Costa Cruises is arguably the most famous name in European cruises, and especially Italian cruise lines, with a resurgent MSC Cruises giving it a strong run for its money.
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Costa Cruises is actually a modern iteration of one of the oldest shipping companies in the world, having started out as a cargo line in the middle of the 19th century. Cruise activities were launched in 1947.
During that golden age of ocean liners, Costa operated regular trans-Atlantic services between Europe and South America, but switched to full-time cruising shortly after when the introduction of the commercial jet liner heralded the end of the ocean liner.
Costa Cruises became part of Carnival Corporation in 2000. A huge amount of money was injected into the cruise line to bring it in-line with the huge, balcony-clad, modern cruise liners synonymous with the North American cruise market.
Of the 15 cruise liners in the fleet, 11 have been launched since its acquisition by Carnival, with most of its older tonnage phased out.
Costa Mediterranea is homeported in Dubai annually between November and March.
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The cruise line’s largest ship, Costa Diadema (an adaption of the Carnival ‘Dream class’) was delivered in 2014.
This overhaul of the fleet is now entering its second phase, with Costa Cruises’ having placed orders for four new ships to be introduced between 2019 and 2021.
These mammoth new cruise ships will be of two new classes, two will be 135,000 gross tons and the other two will be 183,200-gross tons.
The two 135,000-gross ton cruise ships will be specifically designed for the Chinese cruise market and will be based in Asia year-round, while deployments for the two larger cruise ships have not yet been announced.
Costa’s new ship Smerelda will be LNG powered.
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Costa Cruises destinations and itineraries
Costa Cruises operates cruises globally, homeporting ships in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, South East Asia, South America, and of course right here in Dubai in the Arabian Gulf.
Costa Cruises started out life offering a very traditional cruise experience, without any of the bells and whistles of the modern cruise industry, but after the acquisition by Carnival it has transformed its fleet into one that offers ‘something for everyone’.
The Atrium lobby aboard Costa Diadema.
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Costa Cruises on-board experience
All cruise ships have a focus on striking interior design and vibrant entertainment, with live music, dancing and themed parties.
It’s culinary options have seen vast improvement in recent years thanks to a partnership with Michelin-Star Chef Fabio Cucchelli, while the Squok Club, its kid-friendly play area and entertainment program, have also been upgraded in partnership with Peppa Pig.
The line also partnered with Italian brands Barilla, Illy Caffe, Nutella and Ferrari wines, all part of the its “Italy’s Finest” initiative.
It’s larger cruise ships especially are essentially resorts at sea, with the kind of variety of entertainment and dining associated with the mega cruise ships.
Costa Diadema for example has seven restaurants, 11 bars and lounges, as well as a 6,200sqm spa, three pools, eight hot tubs, a Country Rock Club, a 4D Cinema, Grand Prix Simulator, an interactive “Star Laser” laser zone with a “Laser Maze” and a “Laser Shooting” simulator.
Costa Smerelda and Costa Venezia were introduced in 2019, brining even more onboard amenities to the Costa fleet. Smeralda, for example, there are 11 restaurants and several dozen cafes and bars, as well as kids clubs, waterparks, a massive shopping mall and more.
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Costa Cruises Middle East cruise itineraries
The cruise line’s newest ship, Costa Firenze, will homeport in Dubai for the 2021/22 cruise season. Costa Firenze is designed to the Vista-class design of Costa’s parent company Carnival Corporation. She is 135,000-gross tons and carriers more than 3,500 passengers.
She will be a floating city, with 13 restaurants, 7 bars, thousands of cabins designed to reflect the decor of Renaissance Italy and a whole host of amenities and attractions, from a full-scale waterpark on the top deck, to a double-storey Broadway-style theatre, spa, casino and more.
Types of passengers on a Costa cruise
On European itineraries, Costa attracts mostly European passengers from Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and the U.K.
On an average winter sailing in Europe, about 10 percent of passengers are from North America. During the summer in Europe, about 20 percent of passengers will be North Americans.
On Caribbean cruises, the demographics are still geared strongly toward European travelers with a healthy smattering of North Americans. Cruises originating in Chinese ports cater primarily to Chinese passengers.
Costa’s ships also appeal to a wide range of ages, from 20-something first-time cruisers to retirees, but its fun, active vibe attracts a strong family audience as well as 40-something (and younger) couples.
Cruise ships in the Costa Cruises fleet:
Costa Deliziosa
Costa Fascinosa
Costa Firenze
Costa Fortuna
Costa Luminosa
Costa Pacifica
Costa Smeralda
Costa Toscana
Categories: Cruise Line Focus
