Your guide to Costa Cruises destinations

Photos courtesy of Costa Cruises

Venice, Italy

Costa Cruises – colourful cruises around the Med and beyond

Good

4 Stars

Destination Coverage

4.5 Stars

Itinerary Variety

4 Stars

Scenic & Iconic Ports

3.5 Stars

Shore Experiences

3.5 Stars

Ease of Exploration

3.5 Stars

Convenient Departures

4.5 Stars

There is a distinctly Mediterranean rhythm to a Costa cruise, a sense of warmth and effortless discovery that feels woven into the fabric of its voyages. It is a world of sun-drenched ports, colourful seaside towns, and leisurely days that feel both exciting and deeply relaxing.

While the cruise line’s itineraries reach across the globe, it is in the Mediterranean that its heart truly lies. For travellers who appreciate exceptional food, endless sunshine, and a touch of authentic culture, a journey with Costa feels like coming home.

Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark

Destination coverage

Costa Cruises maintains a year-round presence across the Mediterranean, with its ships regularly calling at cherished ports in Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and Croatia. This focus on its home waters is complemented by seasonal voyages to the cooler climates of Northern Europe, the sun-trapped Canary Islands, the idyllic Caribbean, and the striking landscapes of the Middle East. The result is a wide and varied network of destinations, all delivered with a distinctly European flavour that appeals to guests who enjoy variety without the need for long-haul flights.

Anse Source d'Argent beach, Seychelles
Anse Source d’Argent beach, Seychelles

Itinerary variety

The itineraries on offer are designed with flexibility in mind, ranging from short three and four-night coastal getaways to extended voyages that sail across multiple regions. The classic Eastern and Western Mediterranean routes feature on almost every traveller’s wish list, including iconic cities like Rome and Barcelona alongside coastal gems such as Santorini and Dubrovnik. For those with more time, longer cruises create seamless links between the Mediterranean and the grand cities of the Emirates or the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. With frequent embarkation ports dotted across the continent, combining a cruise with a city break has never been simpler.

Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor, Montenegro

Shore excursions

Costa’s shore excursions are thoughtfully curated to provide a taste of local culture and accessible sightseeing, prioritising flavour and enjoyment over extreme adventure. The experiences feel authentic and immersive, from a hands-on pasta-making class in the heart of Naples to an evening of passionate flamenco in Seville or simply unwinding on the golden sands of Mykonos. The tours are consistently well-organised, with guides available in multiple languages to ensure every guest feels included. With competitive pricing and plenty of child-friendly options, the excursions are a highlight for families and couples alike.

Ease of exploration

Exploring ashore is made wonderfully simple with Costa. Many of its favoured ports, such as Barcelona, Marseille, and Naples, are conveniently located just a short distance from the city centres, making independent discovery a pleasure. Onboard, the crew provides clear, helpful guidance on everything from local transport options to return-to-ship timings, removing any sense of stress. The boarding process itself is a model of efficiency, and with a multilingual crew on hand, every step is smooth. For a relaxed and polished European cruise experience, it remains one of the finest choices at sea.

The colourful houses of Road Town, Tortolla
The colourful houses of Road Town, Tortolla

Top tips

  1. Combine a Costa cruise with a pre-stay in Barcelona, Rome, or Savona to add an extra layer of adventure to the holiday.
  2. Book shore excursions well in advance, as the popular small-group tours tend to fill up quickly.
  3. Embrace the local cuisine when ashore. Trying tapas in a Spanish market or fresh pasta in an Italian trattoria offers a true taste of the Mediterranean.
  4. Families travelling with younger children may prefer shorter itineraries that include plenty of beach stops for easy, fun-filled days.
  5. A phrasebook or translation app is always a good companion. Learning a few simple Italian or Spanish words can truly enhance the experience and bring a smile to a local’s face.