The Costa Serena, a Concordia-class ship from Costa Cruises, offers a holiday inspired by Greek and Roman mythology. Launched in 2007, this 114,500-ton vessel accommodates up to 3,780 passengers across 14 decks, blending Italian style with modern amenities. Refurbished in 2023, its design features constellation-themed decks and 5,990 artworks. Here’s what visitors can expect from the guest experience, focusing on standout features in reception areas, dining, entertainment, accommodation, and hospitality.
Reception Areas: Grand and Welcoming
The Atrio Pantheon, a multi-level atrium, greets guests with warm wood accents and blue-orange decor inspired by ancient Rome. Interactive kiosks simplify bookings for dining and activities, while staff provide prompt assistance. The Luna Lounge, with live music and refreshing drinks, offers a relaxed space for socialising. The atrium’s mythological decor, including 440 original artworks, creates an artistic atmosphere.
Dining: A Culinary Journey
Ten restaurants cater to diverse tastes. The Vesta and Ceres restaurants, both two-level venues, serve Italian classics like pasta and seafood alongside international dishes with open seating for breakfast and lunch. Club Bacco offers à la carte gourmet dining with fresh ingredients, while Pummid’oro Pizzeria delivers authentic Italian pizzas. The Samsara Restaurant provides health-focused fare, complimentary for spa cabin guests. The Prometeo buffet offers a range of options, though some guests note occasional queues and limited vegetarian choices. Thirteen bars, including a Cognac & Cigar Bar and a Coffee & Chocolate Bar, serve diverse drinks.
Entertainment: Lively and Engaging
The three-level Teatro Giove hosts nightly Broadway-style shows with musicals and acrobatics. A 4D cinema delivers sensory-rich films, and a Grand Prix simulator offers virtual racing thrills. The Apollo Disco keeps the dance floor active, while the Minerva Piano Bar provides an elegant setting for cocktails. Families enjoy the Squok Club’s mini aquapark and pirate ship, with a Teen’s Zone for ages 12–17. A recording studio allows guests to record music, and a casino, virtual golf, and putting green add further fun, though some guests report repetitive shows. Four pools, two with retractable roofs, and five jacuzzis enhance outdoor leisure.
Accommodation: Comfort with Modern Touches
The ship’s 1,507 staterooms include 70 suites, 524 balconies, 321 oceanviews, and 592 interiors, with 28 wheelchair-accessible cabins. Most cabins, averaging 185 square feet, feature twin beds, interactive TVs, minibars, and safes. Samsara cabins offer spa access, purifying shower filters, and Ayurvedic teas, while Grand Suites, at 335 square feet with 120-square-foot terraces, include butler service and priority boarding. Thirteen single-occupancy cabins cater to solo travellers. Some guests note dated decor, but cleanliness is consistently praised.
Hospitality: Warm and Attentive
The 1,068-strong crew maintains a 1:3.5 staff-to-guest ratio, delivering friendly service. Pepper robots, introduced in 2016, assist with information on dining and activities in English, German, and Italian, interpreting voice tones and facial expressions. Cabin stewards and bar staff are known for their warmth, though some guests report language barriers, as the ship caters primarily to European and Asian passengers. Service can feel stretched at peak times, but the overall atmosphere remains welcoming.
What Visitors Can Expect
Guests can anticipate a lively yet relaxed holiday, with activities for all ages. The mythology-themed decks, named after constellations like Andromeda and Aquarius, create a unique atmosphere. Families benefit from kids’ clubs, a children’s pool, and group babysitting until 1:30 AM. Adults can relax at the 6,000-square-metre Samsara Spa, featuring a thalassotherapy pool, Turkish bath, and Kinesis Room, or enjoy cocktails at themed bars. Four pools, a sports court, a jogging track, and a putting green cater to active guests. Crowded dining and entertainment venues may require planning during peak hours.
