Costa Cruises offers lively Italian-style sailings, but not all Costa ships are created equal. Some provide fantastic entertainment and great food, while others get slammed for poor service, overcrowding, and disappointing dining. So, which ships are worth booking—and which should you avoid?
After analyzing thousands of reviews, I’ve ranked Costa’s best and worst ships based on real cruiser experiences. Whether you want a fun and lively ship or a relaxing escape, this guide will help you find the perfect fit—and steer clear of regret!
How I Ranked Costa’s Fleet
To ensure these rankings reflected actual passenger experiences, I spent time reading reviews on Cruise Critic, TripAdvisor, and cruise forums where guests shared their uncensored opinions.
Social media was another key source—Facebook groups, Twitter posts, and Reddit discussions offered a real-time look at what people loved (or hated) about their Costa cruise. Rather than focusing on a single bad or good review, I looked for trends across multiple sailings to determine which ships truly deliver and which ones consistently fall short.
Costa Serena
Class: Concordia-Class
Launched: 2007
Capacity: 3,700 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
Costa Serena is a classically Italian ship that offers a timeless European cruise experience. When it debuted in 2007, it was the largest ship in the Costa fleet. It is known for its interiors inspired by ancient gods and legendary figures. The ship’s energetic atmosphere comes alive in the evenings with dancing, live entertainment, and an unmistakable sense of festivity.
Costa Serena’s interior features everything from a nine-story atrium, bustling promenade lined with bars and lounges, and two grand dining rooms—Vesta and Ceres. It also offers a spa-centric experience, featuring one of the largest wellness centers at sea.
Common Praises:
- Authentic Italian cruise experience: As one reviewer said, “Recently refurbished and wonderfully European. You will be disappointed if looking for an American style cruise, this one is more ‘understated elegance.’”
- Great entertainment and activities
- Affordable specialty dining options
Common Critiques:
- Poor customer service at reception: Some passengers felt that the front desk staff were unhelpful. One reviewer stated, “The receptionists were incredibly arrogant and unhelpful. They only addressed problems if you were rude or used foul language.”
- Long waits and overcrowding
- Repetitive and underwhelming food options
Costa Pacifica
Class: Concordia
Launched: 2009
Capacity: 3,780 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.2/5)
Costa Pacifica is one of Costa’s larger ships, offering an experience filled with modern entertainment and onboard amenities. Designed by Joe Farcus, the ship has a unique musical theme, with decks named after music styles and an impressive array of onboard music-related activities, including a recording studio where guests can create their own tracks.
Dining options include the main New York, New York and My Way restaurants, which offer set seating and large tables, catering to Costa’s family and group-oriented clientele. The buffet on Deck 9 offers a mix of international cuisine, though food quality is inconsistent. The Club Blue Moon specialty restaurant provides a more refined dining experience, featuring dishes by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Bocchia.
Common Praises
- Lively entertainment and nightlife: Guests appreciate the energy onboard, with one reviewer noting, “The white party and the Italian night were wild! We’ve never seen so many people on a ship dance floor before.”
- Great spa and wellness facilities
Common Critiques
- Service inconsistencies, particularly at reception
- Aging ship with outdated furnishings
- Food quality varies
Costa Fortuna
Class: Destiny
Launched: 2003
Capacity: 3,470 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.1/5)
Costa Fortuna was a groundbreaking ship for Costa when it debuted, marking the line’s entry into the 100,000-ton cruise ship category. Designed with a strong nautical theme, the ship pays tribute to Italian passenger shipping heritage, featuring vintage posters and maritime memorabilia throughout its public spaces
Dining options on Costa Fortuna include two main dining rooms named after the classic Italian liners Michelangelo and Raffaello, offering a traditional two-seating dining experience. The ship’s nightlife scene is lively, with a disco that keeps the party going until the early hours and a conveniently located casino. The main pool area has an amphitheater-style design, ideal for sunbathing and people-watching.
While the ship offers a grand experience, reviewers have noted that some areas are beginning to show their age.
Common Praises
- Affordable pricing with good value
- Lively atmosphere and entertainment
- Friendly and accommodating staff
Common Critiques
- Embarkation and disembarkation issues: Several travelers have reported disorganization during boarding and exiting the ship, with one guest expressing frustration: “Embarkation and disembarkation a total cluster of disaster. Instructions are not clear.”
- Inconsistent food quality: While some meals are praised, others fall short, as one reviewer put it: “The food was bad, really bad… no taste or flavor, and the same options every day.”
- Aging ship with maintenance issues
- Overcrowding and long queues
Costa Toscana
Class: Excel Class
Launched: 2022
Capacity: 6,600 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.1/5)
Costa Toscana is a modern ship that offers a strong European cruising experience. Designed with an Italian flair, the ship’s public spaces are a vibrant showcase of colors, themes, and partnerships with iconic Italian brands. From the bold reds of the Campari Bar to the deep greens of the Kartell Caffe, every space reminds you of the ship’s upscale, modern atmosphere.
The ship features an impressive 21 different dining venues ranging from specialty pizzerias to sushi and teppanyaki. For guests who love entertainment, the Colosseo, a three-story venue at the ship’s center, offers impressive visual and musical performances. The La Spiaggia Beach Club, featuring a two-deck indoor-outdoor design under a glass dome, adds another layer of charm to the ship’s entertainment and relaxation offerings.
Common Praises:
- Vibrant Entertainment & Design: Many guests love the modern, upscale design and the impressive entertainment options. One reviewer noted, “The shows every night were amazing and top-level quality.”
- Great atmosphere for families
- Boarding was smooth and well-organized
Common Critiques:
- Inconsistent Service: Some passengers reported issues with staff responsiveness. One guest wrote, “The frontline staff were very rude and unhelpful.”
- Some areas felt crowded at peak times
- Dining was repetitive with little flavor
Costa Diadema
Class: Dream Class
Launched: 2014
Capacity: 4,947 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Costa Diadema, known as the “Queen of the Mediterranean,” offers a vibrant and immersive European cruise experience. Its interior is a spectacle of glitz and color, featuring extravagant neon lights, ceramic murals, and over 7,000 pieces of royal-themed artwork.
One of the ship’s standout features is its 16 ft. (5 m) wide open-air promenade that provides guests with incredible sea views, outdoor dining options, and even whirlpools extending over the ship’s sides. Food and drink lovers will enjoy a range of specialty venues, including Tavola Teppanyaki and a two-level beer garden serving both Italian and German brews.
Common Praises:
- Energetic and lively entertainment: One guest shared, “We felt genuinely welcomed, from the cabin crew to the waitstaff, officers, embarkation, and disembarkation team.”
- Efficient embarkation process
- Great value for money
Common Critiques:
- Overcrowding and long wait times – With a high passenger capacity, peak hours can feel overwhelming. One reviewer commented, “The worst overcrowded ship. The staff is rude, and unless you give them a bribe, do not expect good service from them.”
- Food quality and service inconsistencies – Dining experiences vary widely across the ship. A guest noted, “Food is sub-quality, never warm (above 55 Celsius), and crew personnel is poorly trained.”
- Language barriers and limited English-friendly services
Costa Favolosa
Class: Concordia
Launched: 2011
Capacity: 3,780 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Costa Favolosa is a mid-sized ship popular for its classic elegance and modern amenities. Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, it retains many of the hallmark features of its sister ships while introducing a few exclusive features. Onboard, you’ll find six suites with private verandahs and Jacuzzis, an expanded teen area featuring a 4D cinema and an ice cream bar, and even an outdoor Aqua Park.
The ship’s décor is grand and reminiscent of traditional Italian luxury, though some passengers find it slightly dated compared to newer ships. Its spacious Samsara Spa provides a tranquil retreat, while the main dining venues offer a variety of Italian and international dishes. The entertainment lineup includes lively themed parties and engaging performances, though the scheduling of some events may feel more suited to European cruising habits.
While Costa Favolosa provides a solid cruise experience with good service and entertainment, it is not without its drawbacks. Some passengers have reported inconsistencies in customer service, occasional delays in embarkation, and a disappointing onboard experience. That said, for those looking for an affordable and lively European-style cruise with a mix of relaxation and adventure, it remains a reasonable option.
Common Praises:
- Immaculate cleanliness: Many passengers appreciated how well-maintained the ship was. One reviewer noted, “The ship is spotless and absolutely beautiful.”
- Entertaining themed parties and special events
- Great value for money
Common Critiques:
- Customer service issues: One reviewer stated, “Nobody has yet replied to the three emails from the ship’s reception, who obviously don’t care how guests feel!”
- Inconvenient layout
- Limited and repetitive food options
Costa Deliziosa
Class: Luminosa-Class
Launched: 2010
Capacity: 2,826 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (2.8/5)
Costa Deliziosa is a mid-sized cruise ship that offers an intimate atmosphere reflecting Costa’s signature flair. Designed with a “retro-style evolution,” the ship offers a mix of old-school charm and modern amenities. It has a simple layout that makes navigating the decks easy, and its size allows for a more personalized experience compared to Costa’s mega-ships.
One of the ship’s standout features is its Panamax design, which enables it to sail through the Panama Canal and embark on global itineraries, including its annual world cruise. Despite being smaller than the Concordia-class ships, Costa Deliziosa still offers a full range of Costa’s signature amenities, from its Samsara Spa to diverse dining options.
Common Praises:
- Great value for money: As one reviewer noted, “Great value for money. All inclusive with a drinks package was a good idea. Wonderful crew on board.”
- Entertainment and staff stand out
- Spacious and comfortable cabins
Common Critiques:
- Customer service issues – Some passengers feel that the customer service is subpar, with rigid policies and unhelpful staff. One review bluntly stated, “For any of the staff to go beyond their parameters seems impossible. Excellent customer service seems unattainable on Costa.”
- Inconsistent language support: Many English-speaking guests have expressed frustration with the lack of proper communication on board. One reviewer noted, “Most of the staff had trouble with English, and I found it incredibly unprofessional that they spoke poorly about guests in another language, assuming we wouldn’t understand.”
- Limited pool space
- Mediocre dining experience
- Poor excursion planning and logistics
Costa Fascinosa
Class: Concordia-class
Launched: 2012
Capacity: 3,800 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (2.8/5)
Costa Fascinosa is a ship known for its glamorous, Hollywood-style atmosphere and design. The ship is filled with bold decor, lavish lighting, and extravagant furnishings—though for some, it can be a bit excessive. The onboard experience includes features like the Samsara Spa, a Grand Prix driving simulator, and a pool area with a retractable glass roof, making it a ship that offers entertainment and relaxation in equal measure.
While Costa Fascinosa sails across the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, its layout has been a point of discussion among guests. The ship’s main dining rooms are located midship, limiting easy movement between the front and back decks. However, sun-seekers will appreciate the many tanning spaces, particularly the wind-sheltered area near the Scuderia Bar on Deck 12. Another highlight is the waterslide, which remains a favorite among passengers looking for a bit of fun at sea.
Dining on board varies in quality. The main dining rooms offer well-prepared Italian cuisine, but the buffet receives mixed reviews, with some finding the selection underwhelming. Service can be hit or miss—while some crew members are accommodating, others appear disengaged.. That said, Costa’s excursions team receives positive feedback for organization and attentiveness, particularly in helping passengers with mobility issues.
Common Praises:
- Exceptional excursions team: One reviewer noted, “They always reserved the first row on the bus for him, they always made sure he was fine and accommodated his needs. We were quite impressed with that.”
- Great food in the main dining room
- Plenty of entertainment options
Common Critiques:
- Rude or indifferent staff: One reviewer stated, “Extremely rude restaurant and bar staff, reception staff not genuinely interested in addressing issues even coming across as ‘phony’.”
- Additional costs feel excessive: One traveler remarked, “We were shocked at all the additional service fees charged from mandatory daily service fees (on top of an all-inclusive package) as well as purchasing anything onboard.”
- Ship layout can be confusing
- Unexpected and confusing extra charges
- Low-quality buffet food
- Overcrowded spaces and lack of seating
Costa Smeralda
Class: Excellence Class
Launched: 2019
Capacity: 6,518 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2.4/5)
Costa Smeralda was designed to be Costa’s flagship of modern cruising. The ship’s design embraces Italian culture with each deck themed after a famous Italian city, featuring custom-made furniture from top Italian designers and a distinctive photographic panel in each cabin depicting city views.
The ship’s heart is the Colosseo, a central atrium that doubles as a performance space, hosting acrobatic shows and live entertainment. Dining options range from traditional Italian meals to international offerings, though guest experiences have varied significantly.
However, despite its promising design, Costa Smeralda is one of Cruise Critic’s lowest-rated ships, with many passengers citing poor service, overcrowding, and disappointing food—making it a ship best avoided.
Common Praises:
- Good entertainment program
- Beautiful and modern ship design
Common Critiques:
- Confusing and disorganized embarkation process: One reviewer said, “Before the cruise began, there was very poor communication. We didn’t know which port the cruise was going to be at, and no one had replied to my emails.”
- Overcrowding and long queues: One reviewer said the ship was too crowded, making it difficult to enjoy key amenities. “Too many people for the ship’s capacity—getting food at the buffet was a nightmare, and you couldn’t get anything done without a queue.”
- Subpar and repetitive food
- Unhelpful and rude staff
- Frequent hidden charges and misleading all-inclusive deals
Read more: Best & Worst Costa Cruises Cabins (Based on Reviews)
Which Costa Ship Should You Choose?
If you’re considering a Costa cruise, I’d recommend sticking to the better-rated ships like Costa Serena, Costa Pacifica, and Costa Fortuna, which have received more consistent praise for their service, food quality, and overall experience.
On the other hand, some ships in the fleet have been major disappointments for passengers. Costa Smeralda, Costa Fascinosa, and Costa Deliziosa are frequently criticized for poor service, overcrowding, and food that leaves much to be desired. Reviews highlight long wait times, rude or indifferent staff, and dining options that fail to live up to expectations. If you’re looking for a hassle-free and enjoyable cruise, these ships are best avoided.
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