Costa Cruise Lines

Cruising Italian-style

Known as Europe's #1 cruise line, Costa will give you the full flavor of regional lifestyles. Since most of the passengers are European, Costa caters to continental tastes, making it perfect for those who want to be immersed in a foreign culture, but frustrating to those who expect American-style cruises. While the crew is friendly, English won't be their first language, or possibly even their second. Communication won't be as smooth as at home, but it can also be part of the fun.

Owned by Carnival Corporation, this European version of the 'fun ships' looks and feels like the American-run line, but at a discounted cost. If you're willing to put up with smoking, some language barriers and unfamiliar food, you might consider this the biggest bargain afloat.

Why Go?

• Mid-line cruises for a bargain price
• European-style approach to food, life and culture

Passenger Profile

Like Carnival, these cruise ships attract families, but since Europeans typically get far more vacation time than Americans, you'll likely feel you're cruising with the U.N. Cruises to European destinations attract people from all over Europe, resulting in a mix of languages, cultures and attitudes. Cruises in the Caribbean tend to attract North Americans, so English is more prevalent, but likely not the first language of the crew.

Staterooms

If you want to view the rooms through the website, you'll find the setup frustrating to navigate. The pulsating yellow indicators are cryptic at best and become annoying, especially when compared to other cruise lines' easy-to-surf sites.

Despite the limitations of their webtour, all rooms are above sea level, spacious and feature complimentary in-cabin continental breakfast, satellite TV, a refrigerator and safe described as your oasis of comfort.

Dining

While smoking isn't permitted in the dining rooms, it is allowed on deck and at the open air cafes. Children's menus are available at the restaurants, but it's hardly necessary with bistros serving up pizza and Italian-style ice cream (gelato). Parents will enjoy authentic Italian cappuccino and espresso.

Most cuisine draws from traditional Italian fare, but there are specialized restaurants and a spa menu. Special diets can usually be accommodated if you have your travel agent submit the request in writing at least four weeks before you set sail.

Onboard Highlights

• Activities - One of the only cruise lines to offer conversational Italian, you'll have plenty of opportunity to practice on board. With the distinctive European flare, it's no surprise the ship also hosts art auctions.
• Caribbean cruises feature golf seminars and lessons with a pro. You can rent top-of-the-line clubs onboard, so you don't need to pack your own set.
• Costa Kids programs will keep the young ones amused with parties, theme dinners, sports and more.
• Nightlife - Since the stage shows feature English language hits, you won't need a translation. With a casino, Broadway-style stage shows, piano bar, disco and dance lessons, you'll have difficulty deciding what to do.
• Theme Cruises - The Caribbean cruises boast a different theme each night, most of which are informal or casual. A popular twist to the classic toga party, the Roman Bacchanal was voted 'Most Off-the-Wall Onboard Event in Cruising'. Bring your own toga, or improvise with a bedsheet.

Shore Excursions

Since most Europeans are on board to cruise, not see their own continent, European shore excursions will be shorter than on other lines. If you opt for a shore tour, try to get one that is English-only, or at least has English as the first language. Multilingual tours will provide the same information, but are harder to understand.

Need to know

• Dress Code - For both Caribbean and European cruises, dress tends to be more casual than on other cruise lines in their class. However, some European shore tours require you to cover your arms and legs. While most nights on board are informal, formal evenings require only a suit for men and a cocktail dress for women. Tuxedoes or dinner jackets can be rented by prearrangement, but are not required.
• Tipping - You can have Costa automatically charge preset gratuities to your account. However, they suggest bartenders, servers, deck stewards and other staff be tipped individually at the time of service. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all beverage purchases.
• Smoking - Smoking is allowed in designated areas, but prohibited in the theaters, restaurants, corridors, halls, elevators and stairwells. There are reserved smoking areas in the lounges, but this might not be enough for sensitive non-smokers. Some ships have at least one smoke-free lounge.
• Internet - You can send and receive emails at their Internet Center for a fee.