Costa Cruises

Italian style, Mediterranean spirit, worldwide voyages. Costa brings la dolce vita to sea with authentic regional cuisine, vibrant entertainment, and the kind of warm, social atmosphere only an Italian cruise line can deliver.

Or call us at 1-800-444-1560 or email info@smartcruiser.com

Italian Cruising at Its Finest

Founded in 1948 in Genoa, Italy, Costa Cruises is one of the leading cruise lines in Europe and a beloved name worldwide. As part of the Carnival Corporation family, Costa infuses every voyage with genuine Italian spirit. With a modern fleet of stunning ships, Costa offers a unique blend of Italian hospitality, exceptional dining, exciting entertainment, and beautiful destinations – all at outstanding value. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Costa delivers an experience that feels distinctly, wonderfully Italian.

At a Glance

Cruise Line: Costa Cruises – Contemporary, Italian-Inspired Cruising

Fleet: Modern ships carrying approximately 2,000 to 6,600 guests each

Destinations: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, South America, Middle East, Asia, and world cruises

Service: Warm Italian hospitality with international flair and attentive crew

Signature Feature: Authentic Italian design, cuisine by world-class chefs, and an energetic, social atmosphere that brings la dolce vita to sea

  • Full-board dining across multiple restaurants and buffet venues
  • Entertainment and live shows nightly
  • Pool areas, fitness center, and sports facilities
  • Kids’ and teens’ clubs (Squok Club and teen zones)
  • Access to spa and wellness areas (treatments at additional cost)
  • Port talks and destination enrichment programs

Beverage packages, specialty dining, shore excursions, and spa treatments available as upgrades. All-inclusive packages available for added value.

  • Authentic Italian cuisine crafted with regional recipes and fresh ingredients – a culinary experience you won’t find on any other cruise line
  • Vibrant, social atmosphere with themed parties, Italian piazza-style gathering spaces, and spectacular entertainment
  • Outstanding value for families with complimentary kids’ clubs and family-friendly cabins
  • Extensive Mediterranean and European itineraries with deep knowledge of European ports

Main Restaurant: Elegant multi-course Italian and international dining with open and fixed seating options

Lido Buffet: Casual dining with a wide variety of international and Italian dishes throughout the day

Specialty Restaurants: Premium dining experiences including teppanyaki, steakhouse, and seafood options (surcharge applies)

Pizzeria: Authentic wood-fired style pizza – a Costa signature, complimentary for all guests

Gelato Bar: Handcrafted Italian gelato made fresh daily

Costa’s culinary philosophy celebrates regional Italian traditions, with menus designed in collaboration with renowned Italian chefs and featuring dishes inspired by the destinations you visit.

Costa Cruises is a wonderful choice for families. The Squok Club offers age-appropriate activities for children ages 3 to 17, divided into dedicated groups so every child has an engaging experience. From creative workshops and treasure hunts for little ones to gaming zones and social events for teens, there’s never a dull moment.

Family-friendly cabins and connecting staterooms make it easy to keep everyone together, and Costa frequently offers special kids-sail-free promotions. Multi-generational families will love the variety of activities, dining options, and entertainment that appeal to every age group.

Our experienced agents at SmartCruiser.com can help you choose the right ship and cabin configuration for your family – we know which options work best because we’ve sailed them ourselves.

Costa Cruise Search

A contemporary cruise ship lounge and entertainment venue featuring warm orange and gold tones

Italian Hospitality Meets Modern Mediterranean Cruising

A Taste of Italy at Sea

Food is at the heart of every Costa cruise. Their culinary program is built on authentic Italian traditions, with menus crafted in collaboration with renowned Italian chefs. From the elegant main restaurant offering multi-course dinners with regional Italian specialties, to the beloved complimentary pizzeria serving wood-fired style pizza throughout the day, every meal is a celebration. The gelato bar serves handcrafted Italian gelato daily, and specialty restaurants offer elevated experiences for those special evenings. It’s not just dining – it’s a journey through Italy’s culinary regions, right from your table at sea.

Entertainment & Onboard Life

Costa brings the energy and passion of Italy to life every evening with spectacular theatrical productions, live music, and themed deck parties. The ships feature grand atriums inspired by Italian piazzas – perfect gathering spots where guests mingle, enjoy a cappuccino, and soak in the social atmosphere. From casino nights and dance classes to poolside festivals and late-night DJ sets, there’s always something happening on a Costa ship. It’s a lively, joyful atmosphere that’s uniquely Italian – relaxed during the day, electric at night.

A Costa Cruises staff member wearing a branded t-shirt displays ship information on a tablet to
A large modern cruise ship, the Costa Smeralda, docked at a European port with calm blue waters

Destinations That Inspire

Costa Cruises is the undisputed expert when it comes to Mediterranean cruising. With Italian roots stretching back over 75 years, no one knows these waters better. Sail the Western Mediterranean to Barcelona, Marseille, and the Amalfi Coast, or explore the Eastern Mediterranean gems of Greece, Croatia, and Turkey. Beyond Europe, Costa takes you to the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, and Asia. They also offer grand world cruises for those who want the ultimate voyage. Wherever you choose to go, Costa’s deep European heritage means you’ll experience each port with an authentically Italian perspective.

The Costa Experience

Authentic Italian Cuisine

Costa’s kitchens are run by top Italian chefs who bring regional traditions to your plate. Complimentary pizza and freshly made gelato are available daily, while the main restaurants and specialty venues take you on a tour of Italy’s diverse food culture.

Vibrant Entertainment

Think grand theatre shows one evening, a lively deck party the next, and live music drifting through the Italian piazza-style social spaces in between. On a Costa ship, the energy never stops.

Mediterranean Experts

More than 75 years of sailing from Italian home ports gives Costa an unrivalled understanding of the Mediterranean. They also venture further afield to the Caribbean, South America, and Asia, always bringing that European perspective to every port of call.

A large modern cruise ship operated by Costa Cruises sails on open blue ocean waters under a partly

Staterooms for Every Budget

Costa offers a range of stateroom categories to suit every budget and preference. Interior cabins are cozy and great value. Ocean View cabins add a porthole or window for natural light. Balcony cabins give you a private veranda – ideal for a morning espresso as the ship glides into port. Suites deliver a premium experience with extra space and added perks. Many ships also feature family cabins and connecting rooms. Not sure which category makes sense for your trip? Our experienced agents know the deck plans inside and out and can compare cabin placement and upgrade costs to find the best fit and value for your sailing.

Gallery

A vibrant outdoor children's play area aboard a cruise ship, featuring a bright blue splash pool
A sophisticated indoor café featuring transparent modern chairs arranged around white tables on
A chef in traditional red hat and decorative black jacket prepares food at an open teppanyaki
A comprehensive infographic detailing Costa Cruises' global operations, including shipyard
A comprehensive infographic showcasing Costa Cruises' worldwide operations and global reach
A smiling man in a white shirt takes a selfie with a white humanoid robot featuring a friendly face

Our Fleet

Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Cruises is the only major cruise line with authentic Italian heritage, founded in Genoa in 1948. This Italian DNA permeates every aspect of the experience – from the cuisine and design to the warm, social atmosphere onboard. Costa ships feature Italian-designed interiors, regionally inspired menus crafted with renowned Italian chefs, and an energetic, convivial ambience that feels like a floating Italian piazza. If you love Italian culture, food, and warmth, there’s truly nothing else like it at sea.

A standard Costa fare includes your stateroom, full-board dining in the main restaurant and buffet, complimentary pizza and gelato, entertainment and shows, kids’ and teens’ clubs, pool and fitness facilities, and port talks. Costa also offers all-inclusive upgrade packages that add beverage packages, specialty dining credits, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits for outstanding value. When you book through SmartCruiser.com, your dedicated agent can layer exclusive group rates and amenities such as onboard credits (OBCs) on top of Costa’s published offers.

Absolutely! Costa is one of the best cruise lines for families in Europe. The Squok Club offers supervised, age-appropriate activities for children ages 3 to 17, with separate groups for different age ranges. Family-friendly cabins and connecting staterooms are available, and Costa frequently runs kids-sail-free promotions. Multi-generational families love the variety of dining, entertainment, and activities that appeal to every age group. Our experienced agents can help you find the right ship and cabin configuration for your family.

Costa offers a range of stateroom categories to suit every budget and preference. Options include Interior cabins (cozy and great value), Ocean View cabins with a porthole or window, Balcony cabins with your own private veranda, and Suites for a premium experience with extra space and perks. Many ships also feature family cabins and connecting rooms. Our agents know the deck plans inside and out – we can recommend the best cabin location for your needs, whether you’re looking for a quiet spot or easy access to the pool.

Costa is the Mediterranean cruise specialist, offering extensive itineraries throughout the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, including Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey. Beyond Europe, Costa sails to the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, and Asia. They also offer extended world cruises for those seeking the ultimate voyage. Costa’s deep knowledge of European ports means you’ll enjoy thoughtfully crafted itineraries with authentic local experiences at every destination.

Costa offers a wonderful variety of dining options. The main restaurant serves elegant multi-course Italian and international cuisine with both open and fixed seating. The Lido buffet provides casual, all-day dining with a wide selection. The complimentary pizzeria serves authentic wood-fired style pizza – a Costa signature beloved by guests. Specialty restaurants (available for a surcharge) offer elevated experiences like teppanyaki, steakhouse, and seafood. And don’t miss the gelato bar for handcrafted Italian gelato made fresh daily.

Costa maintains a relaxed yet elegant approach to dress code. Most evenings are casual smart, meaning neat, comfortable attire suitable for a nice restaurant. Select evenings are designated as gala nights, where guests are invited to dress up – cocktail attire for women and jackets for men are welcomed but not strictly required. During the day, resort casual attire is perfect for dining and activities. The atmosphere is friendly and approachable, with an Italian flair.

Yes! The Costa Club rewards repeat guests with a tiered loyalty program. As you cruise more with Costa, you advance through membership levels and unlock increasing benefits including onboard credits, cabin upgrades, priority boarding, exclusive events, and discounts on future cruises. Our experienced agents at SmartCruiser.com can help you understand how to maximize your loyalty status and benefits across your Costa voyages.

Costa Cruises offers exceptional value, especially for Mediterranean and European itineraries. Cruising is often far more affordable than people assume – your accommodations, meals, and entertainment are bundled into one fare, and Costa’s all-inclusive upgrade packages stretch that value even further. When you book through SmartCruiser.com, you gain access to exclusive group rates with savings that can reach $1500 or more depending on the time of year and destination. See a lower price elsewhere? Ask and we’ll do our best to price match.

Costa is known for vibrant, Italian-inspired entertainment. Expect spectacular theatrical productions in state-of-the-art theaters, live music throughout the ship, themed deck parties, and social events that bring guests together. The ships feature Italian piazza-style atriums – central gathering places perfect for people-watching, enjoying a coffee, or dancing the night away. From casino nights to cooking classes, trivia to dance lessons, there’s always something engaging happening onboard.

When you book Costa through SmartCruiser.com, Division of Oasis Travel Network, you work with a dedicated, experienced agent – not a random reservations line. Our team has been guiding cruisers under the same management for over 30 years, and we bring exclusive group rates, valuable amenities, and onboard credits to your booking, with savings of up to $1500 or more depending on the season and destination. Your agent helps you compare ships, cabins, and itineraries, stays with you through every step of the booking, and remains your direct point of contact if anything comes up before or during your cruise.

Ready for La Dolce Vita at Sea?

Costa brings genuine Italian joy to the open sea. When you’re ready to explore the Mediterranean and beyond with authentic Italian style, the cruise experts at SmartCruiser.com, Division of Oasis Travel Network are here to find the right sailing for you. With exclusive group rates, valuable amenities like onboard credits, and a dedicated agent guiding every step, your next Costa cruise starts with a conversation. Call us at 1-800-444-1560 to get started.