Cruising for families and kids with Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises – vibrant family holidays at sea

Fairly Good

Kids’ Clubs

Entertainment

Dining

Cabins

Itineraries

Value

Atmosphere

Multigen Fit

Italian hospitality possesses a unique warmth, combining grand gestures with a deeply personal touch. This distinctive feeling finds its perfect expression with Costa Cruises, which crafts a holiday experience that is vibrant, generous, and brimming with vitality.

For families, this translates into a floating world of fun, where delicious food, boundless energy and sun-drenched Mediterranean shores combine to create memories that last long after the suitcases are unpacked.

Costa Cruises positions itself as an accessible, family-friendly cruise line that brings a distinctly Italian flavour to the sea. It has a sociable and unpretentious atmosphere, making it a natural fit for parents who want a relaxed holiday where children are not just welcomed, but celebrated. The experience is less about quiet formality and more about the joyful, sometimes chaotic, energy of a large family gathering. It is an environment where children can be children, parents can unwind and everyone can enjoy a taste of la dolce vita.

Family entertainment and kids’ clubs

At the heart of Costa’s family offering is the Squok Club, a bright and imaginative space dedicated to its youngest guests. The club is thoughtfully divided into age groups, ensuring that activities are always engaging and appropriate. For the little ones, days are filled with treasure hunts, themed parties, creative crafts and group games. Older children and teenagers have their own dedicated hangouts, complete with video game tournaments, dance contests, and pool parties, giving them a sense of independence. The multilingual staff are known for their exceptional warmth and energy, creating a safe and vibrant environment where children from different cultures can play together.

Beyond the kids’ clubs, the ships buzz with entertainment designed to bring families together. The atmosphere is infectious, fuelled by colourful theatre shows, lively deck parties, and poolside games that invite everyone to get involved. Evenings might feature family talent contests or outdoor movie nights under the stars, while daytime activities include everything from trivia quizzes to arts and crafts sessions. The entertainment reflects the Italian love of celebration, encouraging laughter, music and a spirit of togetherness.

Dining for all ages

Food is central to the Italian way of life, and Costa ensures that families are exceptionally well-catered for. The main dining rooms are relaxed and accommodating, offering dedicated kids’ menus filled with familiar favourites alongside early sittings for families who prefer to dine sooner. The buffets provide endless flexibility, with a varied selection of dishes to please even the most particular eaters.

For a true taste of Italy, Pizzeria Pummid’oro is a must-visit. Here, families can gather for an authentic pizza night, enjoying classic recipes made with high-quality ingredients. Of course, no Italian-inspired holiday would be complete without gelato, and the self-serve ice cream and frozen yoghurt counters are a guaranteed highlight for children and adults alike.

Family cabins and accommodation

On Costa’s newer ships, such as Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana, family cabins are designed with practicality and comfort in mind. Many feature connecting doors, sofa beds and ample storage, providing flexible solutions for families of all sizes. The décor is bright and modern, creating a cheerful and comfortable base for the cruise. For families with young children, upgrading to a balcony cabin is a worthwhile investment. It provides a private outdoor space for parents to relax in the evening once the little ones are asleep, offering a quiet moment to enjoy the sea air.

Itineraries and value

Costa’s itineraries are perfectly suited to family travel, particularly in its home waters of the Mediterranean. Sailings here often feature shorter port days and simple transfers, making it easy to explore iconic destinations like Rome, Barcelona and the picturesque Greek Islands without overwhelming younger travellers. These routes offer a fantastic blend of culture, history and relaxation, with plenty of opportunities for beach days and family adventures ashore. For those with more time, sailings to Northern Europe and the Canary Islands provide excellent alternatives during longer school holidays.

From a value perspective, Costa is one of the most accessible cruise lines for families. Fares are inclusive of meals, kids’ club access and most entertainment, while drinks packages are affordably priced. The line also runs frequent promotions, including popular ‘kids sail free’ deals, which make cruising a surprisingly attainable option for multi-generational holidays. This combination of an energetic, family-focused atmosphere and excellent value makes Costa a compelling choice for those seeking a fun, fuss-free and distinctly Italian holiday at sea.