading this article, you agree that Don and Diana’s Travels is not liable for any decision made based on the information here.