An Introduction to Costa Cruises
Costa Cruises, an iconic Italian cruise line, brings a unique blend of "Italian style" to the seas. Known for its lively atmosphere, diverse entertainment, and authentic Mediterranean flavors, Costa offers a vibrant and engaging holiday experience for guests worldwide, with a particular focus on European travelers.
A Brief History
Costa Cruises boasts a rich history that began in 1854 when Giacomo Costa founded "Giacomo Costa fu Andrea" in Genoa, Italy. Initially, the company operated cargo ships transporting olive oil and textiles. In 1947, after World War II, it ventured into passenger services, initially as "Linea C," offering regular services between Italy and South America.
The transition to pleasure cruising began in 1959, with itineraries expanding to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. In 1986, the company officially rebranded as Costa Cruises, signaling its complete dedication to the cruise business. By 1997, Costa had grown to become a leading European cruise line. It joined the Carnival Corporation & plc family in 2000, becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary and further solidifying its position as a major player in the global cruise industry while retaining its distinctive Italian flair.
The Fleet: Ships of Italian Charm
Costa's fleet is characterized by its contemporary design, lively public spaces, and a strong emphasis on Italian hospitality ("fare il giro"). Their ships offer a wide range of dining, entertainment, and relaxation options, appealing to families, couples, and groups.
Costa Deliziosa | Costa Diadema | Costa Fascinosa | Costa Favolosa | Costa Firenze | Costa Fortuna | Costa Pacifica | Costa Smeralda | Costa Toscana | Costa Venezia.
Current Starting Ports and Itineraries (2025)
Costa Cruises offers an extensive network of voyages, with a strong presence in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, as well as exotic destinations further afield. Example itineraries for 2025 include:
Western Mediterranean cruises from Genoa, Savona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Marseille, or Barcelona.
Eastern Mediterranean voyages from Venice, Piraeus (Athens), or Taranto.
Northern Europe itineraries from Kiel or Hamburg, exploring the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic Sea, or British Isles.
Caribbean cruises, often repositioning from Europe.
Asia itineraries, particularly in the Far East.
Canary Islands sailings from Las Palmas.
Grand Voyages and World Cruises for extended explorations.
Here's a comprehensive list of Costa Cruises' major starting ports:
All port links are affilaited with Trip.com The Essential Cruise Shop will be paid a commission on any completed bookings at no additional cost to you.
Italy:
Bari | Brindisi | Cagliari | Catania | Civitavecchia (Rome) | Genoa | Naples | Palermo | Savona | Taranto | Trieste | Venice (Marghera).
Other European Ports:
Amsterdam, Netherlands | Barcelona, Spain | Copenhagen, Denmark | Dover (London), England, UK | Dubrovnik, Croatia | Hamburg, Germany | Heraklion (Crete), Greece | Ibiza, Spain | Kiel, Germany | Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain | Lisbon, Portugal | Marseille, France | Palma de Mallorca, Spain | Piraeus (Athens), Greece | Stockholm, Sweden (Nynäshamn) | Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain | Valencia, Spain.
Caribbean:
La Romana, Dominican Republic | Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.
Asia:
Dubai, UAE | Singapore | Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan.
South America:
Buenos Aires, Argentina | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Santos (São Paulo), Brasil.
Official Websites
Italy (Primary Site): Costa Crociere: vacanze e viaggi in crociera | Costa Crociere
UK: Find a cruise: discover the best offers | Costa Cruises
USA: While Costa Cruises primarily focuses on the European market, US travelers can find information and often book through the main international site or through North American travel agencies specializing in international cruises: Costa Cruises - Choose your country / region
A Word of Caution: Cruise Scams
When planning your cruise, it's vital to be vigilant against potential scam attempts. Common red flags and deceptive practices include:
"You've Won a Free Cruise!" Notifications: Be extremely wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages claiming you've won a cruise. These often hide significant "fees" or are simply attempts to gather your personal information or pressure you into buying something else.
Fake Websites and Phishing Attempts: Scammers create websites that look nearly identical to official cruise line or travel agency sites to steal your payment details and personal data. Always verify the URL and ensure it's secure (look for "https://" and a padlock icon).
High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be suspicious if you're pressured to book immediately due to an expiring "deal." Legitimate offers usually provide ample time for you to review and decide.
Requests for Unusual Payment Methods: Never pay for a cruise via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, especially if requested by an individual or an unknown entity. Legitimate cruise lines use secure, standard payment methods.
Always book directly through the official Costa Cruises website for your region or through a reputable and trusted travel agent. If an offer seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Verify any suspicious communications by contacting Costa Cruises directly using contact information found on their official website, not from the suspicious offer itself.
Additional Resources
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