Founded in 1854, the company originally operated cargo ships, in order to carry olive oils and textiles from Sardinia to Liguria.In 1924 the company passed to founder's sons (Federico, Eugenio and Enrico) that started commercial activities, buying the ship Ravenna. Commercial activities continued until the introduction of passenger services in 1947, with regular services between Italy and South America. The company later converted its entire fleet to full-time cruising, and as an independent company became one of the largest cruise operators in Europe. Acquired by Carnival Corporation in 2000, Costa Cruises is now one of ten brands operated by Carnival and accounts for approximately 16% of its revenue.
Today, as Costa Cruises Group, the company is one of the main operating companies in the Carnival group, with executive control of the group's activities in Europe. The company is responsible for operation of Costa Cruises in Italy, and AIDA Cruises in Germany and was formerly responsible for the operation of Ibero Cruises in Spain. AIDA was previously a subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises, being transferred to Costa following the merger of Carnival Corporation and P&O Princess in 2002. Ibero Cruises is a new brand, created in 2007 as a joint venture between Carnival Corporation and Orizonia Group.
The Costa Cruises brand currently operates fourteen cruise ships, which all sail under the Italian flag and provide cruise holidays in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, South East Asia and South America.
Accommodation in a cabin of the selected category
Meals in the restaurant (buffet) on the "buffet" system, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks in the cafe and pizzeria throughout the day. Water, juices, tea, coffee from machines are available in the buffet free of charge 24 hours.
Meals in the main restaurant "a la carte". As a rule, all liners have two or three main restaurants with menu service. The dishes in such restaurants are more refined and varied than in the buffet. Drinks are ordered for an additional fee.
Entertainment on board, such as animation, master classes, aerobics, evening performances in the theatre, live music in bars, discos.
Access to all public areas of the liner: fitness center (gym), swimming pools, jacuzzis by the pools, water park, library, mini-clubs for children.
Services of educators in mini-clubs for children from 6 months to 17 years
Games on sports grounds, including tennis, mini-football, basketball, badminton, mini-golf and others.
Use of watercraft during embarkation or disembarkation in ports if the liner does not enter the port.
Luggage transportation at the beginning and end of the cruise.
Service charge, of 12 euros per night per guest.
Depending on the cabin category, you may be provided with additional services free of charge. For example, ALL INCLUSIVE drinks in bars and restaurants, cabin service with free delivery 24 hours, use of the spa center.
Important: MSC reserves the right to change the cabin to the same category or higher. However, MSC will do everything possible to avoid changing the cabin.
Additional costs:
insurance (medical insurance, travel cancellation insurance)
airfare, rail transport (transportation costs to the port of departure and from the port of arrival of the ship)
transfers (from the airport/train station to the sea port and back)
excursions
pre- and post-cruise hotel reservations if you want to extend your holiday on land.
Additionally paid on the liner:
visiting alternative bars and restaurants
services of spa centers, hairdressers, beauty salons
medical services
laundry, ironing
casino
slot machines, etc. depending on the specific liner.
For any purchase of goods on the liner in bars, restaurants, shops and services in the spa center, hairdresser, etc. you will be additionally charged a service fee, which will average 15% of the purchase price.
Costa Cruises Fare Plans
Costa offers three fare options, allowing every guest to choose the right level of comfort and included services:
My Cruise — Basic Fare
Ideal for travelers who value flexibility and want to select only the services they need.
What’s included:
Accommodation in the chosen cabin
Full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
Costa Club points accumulation
All-Inclusive — Everything Included
A comfortable fare that includes the My Drinks package. Perfect for those who want to know all their expenses in advance.
What’s included:
Accommodation in the chosen cabin
Full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
My Drinks package: unlimited beverages by the glass — wine, beer, whiskey, cocktails, hot drinks, juices, and soft drinks
1 bottle of 0.5L water per day per person
Choice of dinner time
Costa Club points + discount on the next cruise
If your client chooses a Suite, the following are also included:
My Drinks Plus package (includes premium beverages and minibar)
24/7 personal butler service
Super All-Inclusive — Maximum Comfort
The most complete fare including drinks, meals, and multilingual guided excursions.
What’s included:
Accommodation in the chosen cabin
Full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
My Drinks package: a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
1 bottle of 0.5L water per day per person
My Explorations package: a set of excursions + discounts on additional tours
Flexible cancellation terms
Choice of dinner time
Costa Club points + discount on the next cruise
If your client chooses a Suite, the following are also included:
My Drinks Plus package (includes premium beverages and minibar)
24/7 personal butler service
To confirm your booking, a minimum deposit of 30% of the cruise fare is required.
The final payment must be made no later than 60 days before the cruise departure.
After the deposit or full payment is received (depending on the booking date), you will receive confirmation.
Boarding passes are sent 14 days before departure upon completion of online check-in.
Payment methods:
By invoice
By credit/debit card
Cancellation Penalties
Rates MyCruise, All Inclusive, Super All Inclusive:
60 days or more before the cruise – €100 per person retained
59–40 days before the cruise – 30% of the total cost
39–25 days before the cruise – 55% of the total cost
24–16 days before the cruise – 80% of the total cost
15 days or less before the cruise – 100% of the total cost
Last Minute Rate:
100% of the total cruise cost charged from the moment of booking