Today is “Festa della Repubblica,” Italy’s Republic Day, and Costa Cruises is showcasing all of the authentic Italian touches on board the only Italian-flagged ships. Costa features the Best of Italy on every cruise, delivering an international ambiance and European-centric amenities that only come with cruising on a brand that was born in Italy.

From partnerships with distinguished Italian brands known for quality and excellence to gelato and mozzarella made fresh on board, Costa adds la dolce vita to every cruise.

“At Costa Cruises, sailing under the Italian flag is a commitment to delivering an experience that is genuinely Italian — from our world-class cuisine, fine Italian wines and signature drinks to the elegant design of our ships and on-board ambiance,” said Dario Rustico, Costa Cruises’ general manager of North and South America. “Every detail of the Costa experience reflects the culture and lifestyle of Italy. We are proud to bring the essence of Italy to the seas and to share it with the world.”

Gastronomy: A Journey Through Italian Flavors

In every bar, lounge and restaurant, guests can travel through a world of Italian flavors and experiences, making Costa a true ambassador of authentic Italian taste:

• Select venues feature dishes created by world-renowned culinary experts, including Bruno Barbieri, an Italian, seven-Michelin-star career chef. In Archipelago, for example, guests can select a cheese gnocchi gratin, ossobuco reduction flavored with spicy ‘nduja salami or the “Scents and Flavours of the South” — spaghetti with garlic and oil, lobster salad, sautéed potato brunoise, pancotto bread soup with oregano, peeled tomato reduction with anchovies, olives and capers.
• Authentic pizzas at Pizzeria Pummid’Oro feature Italian ingredients in pies like the “Tricolore” with buffalo mozzarella, PDO Parma ham, PDO San Marzano tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and creamy ricotta cheese, as well as the “Come Una Carbonara” with fior di latte mozzarella, pork jowl, egg, pecorino cheese and black pepper.
• Costa was the first cruise line to make mozzarella fresh on board, including buffalo mozzarella, using traditional Italian methods. Mozzarella originated in the Campania region of Italy.
• Gelateria Amarillo serves gelato made fresh daily by crew who undergo training with professional Italian gelato artisans, thanks to a long-standing collaboration with Agrimontana, an Italian company known for its commitment to high-quality, natural ingredients.
• Nutella at Costa offers treats featuring the spread that was founded in Alba, Italy.

Say Cheers with an Italian Beverage

Themed bars on board showcase the wine, spirits and cocktails of Italy:

• Once a summertime favorite, the Aperol Spritz — founded in Veneto, Italy — has become a year-round, go-to drink that guests can enjoy at the Aperol Spritz Bar on every ship, as well as in other bars and lounges.
• Campari, a popular aperitif invented in Novara, Italy, is featured in a portfolio of Campari liqueur varieties at Campari Bar. Example cocktails include the “Campari Boulevardier” with Campari, Cinzano Vermouth Rosso and bourbon whiskey, and the “Rosita” with Campari, Cinzano Vermouth Rosso and extra dry, Espolon Tequila Reposado bitters.
• Caffè Vergnano, an authentic Italian espresso brand, is served on all Costa ships in bars with coffee machines and used for creating coffee-based beverages. Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana have a dedicated Caffè Vergnano 1882 venue.
• Guests on Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda can discover the elegance of Ferrari Trentodoc bubbles with a toast at Ferrari Spazio Bollicine. Ferrari Trentodoc is renowned for its elegance, quality and heritage of producing exceptional sparkling wines from the Italian Alps. Beyond a bar on Costa Toscana, three set menus were curated by a Michelin-starred chef from Locanda Margon, Ferrari’s own restaurant, and come with a selection of paired sparkling wines.
• The wine list at DiVino Gran Duca di Toscana on board Costa Diadema features a curated selection of labels, with a strong focus on Italian excellence. Approximately 80% of the wines come from various regions across Italy, offering a rich journey through the country’s most iconic and distinctive wine territories.
• The Frescobaldi Wine Experience is a guided tasting of five Frescobaldi wines, led by an expert sommelier. It includes a virtual visit to the family’s Tuscan estates in Italy and allows guests to sample the unique flavors and aromas of each wine.
• On Costa Smeralda, the Osteria & Wine Bar Frescobaldi also serves traditional Tuscan dishes featuring prestigious cuts of meat.

The Look and Feel of ‘Made in Italy’

Costa ships not only fly the Italian flag, but the overall aesthetic reflects an authentic ambience that aims for a sense of Italian design and sophistication:

• All ships were designed with Italian elements, including features like Carrara marble from Tuscany, Murano glass and mosaic tiles evoking a Venetian atmosphere.
• The CoDe Museum (Costa Design Collection Museum) on Costa Smeralda showcases the excellence of Italian design. It’s the first design museum at sea and celebrates Italian creativity from the 1930s to the present. Created to capture the spirit of Italian taste, it features elements from fashion, film, artifacts, furniture and everyday objects.
• Entertainment brings the sounds of Italy to the stage on board. Guests can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the country with the exclusive show “Sapori d’Italia!” This captivating performance takes audiences on a journey through the finest traditions of Italy, showcasing its most iconic music and flavors.

Receive Discounts and Beverage Package Upgrade with Two Offers

Cruisers can experience the Best of Italy with two offers featuring exceptional savings and perks. Guests can have the ultimate Caribbean getaway with a Spring Sale promotion featuring a free beverage package upgrade. Guests receive Costa’s “Cruise Plus Drinks” fare for the price of “Cruise Only” on select Caribbean sailings.

With Costa’s Memorial Day Special, guests save up to 30% off select Mediterranean cruises departing June through November 2025 and northern Europe departures from June through August 2025. Both offers must be booked by June 16, 2025.

For offer terms and conditions, more information about Costa Cruises or to book a cruise, consult a travel advisor, contact reservations at 800-462-6782 or visit www.costacruises.com.

About Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises, an Italian company based in Genoa, is part of Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise group. For more than 75 years, Costa ships have been plying the seas of the world, taking guests to more than 200 different destinations that can be discovered through unique experiences, both on board and ashore. Currently, the Costa fleet consists of nine ships, all flying the Italian flag, sailing in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Central America, South America and the United Arab Emirates — as well as “Around the World” and “Grand Cruises” that visit many continents on a single itinerary

Want to see more about Costa dining options? Here you go: