Costa Diadema Review

For those that want to party all day and night, Italian-style

Costa Diadema is one of Costa Cruises’ best ships, and probably the most popular. That’s high praise, and we are only in the first paragraph. It shares some similarities with Costa’s newest offerings, like Costa Toscana and Smeralda, while also carrying the charm of Costa Deliziosa. So, yes, you get the best of both worlds.

The ship features elegant, modern décor, a full waterpark, excellent food options, and some of the best late-night parties Costa has to offer. It’s a great option for both families and adults, and definitely a ship to consider if you're planning your first-ever Costa cruise.

What we like about Costa Diadema

Costa Diadema Waterpark.webp — Costa Cruises©

Let’s start by saying that the Pirate Ship Waterpark is a great option for kids. This is a big area featuring splash zones and lots of props like a pirate ship with water cannons, treasure chests and even small castles for kids to explore. The waterpark comes with small waterslides and pools that the young ones will surely love. The waterpark alone is a good reason for families to opt to travel onboard the Costa Diadema over the Costa Deliziosa, since this ship offers more (and better) entertainment options for the kids.

The bars are pretty good, from the one at the bottom of the atrium to the Teodora lounge on deck 5, the German Beer Bar and the Grand Olaf on deck 4. These are cozy, elegant venues featuring live piano performers and dancing, and usually stay open until late into the night. So, if you are a fan of good music and love parties late into the night, the Diadema has got you covered.

This ship is all about high-energy nights: themed parties, late-night DJs, and a silent disco that keeps things going well past midnight. I love the fact that this cruise line offers something for guests to do until the early hours of the morning, especially since a lot of other ships/cruise lines basically shut down by 11pm. and expect us to head back to our staterooms to sleep. C’mon, if I’m visiting Italy or Rio, I want to stay awake until the sun rises.

What we don’t like about Costa Diadema

Costa Diadema restaurant.webp — Costa Cruises©

Diadema is built for almost five thousand passengers. Even during off-peak times, shared areas like the pools, buffets, and theaters can feel crowded. Buffet dining rooms, especially Sissi, can get noisy, too. The staff can also feel overwhelmed at times, particularly during late-night parties. It sometimes feels like the crew size doesn’t quite match the number of guests onboard, so expect a bit of a wait if you're ordering a drink during one of the bigger events.

Do keep in mind that the buffet is only open during certain hours and usually isn’t available late at night. So, during special late-night parties, snacks and drinks cost extra. Unlike most cruise lines, pizza also isn’t free onboard, you’ll have to pay for it. At least Costa serves some of the best pizza at sea, so head to the Pummid'Oro Pizzeria to try it out.

Another small issue is the constant stream of announcements. Costa makes them frequently, and in five or more languages. Since this is a ship that stops at many ports, the announcements happen more often than you'd probably like. Hearing the same thing repeated over and over in different languages can get a bit bothersome, to say the least.

Conclusion

Costa Diadema is great, and a top recommendation if you love late-night parties. It has plenty of activities and entertainment options, and unlike Costa Deliziosa, it features a pretty big waterpark, making it an awesome option for kids. It’s a ship that can be noisy, especially since the parties go until the early hours of the morning, but if you’re looking for a high-energy cruise, you’re going to love it.