Costa Cruises is the largest European cruise line and Italy's most iconic brand at sea. Founded in 1948 as a cargo company that began carrying passengers, Costa has grown into a fleet of 12 ships sailing to over 250 destinations across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Costa's ships are infused with Italian style — from the art collections and architecture to the cuisine and entertainment. The line is particularly popular with European passengers and offers a more cosmopolitan, multilingual atmosphere than American cruise lines.
Costa's Mediterranean itineraries are among the most comprehensive available, with sailings from Genoa, Savona, Venice, and Barcelona visiting ports across the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.
✅ Pros
- →Authentic Italian cuisine and atmosphere
- →Strong Mediterranean and European itineraries
- →Cosmopolitan, international passenger mix
- →Excellent value for European sailings
- →Unique Italian art and design onboard
⚠️ Cons
- →Less well-known in the North American market
- →Multilingual announcements can feel repetitive
- →Service style differs from American cruise lines