What Can You Do on a Costa Cruises Ship During a Cruise?

 

 

 

 

The evening show on Costa Toscana 

Costa Cruises is known for its versatile cruise experiences, offering passengers plenty to do throughout the journey. A cruise on a Costa ship is more than just transportation, it is a complete holiday experience that combines entertainment, relaxation, good food, and a wide range of activities.

During sea days, or whenever shore excursions and port visits are not of interest, passengers can spend time around the pool areas, exercise, participate in guided dance or fitness sessions, or relax in the spa area. Many Costa ships feature gyms, small sports courts, and activities for passengers of all ages. Families are offered kids’ clubs, water slides, and programs designed for young travelers, making cruising a popular option for people traveling with children of different ages.

 

 

 

                                               Water slides on Costa Toscana deck

Passengers can also spend time shopping onboard. Costa ships include a variety of stores, such as duty-free shops, clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops where travelers can make purchases during the voyage. Many passengers take advantage of the shopping opportunities by buying quality perfumes, cosmetics, clothing, and gifts to bring home.

In the evenings, entertainment becomes one of the main highlights onboard Costa ships. Large theaters host music and dance performances, acrobatics, and international-style shows. In addition, passengers can enjoy live music, bars, discos, and themed parties. The Italian atmosphere is also strongly reflected in the restaurants, where pasta, pizza, and other Mediterranean dishes are served.

Many ships also feature casinos and gaming areas, ensuring there is plenty to do during days spent at sea. The popularity of cruise travel is largely based on the fact that, besides the journey itself, ships offer many different ways to spend time. Every passenger can create a holiday experience that suits their own preferences, whether the goal is an active vacation, enjoying entertainment, or simply relaxing while admiring the sea views.

Costa Cruises Cabins – How to Choose the Right Cabin for Your Cruise?

 

 

Costa Toscana cabin beds

One of the most important decisions when booking a cruise is choosing the right cabin type. Costa Cruises offers a wide variety of options, ranging from affordable inside cabins to luxurious suites. The best choice depends not only on your budget, but also on your travel style, travel companions, itinerary, and even the season.

Inside Cabins – An Affordable Choice

Inside cabins are the most affordable option and are ideal for active travelers who spend most of their time enjoying the ship’s public areas or exploring ports. Although these cabins do not have windows, they still include all the essential amenities. Inside cabins are especially popular on shorter cruises and among budget-conscious travelers.

Ocean View Cabins – Natural Light and Sea Views

Ocean view cabins provide natural light and sea views without a private balcony. For many passengers, they offer the perfect balance between comfort and price. These cabins are particularly well suited for cooler itineraries such as the Norwegian fjords or the Baltic Sea, where scenic views can still be enjoyed comfortably from inside the cabin. They are also popular among families with young children, as some parents feel more comfortable without a balcony.

Balcony Cabins – The Most Popular Option

Costa Toscana balcony cabin with sea view

Balcony cabins are currently the most popular choice. A private balcony adds a greater sense of space and allows passengers to enjoy sea views in privacy. Balcony cabins are especially ideal for warm-weather cruises such as the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. During summer enjoying morning coffee on the balcony or relaxing in the sun becomes part of the luxury of the cruise experience. Both couples and families frequently choose balcony cabins, especially when children are older. For parents, the balcony can provide a peaceful place to relax in the evening after the children have gone to sleep. However, when traveling with small children, balconies naturally require extra supervision, and children should never be left alone on the balcony.

Suites – Extra Space and Luxury

Suites offer more space, larger balconies, and additional services such as upgraded room service and exclusive dining options. They are particularly suitable for longer cruises, special occasions, or travelers who spend a lot of time in their cabin. Their prices are noticeably higher, but the cruise experience also becomes more private and luxurious.
 
The location of the cabin also affects comfort onboard. Midship cabins usually experience less motion, which can help travelers prone to seasickness. They also provide easy access to public areas such as restaurants, swimming decks and exits. Cabins located at high levels again offer more peace, while some lower-deck cabins may be subject to more noise depending on their location. Ultimately, the best cabin depends on the kind of cruise experience you are looking for. For some travelers, the cabin is simply a place to sleep, while for others it becomes an important part of the entire holiday experience.

From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic – a week on the cruise ship Costa Toscana

 Costa Toscana cruise ship sailing in the Mediterranean Sea

 

Departing from the port of Barcelona already feels like stepping into another world. The city slowly fades into the distance, and with it, the rhythm of everyday life begins to dissolve somewhere along the Mediterranean horizon. Even though it is no longer peak season, this particular cruise still attracts plenty of passengers, and boarding takes time. The process moves forward step by step, and waiting becomes part of the experience just as much as stepping onboard itself. That is why arriving in the departure city in advance is not just a recommendation, but an essential part of a smooth journey. The ship will not wait if flights are delayed.

Once onboard the Costa Toscana, the scale is striking. The ship does not feel like a means of transport, but rather a floating city with its own streets, restaurants, and atmosphere. The first day is spent exploring and getting oriented before everything begins to make sense. A balcony cabin quickly becomes a personal sanctuary, where the sea is constantly present—and luckily, the November weather is kind, with sunshine warming the air. Gradually, a clear daily rhythm begins to form. Full board naturally structures the day: breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner create a framework without feeling restrictive. Meals take place within set time windows, leaving long stretches of time in between with no obligations. Sometimes a meal passes almost unnoticed, while at other times, a visit to the buffet or restaurant becomes the highlight of the day. The drinks package adds another layer of ease—there is no need to calculate or think twice, as drinks can simply be ordered and enjoyed as part of the experience. Time onboard fills up surprisingly easily. Mornings might begin at the gym or with a walk on deck, afternoons are spent by the pool or in guided activities, and evenings unfold with shows, live music, or simply watching the sea. Everything is available, yet nothing is mandatory. This balance between freedom and choice defines the uniqueness of the cruise, there is always something to do, yet never any rush. Port days break the onboard routine and offer unique experiences in places that might otherwise never be visited.

The first stop, Malaga, reveals a vibrant city where the Moorish fortress Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum provide insight into its history. Their location within walking distance makes the visit effortless, leaving time for a café stop and some shopping. The following day, the ship docks in Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its compact size makes it ideal for exploring on foot, and the atmosphere in its streets is calm and unhurried—at times, it almost feels as though time stands still. The Cadiz Cathedral serves as the city’s focal point, and climbing its tower turns into a small physical challenge, with what feels like an endless ascent. Good shoes prove essential throughout the visit.

 

       A view from the Cadiz Cathedral

 

After a day at sea, the ship approaches Santa Cruz de Tenerife. With the snow-capped peak of Teide visible in the distance, both the atmosphere and the climate shift noticeably. Now at the latitude of Western Sahara, November feels almost like summer. Instead of heading into the city center, the day is spent at Playa de las Teresitas, where a few hours pass effortlessly in the sun—swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the warmth. There is still time for a brief city visit and to admire the striking architecture of the Auditorio de Tenerife. A trip to Teide National Park remains out of reach on this itinerary, as both time constraints and weather conditions limit the possibility.

 

 Arrival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the view of the snow-capped Teide

 

Next, the ship set course toward North Africa and Agadir. The city immediately felt different from European destinations. Here, an organized excursion was tempting, and Costa’s own tour, “All of Agadir – Unexpected Contrasts,” began at Kasbah Oufella, where the towering walls above the city and the shimmering Atlantic created a breathtaking view. After taking in the scenery, we headed back down to modern Agadir, where cafés and boutiques, along with the sounds, colors, and scents, created a distinctive atmosphere for the final leg of the cruise. The day was crowned with a stop in front of the Mohamed V Mosque—although we couldn’t go inside, its impressive architecture and intricate details left a lasting impression.

When the cruise finally returns to Barcelona, the feeling is not one of travel fatigue, but rather a shift in rhythm. A week at sea has formed its own self-contained world, where days have been structured yet flexible, filled with options from which to choose freely. Full board and the ship’s constant offerings define daily life onboard, while the port stops bring variation and new perspectives. Perhaps this is what makes cruising so unique, the seamless combination of movement and ease, where traveling from one fascinating destination to another is made as effortless and enjoyable as possible.

What Is the Best Way to Book a Cruise

 

 

Gangway leading to the Costa Toscana cruise ship

 

A cruise is for many the idea of a dream vacation, but before you can enjoy the sea views, you need to decide how to book your trip. The right option depends mainly on how much you want to plan yourself and how much effort you’re willing to put in.

There are several different ways to book a Costa cruise, as outlined below.
 

Do-it-yourself – freedom to plan

Often the most affordable option is to plan and build the trip entirely on your own. In this model, you book flights separately, choose your preferred cruise, and, if needed, arrange hotels in the departure and arrival ports.

Costa offers various cruise packages, such as cruise-only deals that include accommodation, meals, and onboard entertainment. Drink packages are not usually included in the base price and must be purchased separately, as do excursions at ports. Everything else such as flights, transfers, and hotels remains the traveler’s responsibility. The biggest advantage of this approach is flexibility. You can choose flights and schedules that suit you, combine the cruise with a city break before or after, compare prices, and tailor every detail to your preferences.

On the downside, all responsibility lies with you. If something goes wrong like a delayed flight, you risk missing the ship, and the cruise line is not responsible in such cases. This option is best suited for experienced travelers and those who want full control over their itinerary.
 

Semi-package directly from Costa – an easier option

Another option is to book a semi-package directly from Costa. In this case, the selected cruise package also includes flights to and from the departure port on the cruise start and end dates.

This is a good compromise for many travelers, as Costa coordinates the flights with the cruise schedule, providing a ready-made itinerary without the need for extra hotel nights unless necessary. In case of issues, you can also contact the cruise company directly. These packages can also be competitively priced, as cruise lines often have agreements with airlines and access to so-called “bulk fare” prices.

The downside is reduced flexibility: you may not be able to choose the most convenient flights, and making changes can incur additional costs. Not all cruises offer this option, and availability may depend on your departure country. Still, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want convenience without needing a fully customized trip.

 

Through a travel agency – a complete package

The third option is to book the entire trip through a travel agency. In this case, flights, hotels, the chosen cruise, and often transfers to the port are all included in one package. The travel agency acts as an intermediary, putting together a complete travel package and handling the practical arrangements for you.

The main advantage here is ease. With a single point of contact, managing any issues becomes simpler. Travel agency packages are also often pre-tested and well-structured. The downsides are a higher price and less flexibility. However, they are especially suitable for first-time cruisers or those who value a stress-free holiday without any hassle.

 

Flying to the Cruise Departure Port

In the end, there is no single right way to book a Costa cruise or any cruise for that matter. The decision always comes down to factors like flexibility, cost, and convenience.

What matters most is choosing the option that matches what you’re looking for in your trip, whether it’s a carefully planned adventure or a carefree escape from everyday life.