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About Costa Cruise Lines

Costa Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line in Europe, and as it builds new ships regularly (like its parent company, Carnival), it has one of the most modern fleets, particularly in the Mediterranean. And like Carnival, Costa Cruise Lines does regular upgrades. (In late 2013, the Voyager, Classica, neoRiviera, Victoria and Mediterranea entered dry dock for multimillion dollar refurbishments.)

Known as the line that cruises "Italian Style," Costa Cruise Lines projects a lively and appealing Italian vibe (count on finding delicious pastas on the menus) that attracts an international mix of passengers. The onboard currency is the Euro and announcements are made a number of languages, including English, Italian, French, German and Spanish.

Given the passenger mix, the entertainment bridges language barriers, with theme parties, a mix of musical offerings, from classical to rock, and games and contests cooked up by the youthful and energetic cruise staff.

While most Costa Cruise Lines ships homeport in the Med and offer the greatest variety of sailings there and in Northern Europe, they also travel to other destinations (including the Caribbean in winter; Canada and New England in the fall). Costa Cruise Lines has pushed the itinerary map to include exotic ports in China and Southeast Asia and the United Arab Emirates (the line homeports two ships in Dubai).

Costa Cruise Lines is best for:

Adults and families looking for a large cruise ship with varied onboard entertainment and a lively continental atmosphere;
Cruisers who enjoy fellow travelers with diverse, international backgrounds.

The atmosphere and experience onboard Costa Cruise Lines:

Older Costa Cruise Lines ships have a sophisticated, European flair, but more recent builds, reflecting the parent company, Carnival, have a colorful and energizing color scheme. The onboard atmosphere is casual and fun, with lots of excitement, activities and entertainment. Because the line attracts passengers of all nationalities, evening entertainment trends toward more music and dancing, and less toward language-based (comedy or theatre) productions.

Most nights are informal; resort wear is fine. There are two gala evenings on the Caribbean cruises and at least one on European sailings; recommended dress is suits for men and cocktail attire for women. Costa Cruise Lines "suggests" that guests do not wear beach clothes in the dining room or restaurants.

The clientele of Costa Cruise Lines:

Costa attracts adults and families who desire a fun at-sea experience. The demographic varies with the itinerary; the ships carry mostly North Americans in the Caribbean and New England and Canada, but mostly Europeans on their other itineraries. Costa Cruise Lines is also popular with young Italian honeymooners and Italian college kids on school breaks.

Regarding children onboard Costa Cruise Lines: Infants must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation. Infants must be at least 12 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail on the following: trans-ocean crossings (Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, etc.); world cruises; cruises of 15 days or longer duration; and any other itinerary which may, in the opinion of Costa Crociere or CCL, present serious risk to infants who might need emergency medical care. Children's programs and babysitting are available on board.