Best Costa Cruises

The 3,963-passenger Costa Diadema first set sail in 2014 as the largest ship in the Costa fleet. Foodies will love that in 2016 the ship became the first in the world to produce fresh mozzarella on board. While there are seven restaurants for passengers to pick from, including four specialty venues that require an extra fee, some travelers said slow service and extra charges at dinner tarnished their dining experiences.

Cruisers were more pleased with their staterooms, which come in Inside, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite categories. All include flat-screen TVs and minibars. Suites come with extra perks like butler service and bathtubs. Those looking for even more pampering can opt for Samsara category cabins, which offer exclusive access to the Samsara Restaurant and Samsara Spa.

As far as onboard entertainment goes, guests can enjoy shows in the three-story theater, dance at the disco or play games in the casino. Cruisers also have access to 11 bars and lounges, duty-free shopping and three pools (one of which is equipped with a retractable glass roof).

Cruising clans will appreciate the family-friendly amenities like kids clubs, a baby pool and a water park, plus activities like laser tag and the Grand Prix Simulator. While some passengers reported a good experience overall, many noted that Diadema's public spaces can feel crowded and the service can be disappointing.

In 2018-19, Costa Diadema sails to destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean, like Barcelona, as well as Abu Dhabi and Dubai. 

Introduced in 2011, Costa Favolosa caters to families with amenities like a 4D cinema, four pools, a waterslide and a designated kids clubs. While younger guests play at Virtual World – a teen hangout outfitted with game consoles – grown-ups can unwind in the library or receive treatments at the Samsara Spa.

As far as lodging goes, Inside staterooms come appointed with minibars and flat-screen TVs. Guests who stay in one of the larger Samsara cabins or Suites receive extra perks, like a reserved table at the Samsara Restaurant. Additional lodging options include Ocean View and Balcony staterooms and Suites.

Despite being one of Costa's largest ships, many recent cruisers remarked that they were underwhelmed by the ship's daytime entertainment and activities. Another point of contention: the subpar customer service.

Still, the ship boasts 13 bars and five dining venues, including two specialty restaurants (reservations required and additional fees apply). With a capacity for 3,800 passengers, you should brace yourself for crowds. On the plus side, the ship allows plenty of time at the ports to explore. 

In 2018-19, Costa Favolosa sails throughout Brazil and to a variety of European ports, such as Barcelona and Copenhagen. 

Originally built in 1999, Costa neoRiviera relaunched in 2013 as part of the line's neoCollection to bring unique itineraries and more personalized service with a "slow cruising" approach. Passengers on the 1,727-passenger ship can expect longer layovers and overnight stays in ports with themed excursions and more in-depth exploration of destinations. 

On board, cruisers will find facilities and amenities more suited for relaxation than high-octane action. Guests can lounge by the pool, enjoy spa treatments or play games in the casino. Although the ship does feature a kids club, most of the onboard entertainment is geared toward mature adults. When it's time to dine, travelers can choose from four restaurants, including a buffet.

Recent cruisers were somewhat pleased with their accommodations, which include Inside, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite options. All cabins feature standard amenities like flat-screen TVs and minibars. Each of the 94 suites comes with a private balcony. 

In 2018-19, Costa neoRiviera travels to small ports throughout the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. 

Built in 1993 and overhauled in 2014, Costa neoRomantica features a slew of modern amenities, like the Samsara Spa and a wine and cheese bar, as well as additional staterooms.

The ship also houses two pools, a library, five bars and four restaurants, including two specialty venues that require reservations and an additional fee. While reviewers complimented the ship's well-designed layout and upgraded staterooms, they said the cuisine left something to be desired.

In terms of lodging, Costa neoRomantica offers Inside, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category rooms, all of which include flat-screen TVs and minibars. Guests staying in Samsara category cabins receive direct access to the spa, while those in suites are granted extras like butler service.

What's more, Costa neoRomantica's size (carrying up to 1,800 guests and 622 crew members) is on the smaller end, which allows the ship to offer itineraries in tinier ports that today’s megaships can’t navigate.   

Launched in 2009, Costa Pacifica is among Costa's largest ships, carrying up to 3,780 passengers and 1,110 crew members. Those looking for large-ship facilities and entertainment will like the three-story theater, the Grand Prix simulator and the ship's 13 bars. Family-friendly venues include four pools (two of which have retractable roofs) and dedicated kids and teens clubs.

When it comes to dining, guests can choose from five restaurants, including two specialty restaurants that require reservations and an additional fee. Some recent cruisers warned of long buffet lines and cuisine that lacked flavor. Reviewers also noted that while the ship was clean, well-designed and a decent value, it felt overly packed in the public spaces.

With a 3-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, the ship offers less personalization compared to smaller Costa ships. On the upside, past guests praised the ship's comfortable accommodations. Although all cabin categories (Inside, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) come equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars and 24-hour room service, those who spring for suites (including wellness-oriented Samsara suites and cabins) are granted additional perks like priority boarding and unlimited access to the spa.  

In 2018-19, Costa Pacifica completes a number of transoceanic sailings, one of which travels between Rio de Janeiro and Barcelona. It also sails to destinations throughout Europe and the Caribbean. 

Costa Mediterranea, first debuted in 2003 and last updated in 2013, offers a spa-inspired cabin category and a three-story theater, as well as 12 bars, a disco, four swimming pools (including a designated kids pool with a water slide) and a solarium.

While some past cruisers described the ship's decor as a bit ostentatious, others praise the courteous crew and wide spectrum of activities. In terms of dining, there are four restaurants onboard, including a specialty venue by reservation only (for an extra fee). Reviewers caution about other add-ons, from drinks to activities, that can rack up an exorbitant final bill.

As far as lodging goes, accommodations are similar to other Costa ships, with Inside, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite cabin categories available. While all cabins offer satellite TVs, minibars and safes, guests staying in Suites receive extras like customized pillow menus. Though the ship can't necessarily be described as intimate (it welcomes 897 crew members and up to 2,680 guests), it offers more personalized service than larger behemoth-sized boats.

In 2018-19, Costa Mediterranea sails to a number of European destinations, such as Marseille, Barcelona, Dublin and more. It also cruises to locations in the United Arab Emirates and Africa, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mauritius and beyond. 

First introduced in 1996, Costa Victoria is one of the line's oldest ships. However, a major refurbishment for 2014 left it with new furniture, updated common spaces and fresh bar and food venues, including the Aperol Spritz Bar, the Gourmet Burger and the Tapas and Paella Restaurant. The ship also offers four Jacuzzis, three pools a casino and a spa.

With 790 crew members serving 2,394 guests, Victoria is less crowded than larger passenger ships. Guests can choose from activities ranging from treatments at the spa to performances in the theater. While younger guests ages 3 to 17 can participate in age-appropriate programming, adults can sip cocktails at one of the ship's multiple bars. Despite these offerings, recent guests were less than impressed by the service, food and activities on board. 

In terms of lodging, Inside rooms are the most budget-friendly, while Suites offer the most space (up to 475 square feet). Those who choose a Suite receive extras, such as a pillow menu and robes. All cabin categories (Inside, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) come equipped with flat-screen TVs and minibars. 

In 2018-19, Costa Victoria sails to destinations off the coast of Africa, like the Seychelles and Mauritius, as well as to Mediterranean ports in Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and more. 

Launched in 2010, Costa Deliziosa has a capacity for up to 2,260 passengers and 1,050 crew members. While the ship is large enough to offer a variety of entertainment options, it's still small enough to dock at tighter ports and offer more immersive itineraries than larger Costa vessels. Activities range from a 4D cinema to a Grand Prix driving simulator. While children play in age-appropriate youth clubs, adults can sip cocktails at 11 bars and lounges or relax in the two-level Samsara Spa.  

When it comes to dining, Costa Deliziosa features four restaurants, including two specialty spots that require reservations and an additional fee. In the evenings, cruisers can take in a show in the three-story theater, dance in the nightclub or relax in the cigar lounge.

In terms of lodging, all cabins come equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. While more than half of the staterooms offer private balconies, passengers staying in a Samsara Spa category room receive other benefits like direct access to the spa and complimentary meals in the specialty Samsara Restaurant. 

In 2018-19, Costa Deliziosa sailes to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and more. 

Introduced in 2004, the 3,470-passenger Costa Magica features four pools (including one with a retractable roof), five Jacuzzis and 5,500 pieces of artwork. According to recent cruisers, what makes the 13-deck ship stand out are the well-appointed cabins, which are described as clean, comfortable and spacious. Guests can choose between Inside, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category cabins, all of which include flat-screen TVs and minibars.

However, cruisers were not as complimentary of the restaurants, citing the cuisine quality and service at the ship's four dining venues (including one extra-cost specialty option) as subpar. On the upside, daytime activities abound, thanks to the ship's library, boutique stores, fitness center and spa. For younger passengers, the ship offers kids and teen clubs, though reviewers note the kid-focused clubs are not as impressive as those found on family-friendly cruise lines.

In 2018-19, Costa Magica sails to a variety of ports throughout the Caribbean and Europe, including St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Barbados, Barcelona, Marseille and more. 

The 2,826-passenger Costa Luminosa offers a variety of entertainment options, including 11 bars, a 4D cinema and a roller-skating track. Although the ship features four restaurants (including two specialty restaurants for an extra fee), past cruisers were disappointed with the food quality.

On the other hand, recent cruises praised the cabins, noting they were kept clean. More than half of staterooms offer balconies, and guests can also opt for Inside and Ocean View cabins, as well as Suites. All rooms offer flat-screen TVs and minibars, while Suites include perks like butler service. Guests who spring for Samsara cabins receive unlimited access to the spa – a two-story complex with a Turkish bath and a thalassotherapy pool.

Though Costa Luminosa offers amenities for travelers of all ages, reviewers caution that youth-oriented facilities are limited compared to other family-oriented ships.

In 2018-19, Costa Luminosa sails to destinations in Europe (like Venice), South America (like Buenos Aires) and more.