Is Costa Smeralda Worth It? Honest Review for North American Cruisers

Summary

Tori and Kirk from Kirk Tor Story share their experience aboard the Costa Smeralda, a cruise ship they boarded in October 2023 from Barcelona. The couple explores the ship’s pros and cons, highlighting fantastic entertainment, a dedicated vegan menu, and a spacious balcony. However, they also point out the challenges of overcrowding, noise from children, and difficulties in accessing water and coffee. They offer valuable tips, including the benefits of the Costa Club Card for discounts and the importance of arriving early to secure a good seat for shows. Overall, they found great value in their cruise despite a few drawbacks.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Costa Smala cruise ship offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, catering to families with kids of all ages.
• 😀 Boarding the Costa Smala was fast and efficient, with pre-check-in instructions sent by email 10 days before departure.
• 😀 The stateroom had a spacious balcony with a special angle offering great views, but was affected by noise and smoke from other balconies.
• 😀 The ship's design made it feel smaller than it actually was, with a confusing layout and bad sightlines in the theater.
• 😀 Costa Smala has an impressive entertainment program, with high-quality shows, acrobats, themed parties, and games.
• 😀 Vegan food options were available with a dedicated menu, offering a variety of dishes that were healthy and well-portioned.
• 😀 Water and coffee were difficult to obtain on board unless during specific times like meals or designated 'coffee time'.
• 😀 The cruise offers reasonably priced clothing, tours, and wine, with discounts available through the Costa Club card.
• 😀 The ship operates a rotation of passengers at each port, creating a diverse experience with new people embarking and disembarking.
• 😀 The biggest downsides were the large number of babies and infants causing constant noise, as well as limited access to water and coffee outside meal times.

Q & A

What was the main reason the authors sold their house in Canada?

The authors sold their house in Canada to travel the world by cruise ship, with the intention of exploring different itineraries and ships while sharing their experiences with followers.

Where did the authors board the Costa Smeralda, and when?

The authors boarded the Costa Smeralda in mid-October 2023 in Barcelona, after spending the previous night at a hotel called Hotel Jazz.

How was the check-in process on the Costa Smeralda?

The check-in process was described as extremely fast, taking less than five minutes, thanks to prior instructions from Costa and the online submission of necessary paperwork.

What was the condition of the authors' stateroom on the Costa Smeralda?

The stateroom was a decent size with a queen-sized bed, basic furniture, and a large balcony. However, the bed was uncomfortable, and the comforter was too heavy for the season.

What were the pros and cons of the balcony in the authors' stateroom?

The large balcony was a pro, offering great views and extra space for relaxing. However, it was located in a high-traffic area, making the authors feel on display. Additionally, smoking on balconies was allowed, which created a less pleasant atmosphere.

How did the authors feel about the number of children on the Costa Smeralda?

The authors found the ship to be very family-oriented, with a large number of children and babies, which led to frequent noise, including crying and screaming, both day and night.

What challenges did the authors face when trying to get water and coffee on the ship?

The authors had difficulty accessing water and coffee outside of designated times, which led them to purchase water off the ship for their daily needs.

How did the entertainment on the Costa Smeralda compare to other ships the authors have been on?

The authors found the entertainment on the Costa Smeralda to be one of the best aspects of the ship. They highlighted the professionalism of the performances, which included themed shows, acrobats, and specialty acts.

What was the quality of vegan food on the Costa Smeralda?

The vegan food was excellent, with daily changing menus that offered a variety of options. The portion sizes were perfect, and the food was not overly oily or salty.

What tips did the authors provide for future Costa Smeralda passengers?

The authors recommended signing up for the Costa Club card for discounts, using Wi-Fi in ports to avoid high internet costs, arriving early for shows to get good seats, and considering purchasing a tour to save money.