What to know about Costa Cruises?
170 years of maritime heritage and Italian elegance at sea
The story of Costa begins long before modern cruising. In 1854, Giacomo Costa founded an olive oil and textile transport business in Genoa.
The cruise adventure truly kicked off in 1948 with the Anna C, the first passenger liner connecting Italy to South America. The company rode the wave of Italian emigration to the Americas before gradually reinventing itself as a leisure cruise specialist starting in the 1960s.
Part of Carnival Corporation since 1997, Costa remains the only cruise line sailing under the Italian flag. Its headquarters proudly remains in Genoa, reflecting a deep connection to its roots.
A distinct Mediterranean identity
Costa stands out with a clear positioning: bringing the Italian art of living to the high seas. This italianness is not just a marketing veneer, it is a genuine philosophy that shapes every aspect of the experience.
From the interior design of the ships to the menus crafted by chef Bruno Barbieri (7 Michelin stars combined), every detail breathes Italy. Italian coffee, regional wines from the boot, traditional recipes: the company does not hide its roots, it makes them its signature.
The ships themselves carry evocative names: Smeralda (a nod to Sardinia's Costa Smeralda), Toscana, Diadema, Fortuna. Each vessel tells a different story of Italy.
Accessible value for money
Positioned as an entry-level brand within the Carnival group, Costa targets a broad audience without major compromises on comfort.
Rates stay attractive, especially for families: children under 18 travel free on many packages. A 7-day Mediterranean cruise can start around $680* per person.
Friendly tip: be sure to check out promotional deals to save on your next getaway.
A modern fleet looking to the future
The company currently operates around a dozen ships after transferring some units to other brands in the group. Among them, the Costa Diadema (306 metres, 4947 passengers) reigns as the largest flying the Italian flag.
The true stars of the fleet are the Costa Smeralda (2019) and the Costa Toscana (2022), the company's first LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) powered ships. These floating cities feature up to 16 restaurants, about twenty bars, water parks, and even an Italian design museum on board the Smeralda.
Most Costa ships were built in prestigious Italian shipyards like Fincantieri, further strengthening ties to national maritime heritage.
A pioneer in environmental commitment
Costa was the first cruise line to receive the Green Star certification from the Italian maritime register (RINA) in 2005, long before sustainability became a standard marketing talking point.
Using LNG cuts CO2 emissions by 25%, nitrogen oxide emissions by 85%, and fine particulates by 95% compared to traditional marine fuels. The company aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Beyond propulsion, Costa rolls out an onboard total waste recycling program and has partnered with food banks since 2015 under the Milan Protocol to limit food waste. Ships are also equipped with shore power systems to cut emissions while docked in port.
Who is Costa for?
This cruise line particularly suits families looking for affordable vacations without sacrificing comfort. Onboard facilities for kids and teens are extensive: age-group clubs, water parks, supervised activities.
Costa also appeals to travelers who enjoy a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine. If you crave Neapolitan pizzas and fresh pasta out at sea, you are in the right place.
A lively and international atmosphere
Costa's clientele is diverse: French, Italian, and Spanish travelers mix in a relaxed and festive environment that can sometimes get loud depending on your preference.
This mix might surprise travelers looking for a quieter or exclusively English-speaking vibe, but it adds to the Mediterranean charm of the experience. Italian passengers often make up the majority on certain sailings.
Varied destinations starting from the Mediterranean
The heart of Costa's itineraries beats in the Mediterranean, the company's home turf from the very beginning. Marseille, Barcelona, Naples, the Greek islands: Costa knows these waters by heart.
Yet the offerings stretch far beyond: Northern Europe and the Norwegian fjords, the Caribbean, the United Arab Emirates, South America, and Asia are all on the schedule. In total, Costa offers 261 destinations and 131 different itineraries, including world cruises.
What to know before booking
Costa embraces its accessible positioning. The ships carry between 2000 and 5000 passengers depending on the model, creating a bustling atmosphere, especially during peak season and on the larger vessels.
Italian remains the main language on board, although English and French are spoken. Some non-Italian passengers report feeling like a minority, particularly during shows and entertainment.
Paid extras are common (drinks, Wi-Fi, cabin cleaning depending on the fare class), which is standard practice in the industry but worth factoring into your budget. All-inclusive packages are available to help keep costs predictable.
I can only say good things about Costa, even though I only did a three-night mini cruise in the Mediterranean with them, which I booked in a rush. The prices were very attractive (half price for my daughter, free for my son), so I wasn't expecting anything extraordinary. A very pleasant surprise: we were upgraded to a cabin with a balcony that was very clean, spacious, and comfortable. Very good meals and high-end shows. As someone who isn't usually a fan of this kind of trip, I give it 100 percent approval.