The Costa Smeralda, Costa Cruises’ largest ship, offers a holiday defined by Italian style and thoughtful design. With a capacity for over 6,500 passengers, this vessel delivers a blend of comfort, entertainment, and culinary delights, all wrapped in a contemporary aesthetic inspired by Italy’s iconic cities. Here’s what visitors can expect from the guest experience, with a focus on its standout features in reception areas, dining, entertainment, accommodation, and hospitality.
Reception Areas: Welcoming and Functional
Guests are greeted in the ship’s central hub, the Colosseo, a three-deck atrium with large LED screens on its walls and dome, creating an engaging focal point. The Piazza di Spagna, a grand three-deck stairway at the ship’s stern, features a glass-bottomed balcony, offering striking views of the sea. These areas are designed for ease of movement, with clear signage and attentive staff to assist with inquiries, ensuring a smooth start to the journey.
Dining: A Culinary Journey
The ship boasts 16 dining venues, catering to a range of tastes. Four main dining rooms—Arlecchino, Il Meneghino, Il Rugantino, and La Colombina—serve Italian classics like pasta and seafood, alongside international dishes. Specialty restaurants, such as Pizzeria Pummid’oro for authentic Italian pizza and Sushino for bottomless sushi, provide diverse options. The Archipelago Restaurant offers menus crafted by renowned chefs, focusing on regional Italian flavours. Buffets prioritise quality over quantity, with fresh ingredients and well-organised stations, though peak times can see queues.
Entertainment:
Entertainment spans 19 venues, with the Colosseo theatre as the centrepiece, hosting nightly shows with acrobatics and live music across three decks. The Costa Design Museum, a 400-square-metre space, showcases Italian design history, a unique feature for a cruise ship. For families, the Aqua Park with waterslides and a high-rope garden keeps children entertained, while adults can enjoy the casino, piano bar, or silent disco by the indoor pool. A virtual band performs three times weekly, adding a modern twist to onboard music.
Accommodation: Comfort with Italian Touches
The ship’s 2,612 staterooms, designed by Dordoni Architetti, reflect Italian warmth with custom furniture and city-themed decor. Options range from interior cabins to luxurious suites with private balconies, whirlpool tubs, and separate living areas. All cabins include interactive TVs, air conditioning, and ample storage. Suite guests benefit from perks like priority boarding and access to exclusive dining venues, such as the Panorama Restaurant, ensuring a tailored experience.
Hospitality: Attentive and Warm
The crew, numbering over 1,600, delivers service with a focus on guest comfort. From cabin stewards to bar staff, many of whom hail from diverse backgrounds, the team is known for their friendliness and professionalism. Pepper robots, introduced fleetwide, assist with information on dining and activities, speaking English, German, and Italian. While some guests have noted inconsistencies in service, particularly at reception, the overall atmosphere is welcoming, with staff striving to meet individual needs.
What Visitors Can Expect
Guests can anticipate a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, with activities suited to all ages, from toddlers to seniors. The ship’s design encourages exploration, with public spaces like the Trastevere piazza offering live music and shops. Families will find dedicated kids’ clubs and teen lounges, while adults can relax at the spa or enjoy cocktails at one of 18 bars, such as the Campari Bar. The ship’s layout, with multiple decks and smaller lounges, ensures quieter spaces are available despite the large passenger capacity. However, peak times at dining and entertainment venues may require planning to avoid crowds.
