Costa Deliziosa: Mediterranean Cruise

Our colleague Jasmina has set sail for a week, discovering many beautiful places such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Bari while enjoying life on board the Costa Deliziosa. What she experienced and how a Mediterranean cruise works is detailed in this article.

Are you considering a cruise but still unsure? Or do you want to learn more about the Italian cruise line Costa? This article will definitely help you. Here you will find everything you need to know about the 8-day Mediterranean cruise that our online editor Jasmina took in June 2023. From the journey to the itinerary to the entertainment program on board, we have compiled everything here for you.

The Ship

Itinerary

Getting There & Embarkation

Costa App

MyCosta

Cabins

Dining & Drinks

Shore Excursions

Entertainment

Disembarkation

Conclusion

The beautiful Costa Deliziosa is 294 meters long and 32.25 meters wide, weighing a proud 92,720 tons. Around 2,800 passengers and approximately 900 crew members can be accommodated on the ship. Jasmina was definitely overwhelmed by its size. You can always spot it during port calls - it's impossible to miss!

On the Costa Deliziosa, you will find 662 balcony cabins, 7 pools and whirlpools, 5 restaurants and snack bars, as well as 12 bars & lounges. It is the perfect ship for those taking a cruise for the first time, as it is not overly large. The stunning design featuring Murano glass with all the vibrant colors is particularly striking. You will also find a sculpture by Italian artist Arnoldo Pomodoro in the atrium. The decks are all named after flowers, such as Hibiscus, which was the name of Jasmina's Deck 7.

Her favorite spot was Deck 9, where you can relax in the open-air area 'Lido Acqua Regina' in the hot tub and enjoy drinks from the pool bar. But the 'Lido Azzuro Blu' area also has much to offer. With its retractable roof, you can splash in the pool even in bad weather. Plus, that's where the best parties took place.

The Mediterranean cruise started in Venice, specifically at the Porto Marghera harbor. The route went along the beautiful Adriatic to Greece, to the impressive Cyclades Islands. The entire trip lasted 8 days and 7 nights - the perfect duration for those taking a cruise for the first time. The itinerary was as follows:

Day 1: Embarkation, cruise starts at 6 PM

Day 2: Day at sea

Day 3: Kefalonia, Greece*

Day 4: Mykonos, Greece

Day 5: Santorini, Greece

Day 6: Day at sea

Day 7: Bari, Italy

Day 8: Disembarkation in Marghera, Venice

*Normally, the route goes through Katakolon, but this trip replaced that destination with Kefalonia.

We highly recommend this fantastic route, as it perfectly combines a city trip and a beach vacation. Jasmina's highlight was undoubtedly beautiful Santorini, where the cable car ride up is unforgettable. Every alley and every corner was a dream photo spot! Kefalonia pleasantly surprised her. Unlike Santorini and Mykonos, the Greek island is not yet overrun. Plus, the prices there are cheaper than on the 'luxurious' islands. If you want a quieter and more authentic Greece vacation, we can highly recommend Kefalonia. This Mediterranean cruise is a must for all fans of Italy and Greece!

But how do you even get to the cruise ship? First of all, you need to reach your departure destination. Jasmina flew from Vienna to Venice since she works at our Austrian office. Of course, Venice is also served by numerous German airports. Additionally, you can book the flights directly through Costa as part of a package. You can also arrive by car or bus. If you choose to drive yourself, make sure to factor in fuel costs and parking fees. The bus transfer is often included in the cruise package - simply create an all-inclusive package. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take the Costa shuttle bus to the cruise ship. This transfer can be added when booking your cruise or you can inquire about it at the airport later. If you prefer to be alone with your partner or family, book a private transfer online in advance or take a taxi, where it's best to agree on the fare before starting the ride.

Have you ever wondered how embarkation works? Jasmina experienced it for the first time. You will receive an embarkation time in advance from your cruise line, in this case, Costa. During this time, you should make your way to the terminal. Your travel documents will provide all the information you need. It will be precisely described when and where you need to go. Once at the port, you will first take your suitcase to the terminal, where you need to check it in. You will receive a label to print out beforehand, which you must attach so that your suitcase ends up in your cabin. After that, you will proceed to check-in. Your documents will be matched with your passport or ID, and a photo will be taken of you. You will receive a card, like the ones you get from a hotel. The Costa card is your most valuable possession during the entire cruise. It serves as a key, a payment method, and an identification document - so make sure to keep it safe! Your card will also include your information, the package you booked, your cabin number, and your dining time (more about this in Dining & Drinks).

During your cruise, the Costa app is your best companion. It contains everything important. You can check your personal information, the current bill with all receipts, view the opening hours, and never miss out on any promotions in the shops. You can also book excursions through the app and access the travel itinerary. You will find all the food and drink menus there as well. You can contact the onboard staff and find other important information regarding your cruise. A very important point is: You can complete the safety training digitally and do not have to participate in the collective onboard training. Instead, you read through some important rules, watch a video, and head to the meeting point with your life vest. Afterward, your Costa card will be scanned, and the safety training will be completed.

Via the e-commerce platform MyCosta, you can not only reserve but also directly pay for your excursions and more in the future. This way, you have all service categories in one place: excursions, drink and internet packages.

Once you are done with embarkation, you can enjoy lunch before admiring your cabin. On the Costa Deliziosa, you can choose between an inside cabin, outside cabin, balcony cabin, and suite. Here's a brief overview of the cabins:

Inside cabin: the most affordable option, starting at 16 m², for 1-4 persons, large double bed or 2 single beds, bathroom with toilet and shower, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, safe

Outside cabin: wake up with a sea view, starting at 17 m², for 1-4 persons, large double bed or 2 single beds, bathroom with toilet and shower, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, safe

Balcony cabin: private balcony with beautiful sunsets, starting at 22 m², large double bed or 2 single beds, sofa, bathroom with toilet and shower, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, safe

Suite: XXL balcony, room service breakfast, starting at 22 m², large double bed or 2 single beds, sofa, bathroom with toilet and shower, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, safe

We definitely recommend booking a balcony cabin. You can step outside for fresh air at any time, enjoy your private retreat, and have a beautiful view when falling asleep and waking up. If you want to save money, you can also book the inside cabin. However, keep in mind that there is no daylight and that inside cabins are often noisier than outer ones. In the outside cabin, windows cannot be opened, so they only serve to let light into the room.

Now let's get to a very important point of the cruise: the food. One thing Jasmina can tell you beforehand: Everything was very delicious! The selection is simply enormous. There is everything from fish, meat, veggies, to gourmet cuisine. It's essential to know that you enjoy full board during your cruise. This means you have three meals available daily: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Drinks (except water from the dispensers) are extra, which is why we highly recommend the drink package. Especially for soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails, it is absolutely worth it. On sea days and after shore excursions, you can fully enjoy the drink package. Plus, you pay for your drinks in advance, so there's no need to worry about the final bill. With the drink package, you have an all-inclusive cruise experience.

6 different restaurants & snack bars:- Muscadins: international buffet restaurant, breakfast & lunch- Albatros: international restaurant, 4-course menu for lunch and dinner, breakfast- Sushino: Japanese sushi restaurant, for a fee- The Salty Beach Street Food: burgers and fast food, for a fee- Pizzeria Pummid'Oro: delicious pizzas, for a fee- Archipelago: gourmet dining with menus from Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze, and Ángel León, for a fee

8 different bars & lounges:- Lido Acqua Regina: great cocktails & coffee- Lido Azzurro Blu: great cocktails & coffee- Gelateria Amarillo: ice cream and cake, delicious iced coffee, for a fee- Vanilla Wine Bar: for wine lovers, incredible molecular cocktails, for a fee- Mirabilis Grand Bar: a variety of drinks, parties, and shows- Piano Bar: the 'quiet' bar with live music- Alcázar Bar: enjoy drinks with live music- Delle Delizie Bar: the 24-hour bar at the reception

Dinner time in the restaurant will be assigned to you. You can choose between two seating times. Jasmina's were at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM. You will also be assigned a table for the entire cruise and will always have the same dining companions. However, if you wish for a change, you can express that at any time. Dinner consists of a 4-course menu. For each course, you can choose from 3-4 dishes. For breakfast and lunch, you have complete flexibility in terms of timing and seating. For these two meals, you can choose between buffet and menu. We recommend the buffet if you want to eat at your own pace and control the amount.

In addition to the full board restaurants, there are also fee-based restaurants. If you ever fancy sushi or pizza or want to try exclusive gourmet cuisine, you have excellent options. You are often offered packages where you can try several restaurants for a fixed price. It's definitely worth joining the free Costa Club to get discounts. For example, you can enjoy a pizza for about $6 or receive other special offers in shops and restaurants.

The most exciting part of the cruise are definitely the shore excursions. Because that's when sightseeing and enjoying the fresh air of the land begins. You can decide whether to explore the destinations on your own or book excursions directly through Costa. Whatever you choose, you will be adequately briefed. Each day you will receive a brochure in your room detailing when and how you can and should leave the ship. Shuttle services and tender boats will also be provided to you free of charge. Just make sure to be back on the ship in time - it won't wait for you!

No one can get bored on board the Costa Deliziosa, as there is something for everyone's taste. The day can include bingo, lottery, a casino visit, cardio training, beauty programs, shopping, ice cream, or just chilling by the pool. And for those who want to indulge themselves, they should check out the SOLEMIO Spa. After an exhausting day trip, there's nothing better than getting a massage!

Entertainment options:- Sports area: tennis, soccer, basketball, running track, etc.- My Moments Photostore: photoshoots and photo station- Casino with slot machines, blackjack & roulette- Fitness center- Squok Club: for children- Peppa Pig area: for children- Arcade game room: pinball, machines, etc.- Disco- Duse Theater: fantastic shows every evening- Parties: at various locations on board- Shopping gallery: perfumery, clothing store, Costa shop, and more, great discounts

If you are traveling with children, there is also plenty of entertainment for them. A kids' club and a teen club are available. There, peer children can make friends, have fun together, and are cared for by the friendly crew.

A highlight is the two-story theater, where cool shows take place every evening. And you can't forget the legendary Costa parties! Jasmina attended the White Party (everything white) and the Silent Disco (a party with headphones, where everyone dances to their favorite DJ). Great people, an amazing animation team, excellent DJs, and a lavish midnight buffet provided the best atmosphere during the evenings!

On the last day, it's time to say goodbye to the Costa Deliziosa and disembark. Just like embarkation, disembarkation also happens in an organized manner. You will be informed about everything the night before and receive a brochure in your cabin. You simply have to label your luggage before going to sleep and place it in front of your door. The staff will ensure your suitcase is ready for you at the terminal when you leave the ship. There are also different groups for disembarkation, which leave at different times. Just pay attention to your time window and meeting point.

Our editor thoroughly enjoyed the 8-day Costa cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean. Whether on board or on land, everything went smoothly, and she always felt comfortable. A big shoutout goes to the onboard staff and the organization. The biggest highlights were, of course, the shore excursions. But the food and the fantastic entertainment program also convinced Jasmina of Costa. It is also worth mentioning that the number of around 2,000 people on board is hardly noticeable because there are so many areas.

Here is the Mediterranean cruise with the Costa Deliziosa

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