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Costa Cruises Blog: Honest Reviews, News & Tips

Everything you need to know about Costa Cruises

Welcome to my Costa Cruises blog – your no-nonsense guide to cruising Italian-style. Whether you’re planning your first Costa sailing or just curious about what life is really like onboard, this blog is packed with honest reviews, cruise stories, food highlights, and travel tips from real sailings. Think of this as your go-to hub for everything Costa — minus the corporate fluff.

My Personal Experience on Costa Cruises

Quick Facts about Costa Cruises

Discover the innovative features, thrilling activities, and diverse destinations that make Royal Caribbean a top choice for travelers seeking excitement and luxury. If you need any advice or would like to chat, drop me a message over on Instagram!

Newest Ship:

Costa Toscana

Language:

English & Italian

Adults only?

No!

Gratuities included?

No!

Costa Cruises FAQs

Is Costa Cruises a good cruise line?
It depends on what you’re after! Costa offers a distinctly European experience, great pricing, and stylish ships — but it might not suit cruisers looking for an American-style vibe.
In my blog posts, I share the reality: announcements are multilingual, but expect more Italian guests and less English-language entertainment compared to US-based lines. But honestly, you won’t struggle as an English speaking cruiser.
No, it’s quite controversial, but water is only included in the buffet. So even if the main dining rooms, you would need to have a drinks package. Costa state that this is what makes their cruises so affordable.
Costa Smeralda | Costa Cruises | Costa Toscana @owenplaces Owen Places

7 Night Dubai Costa Smeralda Cruise: Complete Price Breakdown

One of the biggest draws of my Costa Smeralda cruise was the price – it seemed incredibly affordable. But once you factor in flights, drinks, and tips… is it still such a bargain?
Costa Smeralda | Costa Cruises | Costa Toscana @owenplaces Owen Places

10 Things to Know Before Your Costa Smeralda Cruise: Tips & Advice

I went into this cruise half uneducated, half prepared to be disappointed due to the raging reviews on CruiseCritic. So I actually wanted to put together a no nonsense list of 10 things I think everyone should know before booking or cruising onboard Costa Smeralda.
Costa Smeralda | Costa Cruises | Costa Toscana @owenplaces Owen Places

My Middle East Cruise on Costa Smeralda: A Full, Honest Review

I just disembarked from a 7-night Middle Eastern cruise aboard the Costa Smeralda. One Cruise Critic reviewer described it as their 'worst vacation ever,' but was it really that bad? Let’s take a closer look.
Costa Smeralda @owenplaces Owen Places

Costa Smeralda: Daring to Take a Chance on the Worst Cruise

I've just booked on the Cruise Critics worst rated cruise line, Costa Cruises, and on the worst rated ship, Costa Smeralda. Am i going to regret this?
cruises @owenplaces Owen Places

The big difference between Italian-Style Cruising and American-Style

Cruise enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads when choosing between the vibrancy of American-style cruising and the continental elegance of Italian-style cruising.
costa cruises @owenplaces Owen Places

Costa Cruises – Vacation of a lifetime or Nightmare at Sea?

Cruising has become an increasingly popular way to explore the world, offering travellers the opportunity to visit multiple destinations in one seamless journey. One of the prominent players in the European cruise industry is Costa Cruises, an Italian cruise line that has garnered a spectrum of opinions from avid cruisers.
Cruise Ships in the Caribbean - @owenplaces Owen Places

First Time Cruisers? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

Embarking on your first cruise is a thrilling adventure, but the vast array of cruise-related information can be overwhelming. Fear not! Here are some Top Tips for First Time Cruisers.
Costa Smeralda | Costa Cruises | Costa Toscana @owenplaces Owen Places

What You Ned to Know about Costa Cruises

Food Quality: An Italian Affair (With Some Bumps)

Costa offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes, from fresh pasta to seafood, and you might think you’re in for a treat. However… Reviews on Cruise Critic often highlight a mixed bag of experiences, with the buffet sometimes feeling repetitive after a few days at sea.

I personally loved the Main Dining Room on Costa Smeralda, and I honestly thought it was comparable to fine dining in Italy. 

Costa Cruises boasts a diverse crew, with many members speaking multiple languages. But don’t get too excited; while the service can be professional, it may not have the personal touch you’d find on premium cruise lines. Many passengers on Cruise Critic have noted that service quality can vary widely depending on the ship and the season.

I can definitely attest to this. I found the service to be a little dismissive at times… But, I thought it was more reflective of the audience onboard.

It’s pretty controversial that Costa only give you free water in the buffet. Seriously. If you’re lounging by the pool and feeling a bit thirsty… Drinks package. Same with in the Main Dining Room… Drinks Package.

Folks say that it’s because Italians don’t drink tap water, and well bottle water costs money!

To be honest, Costa’s drinks package is one of the cheapest I’ve ever seen, and I didn’t have any faults finding something to drink on it.