Stepping onto the Costa Smeralda felt like being transported directly to Italy, even before setting foot on Italian soil. This massive cruise ship, one of the largest in the world, fully embraces its Italian heritage, offering a unique way to experience the country’s culture, design, and, of course, its incredible food.
Italian Style at Sea
From the moment you board, the ship’s design makes a statement. It’s a bold celebration of Italian style, with interiors that blend chrome, retro 1960s furnishings, and luxurious materials like marble. You’ll find chairs shaped like high-heeled shoes and lounges that evoke ancient Roman temples, creating a visually rich environment. This attention to detail extends to even the public bathrooms, which feature unique striped decor reminiscent of classic ice cream parlors.
A Design Showcase
The commitment to Italian design is so profound that the ship houses an onboard museum called CoDe, the Costa Design studio. Curated by Matteo Vercellon, it highlights Italy’s significant contributions to couture, furniture, and automotive design. It’s a fascinating stop for anyone interested in the aesthetic that defines Italian creativity.
For me, the true immersion began with the food. The initial lunch buffet was a revelation of Italian flavors. Piles of cured meats like Prosciutto di Parma and spicy Calabrian ‘Nduja sat alongside an impressive selection of cheeses, including Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh, house-pulled mozzarella. It was a delicious preview of what was to come.
Culinary Delights on Board
The culinary program is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Bruno Barbieri, and his influence is evident throughout the dining venues. While many basic food options are included, it’s worth splurging on specialty items for an elevated experience. You’ll find plenty of Italian classics, from pizza and gelato to more regional specialties.
Must-Try Italian Specialties
Pizza Perfection at Pizzeria Pummid’Oro
You might not expect a full-service pizzeria on a cruise ship, but Pizzeria Pummid’Oro on the Costa Smeralda delivers an authentic experience. With a proper pizza oven and skilled pizzaiolos, the pizzas here are exceptional. I particularly enjoyed the Calabrese Piccante, loaded with toppings like San Marzano tomatoes, spicy salami, and chili peppers. It felt like a true taste of Naples at sea.
Venetian Cicchetti Experience
Discovering Il Bacaro Venetian Bar was a delightful surprise. Cicchetti, Italy’s version of small plates, is a fantastic way to sample a variety of flavors. While perhaps a bit more formal than the traditional bars in Venice, it still offers a fun and tasty way to enjoy aperitivo before dinner. It was a perfect way to share small bites with Michael.
Gelato Bliss at Amarillo
No Italian journey is complete without gelato, and Amarillo, the ship’s gelateria, is the place to go. Beyond their delicious scoops in flavors like Malaga and Stracciatella, I found it to be the best spot for a morning cappuccino. We indulged in a shared cone, and it was a perfect sweet treat after exploring the ship.
Nutella Creations
For lovers of the iconic chocolate hazelnut spread, Nutella At Costa offers a dedicated kiosk. Here, you can find waffles, crêpes, pancakes, and more, all generously topped with Nutella. Adding fresh strawberries to my waffle made it feel almost healthy, a sweet deception I enjoyed while watching the waves.
Elevated Dining Choices
Beyond the standard Italian fare, the specialty restaurants offer a chance to experience more upscale cuisine, often with a global influence. While these come with a surcharge, I found the experiences to be well worth the extra cost. Planning ahead for reservations is recommended.
Taste Lab
For those who love to get hands-on with food, the Laboratorio del Gusto (Taste Lab) offers an interactive cooking experience. It’s a unique opportunity to learn culinary techniques and create dishes yourself.
Bellavista Club Restaurant
This is the ship’s most upscale dining room, offering a refined atmosphere and exquisite dishes. We enjoyed a memorable meal here, feeling like we were truly dining in a high-end Italian restaurant.
Sushino
If you’re craving something other than Italian, Sushino provides an all-you-can-eat sushi and sashimi experience. It was a welcome break from pasta and pizza, offering fresh and plentiful options.
Teppanyaki Restaurant
For a bit of dinner-and-a-show, the Teppanyaki Restaurant offers Asian grill dishes prepared by chefs who double as entertainers. The lively atmosphere and delicious food made for a fun evening.
Italian Drinks to Savor
Cruising the Italian way extends to the beverages. Since most drinks aren’t included in the base fare, purchasing a drink package is a smart move to enjoy a variety of options without constant worry about the cost. This allowed us to fully explore the drink menu.
Classic Italian Cocktails
Negroni at the Campari Bar
The Campari Bar on board is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. They serve a classic Negroni that rivals any I’ve had in Italy. The perfect balance of bitter and sweet is incredibly refreshing, especially while watching the sea.
Aperol Spritz Experience
The Aperol Spritz Bar on Deck 17 is vibrantly decorated and offers the quintessential experience of this popular Italian aperitif. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset with a refreshing orange-hued drink in hand.
Wines and Coffees
Italy is renowned for its wine, and the Costa Smeralda offers a wide selection of Italian varietals. We enjoyed sampling several regional wines that paired beautifully with our meals. I particularly recall a fruity Nebbiolo from Piedmont and an Aglianico del Vulture from Basilicata.
Cappuccino Fix
For those early mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups, good coffee is essential. We found excellent cappuccinos throughout the ship, but the best one, ironically, was at the gelateria. It was a perfect way to start our busy days, and even Lily enjoyed a small sip of mine.
Exploring Italian Ports
The Costa Smeralda’s Mediterranean itinerary offers fantastic opportunities to explore various cities, but the ship itself provides such an immersive Italian experience that you feel connected to Italy from the moment you embark.
Port Highlights
Barcelona Prelude
Starting in Barcelona provided a chance to indulge in Spanish cuisine before transitioning to the Italian focus of the cruise. It’s a city brimming with life, delicious food, and great coffee, offering a perfect gateway to the adventure.
Palma de Mallorca Charm
The capital of Mallorca offers a rich history and beautiful architecture. A walking tour is a great way to get acquainted with its sites, and a stop for tapas and sangria is highly recommended to get a taste of the local culture.
Sicilian Wine Adventure
Visiting Sicily was a significant draw. While we didn’t have the chance to explore every culinary delight, our excursion to a winery at the foot of Mount Etna was truly exceptional. Tasting Sicilian wines alongside local meats and cheeses in a picturesque setting was a highlight, offering a wonderful introduction to the region’s viticulture. Ethan even found a stray cat to pet near the vineyards, much to his delight.
Rome Arrival
Disembarking in Rome offers the perfect finale, allowing you to extend your Italian exploration. The eternal city always offers something new to discover, and it felt fitting to end our Italian-themed cruise in such an iconic destination.
Final Thoughts on the Cruise
Cruising on the Costa Smeralda is more than just a vacation; it’s a deep dive into Italian culture and lifestyle. The ship’s design, entertainment, and especially its food and drink offerings, create an environment where you can truly embrace an Italian sensibility. It’s a fantastic way to experience the flavors and spirit of Italy, whether you’re sailing the Mediterranean or simply enjoying the unique atmosphere at sea.