Costa Cruises is an Italian cruise line headquartered in Genoa. The company combines Italian-inspired hospitality, food and entertainment with an international onboard experience and a programme of cruises across Europe and other major holiday regions.
Who owns Costa Cruises?
Costa Cruises is part of Carnival Corporation Ltd., whose portfolio also includes Carnival Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn.
Carnival Corporation acquired a 50% interest in Costa Cruises in 1997 and took full ownership of the Italian operator three years later. Costa continues to operate as a distinct cruise brand with its own ships, itineraries and onboard identity.
History of Costa Cruises
Costa traces its wider commercial heritage to the nineteenth century, but its passenger-cruise history began on 31 March 1948. On that date, Anna C departed Genoa for Buenos Aires on the company's first passenger voyage.
The line subsequently developed from long-distance passenger services into a modern holiday-cruise operator. Its Italian identity remains central to the brand, while its ships serve guests from numerous countries and operate in several languages.
Costa Cruises fleet
Costa's current public fleet directory lists nine ships:
- Costa Toscana
- Costa Smeralda
- Costa Deliziosa
- Costa Diadema
- Costa Fascinosa
- Costa Favolosa
- Costa Fortuna
- Costa Pacifica
- Costa Serena
Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda are the largest and newest vessels in the fleet. Both are capable of using liquefied natural gas as a marine fuel. The fleet also includes a range of established ships designed for Mediterranean and international deployments.
Where does Costa Cruises sail?
The Mediterranean is at the heart of Costa's programme, with itineraries visiting ports in Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Türkiye and the wider region. Depending on the season and individual ship, Costa also offers voyages in Northern Europe, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East and Asia.
The line operates both port-intensive regional cruises and longer repositioning or international voyages. Exact ships and destinations change between seasons, so passengers should check the current programme rather than rely on a previous year's deployment.
What is Costa's onboard style?
Costa positions itself around contemporary Italian-style cruising. Its ships combine restaurants, bars, theatre entertainment, swimming pools, family facilities and organised activities with destination-focused itineraries.
The experience is international and announcements or activities may be delivered in several languages. Dining, entertainment and service arrangements differ by ship, while the newest vessels contain a broader range of restaurants and themed venues than some older members of the fleet.
Leadership
Mario Zanetti is President of Costa Cruises. Carnival Corporation says he is responsible for overseeing the brand globally and strengthening its position in Europe, South America and Asia.