The Costa Deliziosa, a gem in the Costa Cruises fleet, offers a holiday steeped in Italian elegance. Launched in 2010, this 92,600-ton ship carries up to 2,826 passengers across 12 decks, blending modern amenities with a warm, European aesthetic. With a design that prioritises comfort and accessibility, it promises a delightful experience for families, couples, and solo travellers. Here’s what visitors can expect from the guest experience, focusing on standout features in reception areas, dining, entertainment, accommodation, and hospitality.
Reception Areas: Warm and Functional
The Delle Delizie Atrium Bar, a multi-level central hub, welcomes guests with Murano glass chandeliers and an open, airy layout. Its design encourages socialising, with plush seating and a bar serving Italian aperitifs. Interactive kiosks, or “totems,” allow guests to check accounts, book dining, or plan spa visits with ease. Staff are on hand to assist, ensuring a smooth onboarding process. The atrium’s decor, with 340 original artworks and over 4,700 prints, adds an artistic touch to the welcoming atmosphere.
Dining: A Taste of Italy and Beyond
The ship offers five dining venues, catering to diverse preferences. The two-level Ristorante Albatross serves Italian classics like pasta and seafood alongside international dishes, with crystal and silver decor creating an elegant setting. The Samsara Restaurant offers lighter, health-focused fare, while Club Deliziosa, an à la carte venue, features innovative dishes prepared with techniques like liquid nitrogen for ice cream. The buffet restaurant provides a range of options, though some guests note limited choices for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions, and staff-served counters can lead to queues. A poolside grill and 24-hour room service ensure flexibility for casual dining.
Entertainment: Engaging for All
Entertainment spans multiple venues, with the three-level Teatro Duse hosting nightly shows featuring live music and acrobatics. The Grand Bar Mirabilis offers a dance floor and live performances, while the Sharazad Disco keeps the energy high into the night. A 4D cinema delivers sensory-rich film experiences, and a Grand Prix simulator with a single-seater racing car thrills adventure-seekers. Families enjoy the Squok Club for children and a dedicated teen zone, while the Velvet Library provides a quiet retreat. A casino and shopping centre add further options for fun and leisure.
Accommodation: Comfortable and Modern
The ship’s 1,130 staterooms, in 14 categories, include 90 suites, 662 balcony cabins, 178 oceanviews, and 180 interiors, with 68% featuring private balconies. Most cabins are 185 square feet, equipped with interactive TVs, air conditioning, safes, and PlayStation 3 consoles. Samsara Spa cabins on deck eight offer exclusive spa access, premium bath amenities, and two complimentary treatments. Suites provide added space, with Grand Suites at 455 square feet, including large terraces. Wheelchair-accessible and connecting cabins cater to diverse needs, ensuring comfort for all guests.
Hospitality: Friendly and Attentive
The crew of 1,050 delivers warm, Italian-style service, with a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:3. Pepper robots, introduced in 2016, assist with information on dining, activities, and excursions, communicating in English, German, and Italian. Cabin stewards and bar staff are praised for their friendliness, though some guests note language barriers, as the crew primarily caters to Italian, German, and French passengers. Service can feel stretched at peak times, but the overall atmosphere remains welcoming, with staff striving to meet guest needs.
What Visitors Can Expect
Guests can anticipate a lively yet relaxed holiday, with activities for all ages. The ship’s smaller size allows for a manageable layout, making it easy to explore venues like the Samsara Spa, with its sauna, Turkish bath, and thalassotherapy pool, or the four pools and five jacuzzis. Families benefit from kids’ clubs and a children’s pool, while adults can enjoy wine tastings at the Vinoteca or cocktails at one of 10 bars, including a cigar lounge and chocolate bar. The jogging track and roller-skating area cater to active guests, though crowded dining and entertainment venues may require planning during peak hours.
