Why Costa Cruises Can Be So Cheap – And What You’ll Really Get

Are you looking for a budget-friendly cruise option? Costa Cruises might be just what you need. These Italian cruise ships offer some of the lowest prices in the industry, often costing much less than other cruise lines.

You might wonder if such low prices mean a less enjoyable experience. In this article, we’ll explore why Costa Cruises can offer such great deals and what you can expect on board. By the end, you’ll have a better idea if a Costa cruise is the right choice for your next cruise.

Costa Cruises ships are quite nice…

You’ll find Costa Cruises ships to be quite nice, especially the newer ones in the fleet. Take Costa Smeralda, for example. It’s a clean, modern ship with a well-thought-out design. The ship’s hull is shared with other Carnival Corporation brands, which helps keep costs down.

The decor on Costa ships is generally appealing, though you might notice a few quirks here and there. For instance, some theatre seats may have limited views of the stage, and you might spot an oddly placed window in your shower.

Costa Cruises has a mix of ships in its fleet. The newer, larger ships like Smeralda offer more amenities and a fresher feel. Older, smaller ships like Costa Fortuna might give you a different experience. They’re about half the size and over 20 years old.

It’s worth noting that ship reviews can vary widely. While some Costa ships have received poor ratings, others rank much higher. Your experience may depend on which ship you choose and your personal preferences.

When picking a Costa cruise, consider:

• Ship age and size
• Onboard amenities
• Recent guest reviews
• Your budget and expectations

By doing a bit of research, you can find a Costa ship that suits your needs and hopefully provides an enjoyable cruise experience.

Guests get on and off at every port

Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises offer a unique way to travel. You can start and end your trip at different ports. This means you don’t have to take a round-trip from one place. Instead, you can hop on and off at various stops along the way.

These cruises attract people from all over Europe. You’ll meet people from Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and more. It’s a great chance to make friends from different countries.

This flexible approach lets you choose shorter trips if you want. For example, you might find a three-day cruise from Marseille to Savona. These short trips often have lower prices. The cruise lines want to fill empty cabins, so they offer good deals.

You can find some amazing bargains if you’re willing to be flexible. How about a two-week trip across the Atlantic for just £300? You might need to fly to a less common starting point, like Guadaloupe, but the savings could be worth it.

Cruise ship updates may happen during your trip

Your cruise experience might include some unexpected changes. Ships sometimes do repairs while guests are on board. You could find parts of the ship closed off. 

The main pool or hot tub might not be open. Outdoor areas like the promenade deck could be off-limits. Some cafes and other spots might be shut down too. 

These updates can affect your plans, so it’s good to be ready for them. Ask the crew about any closed areas when you get on the ship. They can tell you what’s open and what’s not.

Costa Cruises has a lot of guests for each crew member

Costa Cruises stands out with its high guest-to-crew ratio. For every crew member, there are four guests to take care of. This is quite different from other cruise lines, where you might see two to three guests per crew member.

What does this mean for you? You might notice a few things during your trip. Waiting times could be a bit longer when you need help at the front desk. 

In the dining areas, your food might take a little extra time to arrive. And you may see empty plates or glasses sitting around for a while before they’re cleared away.

Costa Cruises keeps its prices low by having fewer staff members. With over 1,000 crew on a typical ship, paying wages is a big expense. By cutting back on staff, they can offer you more affordable cruises.

Costa Cruises Adds Extra Fees for Staff Tips

Costa Cruises doesn’t include gratuities in your ticket price. You’ll pay for these at the end of your trip. Adults pay 11 Euros per day, while kids pay 5.50 Euros. Make sure to plan for this cost when you budget.

You might think about asking to remove these fees, but it’s not a good idea. The crew works very hard for little pay. They count on tips to boost their income.

Some people prefer to give cash tips instead. But this can hurt workers you don’t see, like those behind the scenes. They might miss out on their fair share.

Drinks have an extra cost too. A 15% tip gets added to every drink you buy. The menu price isn’t the final price you’ll pay.

Water Charges in the Main Dining Room

Costa Cruises has a unique policy when it comes to water in the main dining room. You’ll need to pay 4 Euros for a one-litre bottle if you want water with your meal. This might come as a surprise, especially if you’re used to free water at restaurants.

Don’t worry though – you have some free options too. You can fill up at the buffet when it’s open or drink tap water in your cabin. Sadly, there aren’t any water fountains around the ship.

If you don’t finish your bottle at dinner, the staff will save it for you. They’ll bring it back to your table the next night. This way, you don’t waste any of the water you paid for.

Tea and coffee are free in the buffet. You can also get fruit juices at breakfast without paying extra.

You might want to think about getting a drinks package. It could save you money if you plan to drink a lot. To figure out if it’s worth it, try using a drinks package calculator. This tool can help you decide if buying a package makes sense for your trip.

Costa Cruises’ Food: A Mixed Bag

The food on Costa Cruises might not suit everyone’s taste buds. If you love food or have special dietary needs, you might want to think twice before booking.

The buffet is small and lacks proper labelling. This can be tricky if you need to know what’s in your food. Staff might struggle to help due to language barriers.

In the main dining room, you’ll get four-course meals. But watch out! Some dishes have been known to be undercooked or served at the wrong temperature. You might find some odd flavour combinations too.

It’s not all bad news, though. The pasta at the buffet is top-notch. Some main dining room dishes are quite tasty. It’s a bit of a gamble – you might love one meal and dislike the next.

Here’s a tip: pack some snacks. You’ll be glad to have them on hand.

Also, keep in mind that some foods cost extra, such as poolside pizza, chips and ice cream.

These extras usually cost a few Euros. It’s one way Costa keeps their cruise prices low.

The shows on Costa ships might not wow you

Costa Cruises tries to please everyone with their entertainment. But it’s not easy to find acts that work for all ages and cultures.

 You’ll see dancers in flashy outfits doing some cool moves. The shows are okay, but don’t expect anything too fancy. 

If you’ve been on other cruise lines, you might find the entertainment a bit basic. Still, it can be fun to watch after dinner with friends or family.

Wrapping It Up

Costa Cruises offers a unique combination of affordability and flexibility, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers. With a range of ships and itineraries, you can find a cruise experience that fits your needs without breaking the bank. While some aspects, such as food quality and onboard services, may vary, Costa Cruises provides a valuable opportunity to explore the seas at a fraction of the cost of other cruise lines.

Whether you’re interested in short trips, transatlantic journeys, or simply a change of pace from the usual travel options, Costa Cruises has something to offer. By understanding the trade-offs and planning accordingly, you can make the most of your cruise and enjoy the adventure without worrying about hidden costs or unmet expectations.

Ultimately, the key to a successful Costa cruise lies in doing your homework. Consider the ship’s age, read recent guest reviews, and be prepared for some unique quirks and policies. With the right approach, Costa Cruises can deliver a memorable and cost-effective vacation on the high seas. So, if you’re ready to set sail on a budget, Costa Cruises might just be the perfect fit for your next adventure.

You Might Also Like…