France, Italy with Costa Smeralda

With over 75 years of history, Costa Cruises is one of the traditional European shipping companies. Italian cruise fans feel particularly comfortable and ensure a typically Italian attitude towards life on board. However, depending on the route, there are also many international passengers on board. Many return from their cruise enthusiastic about the good value for money. During the holidays, the family-friendly shipping company welcomes many children to their ships. So it is not surprising that the Costa Smeralda is also very popular for family cruises. 

• Ship class: Helios class
• Build in: 2019
• Home port: Genoa
• Length: 337 meters
• Tonnage: 182,700 GT
• Speed: 21.5 knots
• Decks: 19
• Passengers: 6,218
• Crew: 1,678
• Languages on board: English, Italian, German
• Currency: Euro
• Internet: Starlink from SpaceX and Wi-Fi (fee required)

Since 2014, the Costa Crociere Foundation has been coordinating all of Costa Cruises' social and environmental initiatives. Through 32 projects, the foundation has already reached over 185,000 people in more than 130 countries. Its work ranges from educational programmes and environmental protection measures to social aid programmes implemented both in port cities and beyond.

With its new interactive educational project, ‘Guardians of the Sea,’ the shipping company continues to promote sustainability and environmental education. The playful and entertaining way of raising awareness among children and young people between the ages of six and 17 about the protection of the oceans plays a key role here. Through engaging activities, participants are united by curiosity, fun and a love of the sea. In order to avoid language barriers as far as possible, the learning modules are offered in several languages.

On board the ships, disposable plastic items are not used and only cleaning and cosmetic products without microplastics are used. In addition, most of the fresh water required on the ships is obtained and treated by desalinating seawater. Attention is also paid to waste separation and waste reduction.

Thanks to the latest engine technology, the Costa Smeralda can be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), the fossil fuel with the lowest emissions, thereby sustainably reducing emissions.

In the staterooms and suites of the Costa Smeralda, style and design 'Made in Italy' meet. These were designed by the Milanese architecture studio Dordoni Architetti in collaboration with other well-known studios around the world. All furniture, lamps, fabrics and accessories have been individually designed and realize the style of Italy’s Finest. Bright and friendly colors, fine fabrics and modern design can be found in all staterooms and suites. The stateroom categories are divided into inside, oceanview, balcony, terrace staterooms and suites that are modernly equipped. A special highlight are the showers from which you can look directly at the sea (starting from balcony staterooms).

The best expression for “Italy's Finest”: quality, style, hospitality, entertainment and gastronomy. In addition, a unique view of the sea. This is what makes the special atmosphere on board the Costa Smeralda. As is typical for Costa cruises, great emphasis is placed on hospitality and Italian joie de vivre on board. You will also find the friendly and informal atmosphere of the other ships on board the Costa Smeralda. Life on board is international, with many guests from Italy or the Mediterranean region. Thanks to the various options on board, all age groups feel at home on this comfortable ship.

In the various restaurants on board the Costa Smeralda, every guest can find the culinary delights to suit them.

The following restaurants are already included in the price:

• La Sagra dei Sapori Restaurant (buffet restaurant, open for breakfast and lunch)
• La Colombina Restaurant (main restaurant): Here you will be served breakfast, lunch and dinner at your table. The menu is à la carte.
• Family Restaurant (buffet restaurant, open for breakfast and lunch)
• Arlecchino Restaurant (main restaurant): Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style or à la carte at the table. Dinner is à la carte.
• Il Meneghino Restaurant (main restaurant): Breakfast and lunch are served at the table à la carte. Dinner is à la carte.
• Il Rugantino Restaurant (main restaurant): Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served à la carte at the table.

You pay a surcharge in the following restaurants:

• Archipelago: Discover a place with an innovative and sustainable design. The menus are created by international chefs Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze and Ángel León.
• Sushino at Costa: Do you like nigiri, maki, sashimi and mochi? Then this sushi bistro is just right for you.
• Food Lab: Visit the cooking school on the Costa Smeralda and try your hand at creating the perfect menu.
• Bellavista Restaurant: A Mediterranean gourmet menu with excellent service awaits you here.
• Osteria Frescobaldi: This is the first restaurant at sea of the famous Tuscan winery.
• Teppanyaki Restaurant: Here you can experience a great cooking show from the Japanese chefs
• Pizzeria Pummid' Oro: Enjoy a freshly prepared pizza made with high-quality ingredients and slow-risen sourdough.
• The Salty Beach Street Food: Are you a burger fan? Here you will find the true flavors of street food.
• Green Healthy Food: Here you can enjoy protein-rich salads or delicious, balanced wraps that can be combined with sauces and spices.

In the various lounges and bars (not included) like the Grand Bar Mastroianni or the Ferrari Spazio Bollicine, you can use your drinks packages, enjoy drinks and make new contacts.

There is laughter and games everywhere on board, and activities for the whole family. Experience new areas and enjoy unique moments of entertainment. Typical Italian joie de vivre can be found everywhere on board. Excellent events are offered in the Colosseo, the San Remo Teatro or on the Piazza di Spagna, or you can try your luck in the casino.

Thirteen pools, whirlpools and a water slide tower offer swimming fun both indoors at La Spiaggia Beach Club and on the outdoor decks, while the spa area invites you to enjoy quiet hours and moments of relaxation. On board the Costa Smeralda, the spa area is called Solemio and offers a wellness concept based on innovation, a warm welcome and the value of sharing. To cool off after the sauna, you can even sit in a room full of snow. Sports enthusiasts will also get their money's worth on board the Costa Smeralda and can work out in the gym, on the running court or on the sports field.

Enjoy the view from the Volare Skywalk – a promenade located high up on the ship, part of which has a glass floor.

The ship's children's areas are ideal for families and
offer a range of games for indoors and outdoors: mini golf, table tennis, a Playstation area and the Rope Garden Adventure Park provide entertainment. Children and teenagers will never be bored on a Costa cruise. There are no long breaks between a party, a game in the pool, a tasty snack, a dance and a tournament. The Costa animation team knows exactly how to keep everyone interested. On the ships, the club is divided into age groups: Children (up to 6 years) You will be teleported into the fantastic world of Peppa Pig; Teenagers (from 12 to 17 years old) have a dedicated teen club at their disposal, which is divided into two age groups: Teen Club Junior (12 to 14 years old) and Teen Club (15 to 17 years old).

There is even a special restaurant for families - the Tutti a Tavola. It is a child-friendly buffet restaurant that only families have access to.

Costa offers a wide variety of shore excursions to suit all tastes. Whether hiking, sightseeing, a cooking class with your favorite chef - a lot is possible at Costa Cruises! The shipping company is characterized by particularly long shore excursions so that you can fully immerse yourself in the destination and also come into contact with locals.

The current flagship of the shipping company brings fun, variety and entertainment for the whole family in the style of a modern cruise giant. The young and the young at heart as well as families feel particularly at home on the colorful and bustling ships. But there are also retreats on board for those looking for peace and quiet. Particularly noteworthy is the excellent, varied cuisine on board.