Costa Cruises from Barcelona, Spain 2023/2024

Costa Travel Guide

Costa Cruises Things To Do

• Cruise travel by Costa is designed for anyone who wishes to add a continental feel to their cruise journey. The cruise line caters to older people, solo travelers, couples, and families. Costa Cruises is ideal for adults and families who are seeking a larger cruise ship that features a variety of onboard entertainment whose travelers come from varying backgrounds internationally. Therefore, Costa attracts families and adults who want to experience fun at-sea. The demographic can vary, depending on the itinerary. For example, cruise ships sailing to New England and Canada and the Caribbean mainly carry North Americans. However, ships sailing to other destinations transport mostly Europeans. Costa Cruises is a popular choice among college kids or honeymooners from Italy. To sail on a Costa cruise, children must be at least 6 months old at the time of departure. For trans-ocean crossings over the Indian, Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans, children must be at least 12 months of age. Check with your travel representative before scheduling a cruise to ensure you meet the proper criteria in this regard.

Costa Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do Costa cruises last?

  Cruise durations extend 8 days or span from 9 to 16 days or 17 or more days. Most cruises to the Caribbean, for example, last about 15 days.

• When are cruises the most affordable?

  Typically, during October. If you cruise the Caribbean, it's best to sail during winter, as the weather is drier. Don't go during the fall, as this part of the year marks hurricane season. Costa Cruises features winter-only Caribbean cruises.

• What is so special about Catalina Island in the Caribbean?

  Catalina Island is a private isle, specially reserved for Costa Cruise travelers. Catalina Island can only be accessed by a rowboat, as noises from engines or extraneous noise is banned on the isle. Once you arrive on the island, you will enjoy a truly peaceful tropical atmosphere.

• How does the Costa Club loyalty program work?

  When you cruise Costa, you can sign up for the cruise line's loyalty program. This program features six exclusive club tiers, each of which can be accessed when you earn a certain amount of points from cruising with Costa. The levels and points are as follows: The Ambra Club is the beginning tier. When you earn up to 2,000 points, you become an Aquamariner member. Points from 2,001 to 5,000 earn you Corallo status while earning 5,001 to 13,000 points makes you a Perla member. If you accumulate between 13,001 and 26,000 points you jump up to a Perla Oro designation while earning 26,000 or more points makes you a Perla Diamante club participant- the highest level of club membership.

• What cabins are offered onboard?

  Cabins are provided to meet a variety of budgets and preferences. You can choose from an internal, ocean view, balcony, or window cabins. For travelers seeking the ultimate accommodation, the Panorama Suite or Grand Suite can be booked. Either accommodation offers attention to detail, total comfort, and exclusive amenities and services. You can also book the Samsura Suite, which offers unlimited spa access.

• Who is Squok?

  Squok is the Costa mascot. He is half shark and half dolphin. The kids love him.

• Once I get onboard, how do I find my way around?

  Costa ships feature screens in public areas that show intuitive and easy-to-follow videos, giving you all the information needed to find your cabin or learn more about the layout of the ship. However, the best way to familiarize yourself with a Costa ship is to simply walk around and take a tour yourself.

• What happens during bad weather?

  Costa ships are made to ensure peaceful sailing, even during stormy weather. The ships use the latest in technology, to keep everything stabilized onboard the vessel. If you need them, seasickness tablets are available at the Hospitality Office onboard, free of charge.

• Where can guests eat lunch and dinner?

  A buffet is featured at lunch and dinner onboard. During the evening hours, you can eat in the main restaurants or any one of several themed restaurants. Some of the restaurants include the Japanese eatery, Teppanyaki Restaurant, the Samsara Restaurant, or the Pizzeria Pummid'oro. A newsletter is sent out daily, which gives restaurant opening times.

• Do Costa ships feature casino gambling?

  Yes. All Costa ships feature a casino with roulette, gambling tables, and slots. You can use a Costa Card, so casino purchases can be billed to your cruise account. The daily limit set for bets is 500 Euros, provided you also register your credit card to your Costa Card account. If you made a deposit in cash, the daily limit is set at 100 Euros for casino games onboard.

• Do I need to make reservations for theater performances onboard ship?

  No. Performances are held each night from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. A daily bulletin/newsletter, delivered to your cabin, will provide details about the night's program. Programs are changed nightly.

• Can changes be made in the cruise itinerary?

  Yes. To ensure the safety of its guests, Costa Cruises may make changes in the cruise schedule that are technical or operational in nature.

• Can you change your cabin once you board the ship?

  Yes, if a cabin is available and you can pay for the difference, you can be moved. You just need to contact the ship's Hospitality Office first.

• Can you make an ATM withdrawal onboard the ship?

  No. You cannot use an ATM on the ship. Any withdrawals should be made at the cruise ship terminal or port before you embark on your trip. However, that does not mean you cannot use your debit card or credit card on the ship. Again, you just cannot get money out of an ATM.

• What makes Costa Cruises different than other cruise lines?

  If you really want to experience a more continental feel during your cruise holiday, you will find it on a Costa cruise. You can also take part in one or more offshore excursions, designed in relation to your age, ability, and interests. Everything you do on a Costa cruise will enable you to experience a fun and entertaining holiday, whether onboard the ship or visiting a port-of-call.