The Costa Diadema, a flagship of Costa Cruises, delivers a holiday steeped in Italian flair. Launched in 2014, this Dream-class ship, with a capacity for 4,947 passengers across 14 decks, offers a blend of modern amenities and European charm. Built by Fincantieri, it features a 500-metre open-air promenade, creating a seaside terrace atmosphere. Here’s what visitors can expect from the guest experience, focusing on standout features in reception areas, dining, entertainment, accommodation, and hospitality.
Reception Areas: Spacious and Welcoming
The Eliodoro Atrium, spanning eight decks, greets guests with bright blue lights and four glass-fronted elevators, evoking a grand hotel lobby. The Piazza Sanremo, a central hub, features designer boutiques and a lively atmosphere with live music. Interactive kiosks and attentive staff assist with bookings and inquiries, ensuring a smooth start. The atrium’s decor, with over 7,000 artworks themed around jewels and royalty, adds a touch of sophistication.
Dining: A Culinary Voyage
Seven restaurants cater to diverse tastes, with the Fiorentino Restaurant offering casual breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring Italian classics like cappelletti pasta and seafood. Specialty venues include Tavola Teppanyaki, where chefs prepare Japanese dishes tableside, and Piazza Pizza for hand-tossed Italian pizza. The Samsara Restaurant focuses on health-conscious fare, while Club Diadema provides fine dining with expertly paired wines. Eleven bars, including the Gran Duca di Toscana Wine Bar and Dresden Green Pub, serve cocktails and craft beers. Buffets offer ample choice, though peak times can see queues, and some items like pizza incur extra charges.
Entertainment: Sensory rich
The Emerald Theatre, spanning three decks, hosts nightly shows with acrobatics and operatic performances. A 4D cinema offers sensory-rich film experiences, while the Grand Prix simulator thrills with virtual racing. The Star Laser Maze provides interactive fun, and the two-deck Country Rock Club keeps the dance floor lively. Families enjoy the Squok Club, with a fairytale castle and pirate ship for kids, while teens have dedicated clubs for ages 12–17. The casino and 1,640-foot promenade with cabanas offer further leisure options, though some guests note entertainment can feel repetitive.
Accommodation: Comfort with Style
The ship’s 1,886 staterooms include 28 suites, 905 balcony cabins, 240 oceanviews, and 666 interiors, with 52% featuring private balconies. Cabins, averaging 185 square feet, come with interactive TVs, air conditioning, and ample storage. Samsara Spa cabins offer exclusive spa access and complimentary treatments, while Grand Suites, at 275–345 square feet, include large terraces and butler service. Family-friendly interconnected staterooms and 36 wheelchair-accessible cabins cater to diverse needs. Some guests report cabins feeling dated, but cleanliness is consistently praised.
Hospitality: Warm and Attentive
The 1,253-strong crew delivers friendly service, with a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:4. Pepper robots, introduced in 2016, assist with information on dining and activities in English, German, and Italian, adding a modern touch. Cabin stewards and bar staff are known for their warmth, though language barriers can occasionally arise, as the ship caters primarily to European guests. While some report service inconsistencies at peak times, the overall atmosphere remains welcoming, with staff striving to meet individual needs.
What Visitors Can Expect
Guests can look forward to a lively yet comfortable holiday, with activities for all ages. The ship’s layout encourages exploration, with the Deck 5 promenade offering bars, restaurants, and sea views. Families benefit from kids’ clubs, a kiddie pool with playful designs, and special children’s dinners, allowing parents time to relax at the four-level Samsara Spa or enjoy cocktails at the Aperol Spritz Bar. Active guests can use the jogging track, basketball court, or gym, while the three pools and eight jacuzzis provide relaxation. Peak times at dining and entertainment venues may require planning to avoid crowds.
