Costa Smeralda Review

Costa Toscana's sister ship is still a good option if you're looking for a Mediterranean cruise

Costa Smeralda is the sister ship of Costa Toscana, which means the two share a lot of similarities. Both are part of the Excellence class, are nearly identical in design, and offer the largest number of restaurants and entertainment options among Costa Cruises ships.

The main difference lies in pricing and itineraries: Costa Toscana sails to both the Mediterranean and Dubai, while Costa Smeralda usually sticks to the Mediterranean only. Other than that? Check out prices, research where you want to go and then choose your favorite ship.

What we like about Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda ship aerial view.webp — Costa Cruises©

Much like Costa Toscana, Costa Smeralda is a beautiful ship. It was designed by Adam Tihany and Milan’s Dordoni Architetti, with each deck named after an iconic Italian city and featuring authentic Italian décor, furniture, and fabrics. Don’t know who these guys are? Me neither, but their names are everywhere, so they are probably good at what they do. They also gave Smeralda a classy, elegant design that truly feels Italian, and it’s enough to set Costa Cruises and the Smeralda apart from the rest of the cruise industry.

Smeralda features some of the best restaurants in the entire Costa Cruise Line, including a pizzeria, sushi bar, Japanese teppanyaki and even a Nutella Café. Guests online give big thumbs up to the teppanyaki shows, authentic Italian pizza, and the reasonable prices at specialty restaurants. For example, the pizza is handmade and costs about $10… not free, sure, but still a great value. Nutella lovers, you're in for a treat too.

There’s a lot to do once you're onboard, even if I wouldn’t necessarily call Costa Smeralda a mega-resort at sea. You won’t find massive waterparks like the ones on recent Carnival ships, but there’s still plenty for both families and adults. The heart of the ship is its three-deck Colosseo Theater, which hosts shows and interactive experiences. You’ll also find a waterpark with waterslides, several pools, a gym, spa, multi-sport pitch, and fun kids’ clubs for different age groups.

What we don’t like about Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda indoor pool.webp — Costa Cruises©

I personally don’t love how many things on Costa Smeralda cost extra and can really add up to your final bill. This is also true on Costa Toscana - and with Costa in general - but I’ve decided to highlight it here. Extras like bottled water, specialty drinks, spa access, and excursions can add up fast. Fresh juice, espresso, and sodas cost more if you don’t find them at the buffet or Main Dining Room. It’s one of the main reasons we recommend the All-Inclusive package when booking with Costa.

This is also a ship that can definitely feel crowded. At full capacity, the Smeralda carries around 5,000 to 6,500 guests, so expect lines, busy common areas, and the occasional noisy passenger. This becomes even more noticeable since the buffet isn’t open all the time, and when it finally does open, lines can get really long.

Staterooms aren’t the largest at sea. Storage space is somewhat limited, and both the desks and bathrooms tend to be on the smaller side. Some cabins also don’t include a mini-fridge, which can be inconvenient if you’re traveling with kids or bringing your own drinks. If you want more space and better storage, consider booking a balcony stateroom or a suite.

Conclusion

Costa Smeralda is a great ship, and nearly identical to Costa Toscana. It’s one of the most advanced vessels in the Costa fleet and a solid choice if you’re looking for an affordable Mediterranean cruise. Just keep in mind that many things cost extra, so opting for an All-Inclusive package might be a smart idea.