Your guide to Costa Cruises ships

Costa Cruises – colourful ships with Mediterranean flair

Fairly Good

Average Ship Age

Cabin Variety / Outside Cabins

Environmental Impact

Tech & Innovation

Accessibility & Design

A Costa cruise is a floating celebration of la dolce vita. It captures the heart of Italian culture, where good food, warm company, and effortless style come together under the Mediterranean sun.

The ships are vibrant and full of life, designed for families, couples, and solo travellers who appreciate a sociable, distinctly European atmosphere at sea. While Costa has a character all its own, its energy is often likened to that of its Italian counterpart, MSC Cruises, yet it maintains a unique flair that feels both classic and contemporary.

The fleet is a colourful blend of modern innovation and timeless charm. Its newest ships, Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana, lead the way in design and sustainability, offering a glimpse into the future of cruising. At the same time, older, well-loved vessels retain a familiar and welcoming spirit. Together, they create an experience that is unapologetically Italian — stylish, family-friendly, and always memorable.

Ship design and layout

Costa’s design philosophy is proudly Italian, a tribute to the nation’s legacy of art, fashion, and cinema. Onboard, expect to find gleaming marble floors, striking modern art installations, and bright, sun-filled spaces that invite you to linger over a cappuccino or an aperitif. The newest ships, Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana, take this concept even further. Each deck is inspired by a different Italian region, creating a journey within a journey. Open-air piazzas serve as social hubs, surrounded by buzzing cafés and bars with panoramic sea views that evoke the feeling of a coastal town square.

The layouts are thoughtfully crafted to encourage movement and mingling, with a natural flow between lively public areas and quieter, more intimate corners. This balance ensures that while the atmosphere is often energetic, there are always tranquil lounges and peaceful hideaways where one can retreat with a book or simply watch the waves go by.

Fleet age and modernisation

Costa is committed to modernising its fleet, with a focus on environmental responsibility and guest comfort. The introduction of its new liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered ships, Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana, marks a significant step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for cruising. These sleek, energy-efficient vessels are among the most advanced at sea.

Alongside these innovations, the cruise line has invested in refreshing its older ships, updating cabins, dining venues, and public spaces to meet modern expectations. This ensures a consistent standard of quality across the fleet, offering a good mix of classic familiarity and contemporary style. Whether sailing on a brand new ship or a classic favourite, passengers can expect a comfortable and well-maintained environment.

Cabin comfort

Cabins aboard Costa ships are designed with simple, functional elegance, offering a comfortable sanctuary after a day of exploration. The decor features clean lines and Italian touches, creating a space that feels both practical and welcoming. While inside and oceanview cabins provide a perfectly pleasant retreat, a balcony cabin is truly the sweet spot. It offers an affordable slice of private paradise, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee while watching the coastline drift by or sipping a glass of wine as the sun sets over the horizon.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the suites on the newer ships deliver chic design and a host of premium perks. These include priority embarkation, which makes for a seamless start to the holiday, and dedicated concierge access for booking shore excursions or speciality dining.

Family features

Costa’s ships are a playground for families, designed to delight travellers of all ages. The decks are alive with the sounds of laughter, with large swimming pools, thrilling water slides, and colourful splash zones that keep children entertained for hours. The Squok Club offers supervised activities for different age groups, from toddlers to teenagers, giving parents a chance to relax and unwind. Interactive games, sports tournaments, and family-friendly shows ensure there is never a dull moment.

The accommodation is also well-suited for families, with a plentiful supply of spacious family cabins and connecting rooms. The entertainment staff are a highlight, bringing a genuine warmth and infectious energy to every activity, making children feel welcome and celebrated. It is a wonderfully sociable and child-friendly experience that still leaves ample room for parents to enjoy a quiet moment to themselves.

Adult amenities

While families are well catered for, Costa ensures that adults have plenty of sophisticated spaces to enjoy. Elegant lounges provide a tranquil setting for a quiet drink, while the sun decks offer a peaceful retreat for soaking up the Mediterranean rays. A standout feature is the Solemio Spa, a serene sanctuary offering a thermal suite, thalassotherapy pools, and a wide range of treatments designed to soothe the mind and body.

In the evenings, the ship comes alive with chic bars and lounges perfect for socialising. The Aperol Spritz Bar on the outdoor decks is a popular spot for a pre-dinner drink with stunning ocean views, while the Campari Lounge offers a classic Italian cocktail experience. There is an excellent balance between high-energy family fun and moments of adult serenity, ensuring every guest can find their own perfect pace.

Accessibility

Costa’s newer ships are well-equipped to welcome guests with reduced mobility, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free holiday for everyone. These vessels feature step-free routes to all main public areas, a good number of accessible cabins with wider doorways and adapted bathrooms, and dedicated assistance from the crew.

The embarkation and disembarkation processes are generally smooth and well-organised. While accessibility on some of the older ships in the fleet may vary slightly due to their original design, the crew are always on hand to provide support and ensure that all guests can enjoy their cruise to the fullest.