costa toscana cruise dubai reviews

Costa Toscana Cruise Review

We just got back from a 20 day cruise from Italy to Dubai on board the Costa Toscana and today we will give you a complete review of our adventure! 

As usual we will rate each aspect of the cruise from one to 5 anchors. And let me tell you, this was an amazing cruise! Let’s begin our Costa Toscana cruise review by talking about: boarding

Boarding 

The boarding process was relatively simple and easy. We arrived at the terminal at 10:30 as per our assigned boarding time and at 10:50 we were walking on the gangway.  We were among the first passengers on board. There was just a little confusion with Rick’s Canadian passport that delayed the process by a few minutes. The person checking Rick in, pointed him out to a colleague by using a rather derogatory term that’s sometimes used among friend. They were untrained with a non-european passport, and weren’t sure how to handle the “strange Canadian” passport.  That said, it wasn’t a bad process. So we will give boarding a 4 Out of five anchors.

Let’s continue our Costa Toscana cruise review by talking about the Itinerary.

The Itinerary

The Costa Toscana itinerary was a 20 days repositioning cruise from Savona Italy to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The ports of call were Ajaccio in Corsica, Civitavecchia, Palermo, Athens, and Haifa in Israel. From there we had 6 sea days that took us through the Suez Canal, the red sea and the gulf of Aden before arriving at the next port of call of Salalah in Oman. From Salalah we then sailed to Muscat in Oman then to Abu Dhabi and finally to Dubai. 

The first week in the Mediterranean the weather and the temperatures were mild but not warm enough to be able to sun tan by the pool, but as soon as we entered the Red Sea the temperatures became amazing and we were able to enjoy the 6 sea days by the pool. 

Overall we think that the itinerary was fantastic even with all the sea days we loved it. The highlights for us were the excursion to Jerusalem, from the port of Haifa, and the crossing of the Suez Canal. 

In particular, we loved to be able to enjoy 28C (82F) in December, that was really amazing. Also the water was always incredibly calm and the sailing was incredibly smooth. 

We will give the Itinerary a solid 5 out of 5.

Now let’s move to our next topic on our Costa Toscana Cruise review and we will talk about: the ship

The Ship 

The Costa Toscana is Costa Cruises’ new flagship. It was built by Meyer Turku in Finland and launched in 2021. The Costa Toscana is 337 meters long and 82 meters wide. The ship has a maximum capacity of 6654 passengers and 1678 crew members.

The ship is beautiful. The first thing we noticed is the fact that the ship feels wide and spacious. There is a ton of natural light in every area of the ship. The decor inside is very modern and classy. It is quite different from the usual Costa decor that we saw on previous ships. It has plenty of outdoor space. In fact on deck 8 there is a great wrap-around outdoor area perfect to walk and to suntan, going around the entire deck takes approximately 10 minutes. It has one indoor pool on deck 16 that is magnificent. And 3 outdoor pools on deck 17. It has water slides on deck 17 that are quite fun. 

Another thing we noticed is the fact that the ship is incredibly silent and smooth. Most of the time, when we were inside, we couldn’t even feel the movement.  Now we did not experience any rough seas the entire crossing, so we don’t really know how the ship performs in bad sea conditions but we have the feeling that it is really smooth.

One thing that we noticed is that the elevator doors close very quickly and sometimes they are so quick that by the time you reach the door the elevator is already gone. Another minor defect that we noticed is the lack of electrical plugs in the main indoors area making it difficult to find a good place to plug a laptop.

In conclusion we think that the ship deserves a solid 5 out of 5 anchors, because it is gorgeous.

Let’s move on to our next topic of our Costa Toscana cruise review and we talk about the cabin.

The Cabin 

We had a regular balcony cabin on the Costa Toscana, and deck 16, and unfortunately, we have to say that the cabin itself is really small. There is a  very small closet that is barely enough for 2 people. The decor is nice, with bright colors and as usual, very clean. Costa finally got rid of the ugly plastic brown couch that we had on previous ships and now there is a modern couch.

Unfortunately due to the lack of storage space we had to use the couch as a storage area which was not ideal for Andrea. It was impossible to keep the cabin neat and organised. The desk is really narrow and it has a huge phone on it that takes up a lot of room. So the desk is not the ideal place to work.

There are a few electrical plugs and USB plugs in the room making it simple to charge all the electronics. One thing that is quite bizarre is the fact that the cabin does not have a fridge.

The balcony is huge and really nice, even though our balcony had a little obstructed view due to the shape of the ship.

The bathroom is actually beautiful. Nice and wide with a great large shower. 

We weren’t impressed with the cabin as well, in particular, I did not like the fact that it lacked storage and that we had to use the couch as storage. There was also a strange window that looked in to the bathroom. So, from anywhere in this tiny room, you could see someone showering, or even sitting on the toilet!

So our vote is a 3 out of 5.

Moving on to our next topic we will talk about: the service

Service 

Service on board of the Costa Toscana was absolutely spot on! We were assigned to the Bellavista restaurant, that is the restaurant dedicated to passengers travelling in a suite, as well as platinum and gold members.

At this restaurant the service was incredible, in particular our waiter Maria and her two assistants, Kristine and Lalu were fantastic, always super efficient, friendly, and incredibly sweet. John and Jerome cooked for us each night, all under Arturo’s watchful high.  He was the head waiter Arturo was amazing, always watching everything and ready to help. 

Well done guys! Also we had amazing service around the ship. For example, at one of our favorite bars on deck 8, the Kartell bar, we found some incredible servers that were always friendly and efficient. In particular Daren, Winlove, and Sahil (who remembered us from a previous sailing) were really nice to us – and very helpful.

Also at the Beach Club Armando remembered us from a previous sailing and he also remembered our favorite drinks! Incredible. Overall all over the ship service was fantastic and we were really pleased. 

The only area that would require some improvement is in the housekeeping department with laundry service. And this has been a problem on other costa cruises! Costa has a laundry service called Magic Bag, that includes 25 items of laundry for a flat fee of  €19, that can be purchased online or on board. Also gold and platinum members get one Magic Bag free per voyage. Housekeeping did not know that passengers can buy the bag and they did not know how to handle the paid bags. We had to escalate the issue with the housekeeping manager and show them the invoice for the magic bag before we were able to have our laundry done. They didn’t believe we could prepay laundry bags!  But there’s one thing we did learn – you can buy these “magic bags” onboard – through QR code in your room – for room service. 

We also asked for ironing. Sometimes it was done, sometimes it wasn’t. And once they charged us for ironing even though they didn’t iron.  Now, this was quickly resolved by calling the reception. 

This area has a lot of room for improvement and some training is required.

Overall we were extremely pleased with the service on board and I think they deserve a solid 5 out of 5 anchors! Well done guys. Rick, what about your vote?

We really loved the service on board, especially our team at the Bellavista restaurant that I miss so much! To you Maria, Arturo, John, Jerome, Kristina, and Lalu – you guys… it’s 5 out of 5 for service for sure. Let’s move on to our next item on our Costa Toscana cruise review and we will talk about: safety and cleanliness. 

Safety and cleanliness 

Regarding the health protocol we had to do a covid test 48 hours before departure and that was it. Masks on board were recommended for passengers but not mandatory. 99% of passengers did not wear them. For crew members, we noticed that in the food and beverage department most of the crew members were wearing masks. Most of the other crew members stopped wearing masks after a few days from departure. The safety drill on the Costa Toscana is done on the app or on the cabin tv, after that each passenger has to get the cruise card scanned at the muster station, and that is it for the safety drill. 

The ship was incredibly clean, as usual. We saw staff cleaning decks, floors, pools all the time. They cleaned our balcony twice. This made us feel very safe. So for safety and cleanliness our vote is a 5 out of 5 for sure.

Now we move to another topic of our Costa Toscana cruise review by talking about:the drink packages

The Drink Package

As we mentioned in the previous articles Costa has a great drink package that is quite affordable and very good. However in order to have the best price on the drink package you should buy it at the time you make your reservation by selecting the All Inclusive option, because once on board the package is way more expensive. 

At the time of booking you can pick the MyDrinks package that covers wine by the glass, prosecco, coffees, teas, specialty coffees, digestives and classic cocktails. Also you can upgrade on line to the plus package that includes premium wines, premium liqueurs and cocktails. 

Overall it is a great value and we strongly recommend it. Our vote for the drink package ius a 5 out of 5 (if purchased at the time of reservation).

Let’s move on to our next topic of our Costa Toscana cruise review and we talk about: the restaurants

Restaurants 

Costa Toscana has 11 restaurants on board. Some were included such as the buffet, and the main dining rooms, and some specialty restaurants that are not included (more about those later). The buffet is located on deck 8 mid ship. This location is a bit odd because when the buffet is closed it is not possible to walk inside from the front to the back of the ship, also when it is open it is usually very busy and again walking thought it can be challenging. So Probably, the buffet location is not the best one. 

There are 3 main dining restaurants in the back of the ship on decks 5-6 and 7. The main dining room still has the first seating at 6:30 pm and the second seating at 9. It was a little amusing to see a rush of people running to the dining room for the first seating. On deck 7 the restaurant Il Vigneto was only open for lunch with extended opening hours until 3:30 and serving a set menu. Overall those main dining rooms are very spacious and well decorated with a good amount of windows and natural light. Also there are two more main dining rooms L’Argentario on deck 6 which is dedicated to gold and Platinum member that did not get the club restaurant and Le Anfore, also on deck 6 that on this crossing was closed due to the low capacity.

There were also screens by the elevators with information about restaurants such as time of operation and business of them.  So, that was a nice touch.

Because we are Gold members on Costa, and because we booked the cruise way in advance we were able to reserve the Club restaurant Bellavista – as I mentioned before. Now this restaurant is unbelievable. It is dedicated to suite passengers, and a few Gold and Platinum members. Must be reserved at the time of booking. The beauty of this restaurant is the fact that it is small, very intimate, with great staff and a giant open kitchen inside. Everything was cooked fresh right in front of our eyes which was absolutely amazing!

Dining here feels like being at a Michelin-star restaurant for breakfast lunch and dinner! A real treat. On some ships, it is possible to pay an entry fee to eat at the club restaurant like any other specialty restaurants. On this particular sailing, this option was not available.

After this long review, it is time to vote. I think for restaurants we will give Costa Toscana a solid 5 out of five but I give Bellavista a 10 out of five because this restaurant is UNBELIEVABLE!

And now we continue our Costa Toscana Cruise review by talking about the food

As we mentioned before, we love the food on Costa. I personally think it is among some of the best food I’ve ever had and not just on a cruise ship. It is always perfectly prepared, perfectly presented, and delicious.

The variety on the menu is wonderful. Portions are small and are meant to enjoy a 4 courses meal. You always find a choice of 3 or 4 appetizers (usually one seafood, one meat, and one vegetarian), 3 or four Primi (first course) and again one seafood, one meat and one vegetarian and also usually a soup. Then you have the secondi (Main course) with again a choice of seafood, meat and vegetarian. Finally a choice of 3 or 4 desserts.

On top of that you have some items that are called Grandi Classici that are always available. Now because we were fortunate enough to eat at the Bellavista restaurant we had 2 extra options in the Grandi Classici one was filet mignon with bearnaise sauce and the other was grilled giant prawns. Also the night before a port was always available, a particular dish inspired by the next day destination and designed by one of the 3 Michelin-star chefs that work for Costa.

We loved the food on this ship and the fact that it was cooked in front of us made it more fantastic. Also with the small portions we were able to enjoy the food without worrying too much about gaining weight. So we also a great 5 out of 5 for food! 

Moving on to our next item to review on board the Costa Toscana we will talk about: the bars

Costa Toscana has 19 bars and lounges. On our voyage most of them were open, just a very few were closed. In our opinion they are all pretty good but there were a few that we really loved! On the first week of our cruise, when the weather was still a bit cold, our favorite bar was the Kartel bar on deck 8 mid-ship by the colosseum theater.

One great feature of this bar was the fact that they serve some finger food all day that is totally included. In the morning they have pastry, at lunch time they serve some salads and pasta salad and at night they have olives, cheeses, bread, salame and other aperitivo items. Once we started sailing in warmer weather our favorite bar was the Infinity bar all the way aft, outdoors on deck 7. This bar had some great loungy couches, 2 hot tubs, a huge smoking section, a dj and some of the best views! Definitely a great place to go for a drink before or after dinner.  Another bar that we loved especially in the morning for coffee and cappuccino was the beach club bar by the indoor pool on deck 16.

There were some other great bars around the ship, some with live music and sports events on big screens like the Heineken pub or the Campari bar on deck 7 mid ship. We walked by these places several times but we have never really stopped there. 

Also we have to mention the Amarillo Gelateria on deck 8 toward the front of the ship. This place has gelato, pies, crepes for a fee. We did try this either because again desserts were so good in the dining room.

Overall we think that the amount of bars and lounges on board the Costa Toscana is great and there is a great spot for everyone, even though we heard that during peak season, when the ship is at full capacity some bars are so full that it is difficult to walk. 

We think we will give a 5 out of 5 for bars and lounges because we really enjoyed our favorite spots around the ship. In particular we really enjoyed our evening at the infinity bar, we were able to meet many fellow passengers there and socialize. Great spot!

Now we will continue our Costa Toscana cruise review by talking about: the entertainment.

The Entertainment

The entertainment team on board the Costa Toscana was absolutely fantastic. They really did an amazing job keeping passengers engaged and entertained. The team was always around the ship, socialising with passengers, dancing with passengers, and playing games with passengers.  They organised some amazing parties such as the white party, the carnival party and our favorite Arabian night party. That was so much fun!!!!

Also they had a crossing of the tropic party during the day that involved the Captain and all the officers. Passengers loved those parties. The second to last day of the cruise there were some special farewell events, during the day there was a staff talent show where crew members of different departments performed some dancing or singing for passengers. At night there was an incredible Christmas celebration with all the officers and many crew members caroling for almost one hour! Amazing.

It was also very nice to see officers around all the time interacting with passengers, like it was before the pandemic. In particular it was amazing to see the officer ball! We have never seen this before and it was great to see officers dancing with passengers. Everybody loved it!

One thing that we noticed several times on Costa is the fact that they have those great theme nights such as white night, costume night, Arabian night etc but there is no way to know, before boarding so there is no way to know which particular outfit to pack. Would be nice to have that option by email before boarding. 

Other than that I think that the entertainment team on board was incredible and they totally deserve a 5 out of 5 no doubt!

Our next topic to review are the shows.

The Shows 

The Costa Toscana has two theaters on board. One is in mid ship deck 6, 7 and 8 and it is called The Colosseum the other one is at the front of the ship called the “poltrone frau” on decks 6 and 7. Sorry to say that both theaters are not very well designed at all. In fact both theaters have a lot of columns that obstruct the view of the stage. In particular in the colosseum there are many areas where it is almost impossible to see. Also in both venues there were very few tables to put drinks on making it a bit uncomfortable to watch a show while having a drink.

But let’s talk about the shows. Overall the shows were average, most of them were singing and dancing shows and acrobats. Nothing special. There was only one really good performer Talia Alexis that had an incredible voice and she did a stunning tribute to Tina Turner. Tallia if you are watching well done! Actually, there was a dancing couple as well- I think from Romania. Also really really good!

I think that we give a 4 out of 5 for shows but we will give a 1 out of 5 for the theaters because they are not well designed at all.

Now let’s move to our next topic of our Costa Toscana Cruise review is the Costa Club.

The Costa Club

The Costa club is Costa’s loyalty program. It has some very good perks and we strongly recommend you sign up if you are thinking of taking a Costa Cruise. If you want to know more about the perks for the members take a look at this article . 

On our cruise on board of the Costa Toscana the Costa Club organised two nice events, one for all the members and another one dedicated to Gold and Platinum. Both events were really nice. In particular the second one was great because we were able to interact with the Captain and many other officers. Also, because we are gold members, we received a nice gift at the end of the cruise, a metal model of the ship that we love to collect! 

The only part of the Costa Club benefits that has room for improvement is the free laundry bag. As we mentioned before this requires some training.

Other than the minor issue with the laundry, we think that the Costa Club deserves a 5 out of 5 anchors. Now let’s move on to one of my favorite area of the ship – the spa

Now if you follow our videos you know that the Spa on any cruise ship is Rick’s natural habitat! On Costa Toscana the spa is gorgeous. First of all it is huge! Really big. It has a great wellness center that includes a nice and a giant hot tub, a relaxing area, a salt room with comfy chairs, a hammam room, a dry sauna and even an incredible snow room, with real snow! Can you believe it?

Passengers can purchase an unlimited entry package for the spa that is fantastic. We did and we used it a lot.  Also there are packages available that include massages or other treatments. Service at the spa was fantastic, in particular Michelle – the amazing spa manager remembered us from previous voyages.  As for the massage part on this trip, Rick had not 1, not 2, not even 3 massages… actually he had 6 massages!  It was SOOO relaxing.  Basically, he scheduled them around 4pm on sea days. So after he finished his 20,000 steps, he’d go to get a massage, then he’d visit Andrea in the thermal suite around 5pm.  Then, he might have a little nap, a dip in the jacuzzi, visit the hammam, and nap again, before going back to the room and getting changed and ready for the evening!

After this long review our vote for the spa is a 5 out of 5!

Let’s move on to our next  topic of our Costa Toscana cruise review are the excursions.

For the most part, we took excursions with Costa on this voyage, and we noticed that the excursion team was much better organised than it had been on previous sailing on other ships. 

Unfortunately one thing that Costa doesn’t do well is the description of the excursion on line. Most of the time the description on the website is a bit approximate and it is tough to know what exactly is included in the excursion. On previous sailing most of the staff at the excursion desk did not know either what was included in the excursion. On the Costa Toscana, on the other hand, everyone at the excursion desk was very knowledgeable, and they were able to explain to us exactly what we needed. 

Overall the excursions we took with Costa were good, organised and pretty interesting. In particular, the one we took in Abu Dhabi was fantastic! They picked us up by 4×4 at the pier, they drove us to the desert and then, after they deflated the tires, we started sliding down the dunes! It was quite scary at first but after a minute or so it was amazing! After riding the dunes for a solid half hour they took us to a bedouin camp where we had a nice dinner, we rode some camels and saw a belly dancing show. The excursion was really fun!

One thing that we really like about Costa excursions is the fact that they can be pre-booked online and no payment is required at the time of booking. The payment is due on board. For this reason, we love to book excursions right after we book our cruise so that way we do not risk having them sold out. For example there was a very nice couple who were newlywed that really wanted to take the same excursions as we took in Abu Dhabi but unfortunately for them it was sold out.

After this long review it is time to vote and we give the excursion a 5 out of 5, we really enjoyed them and we think they did a good job,

And now we move to the next topic on our Costa Toscana Cruise review, the casino

The Casino 

The Casino is located on deck 7 mid-ship. It is nice and spacious, with a good amount of tables and slots. The Casino is nice and bright and overall very adequate for the ship. Being a European cruise line, some games that are popular in North America are not available in this Casino, for example there is no craps table. We only used the Casino a few times and we didn’t win anything interesting but we can still vote on the ambiance so our vote for the casino is 5 out of 5.

Moving on to the next topic on our Costa Toscana Cruise review we will talk about the specialty restaurants.

Speciality restaurants

There are several specialty restaurants on board the Costa Toscana. The fanciest one is the Archipelago that is located on deck 8 at the front. The Archipelago features 3 set menus from 3 famous chefs. We talked a lot about this restaurant on our previous Costa review and you can read this article if you want to know more.

Also on deck 8 toward the front of the ship you’ll find the Teppanyaki restaurant. The restaurant is quite big and has a nice layout. We’ve eaten at the teppanyaki restaurant before, and it was fun, but did not  on this trip, so we can’t really review it.

Next to the Teppanyaki there is the pizza restaurant. We did have a pizza here and it was excellent! A really good italian pizza, almost as good as a pizza that you can find in Naples. Notice that i mentioned Italian pizza, because if you want a north American style pizza you are out of luck here.

On deck 7 toward the back of the ship you can find the Heineken pub that has a kitchen and serves pub food, freshly made burgers and steaks. The area is nice and they often have live music here. We did not eat here as well so we will only talk about the ambience.

Also on deck 7 mid ship there is the Sushino restaurant. As we noticed on previous Costa Cruises review this place was never busy at all. We saw some people doing take away from here but overall very underused.

On deck 16 by the beach club you can find the street food hamburger place that serves gourmet burgers for a small fee. On deck 17 toward the back you find a poke stand that serves poke again for a small fee. Lastly on deck 8 near Archipelago you can find the Ferrari bar that has a tasting menu for a  nominal fee.

Due to the fact that we were able to eat at the club restaurant we did not feel like eating anywhere else so we did not try any of the speciality restaurants other than the pizza place. For this reason we can not really vote on those.

One thing we have to mention is that the first two nights of the cruise, most speciality restaurants are 20% off.

Now let’s talk about another topic on our Costa Toscana cruise review: the stores

On Costa Toscana the stores are scattered around decks 7 and 8. There is not a galleria style area like we saw on previous Costa ships. On board you will find the usual types of store, clothing, jewellery, sun glasses, bikinis, perfumes and a Costa merchandise. As we mentioned on previous Costa reviews articles the on board selection of toiletry and travel items is really limited so don’t forget to pack all you need before boarding. On this particular sailing considering that there was 6 sea days it can be a problem to run out of sun screen or shaving cream.

One thing we noticed is that perfumes on board are really well priced and most of the time cheaper than stores on land. Also was quite strange to see cigarettes and tobacco products go on sale, that is something quite different from north America.

We think that the ship should have a much bigger selection of toiletry items and last minutes necessities, especially considering the 6 sea days. So our vote is a 3 out of 5.

Moving on to the next item on our Costa Toscana Cruise review, we will talk about the costa app.

The Costa app 

The Costa App is the mobile app that you use on board to check the daily events, excursions, menus, restaurants, connect to the internet and so on. Overall the app is fine. It has some good features and works ok. Some features require improvement. For example it sends notification for shows or excursion time but not if you send a message using the chat feature.

For the reasons above we just used messenger on our cell phones for that. And spa treatments – if they were pre-booked online, they’d show up in your events. But if you book them at the spa, they don’t show on the app. Another thing that was quite bizarre is the fact that many of the events that are on the paper daily schedule were not on the app. Also around the 10th day of the cruise, the app stopped showing the venue of the events. So it showed an event at a specific time but not the place, which was really peculiar.

Other than those few bugs the app is fine and it does an ok job. Our vote is a 3 out of 5, it has room for improvement but it works better than other ones we tried on different cruise lines.

Moving on to our next topic we will talk about: the internet onboard.

Internet on board

The Internet on board was decent. Not the fastest, but fast enough to work with. Actually, it was a lot faster than what we had earlier this year in May. So, we’d say it’s stable enough for most uses – even Youtube worked pretty well. We were also able to use it to call home on facetime or whatsapp.

Unfortunately, we had a little missapp with the price of the Internet. Here is what happened: On boarding day, while waiting for lunch, we opened the Costa app and ordered the internet package.  The cost was 100 euros for the “full” package with unlimited use. A little later, I checked my onboard expenses (Mainly to see if my excursions were listed), and to my surprise, we found that we were each charged 260 euros for internet; not the 100 euros that was offered. That’s an overcharge of 320 euros – or 160 euros a person – on day 1!

We went to reception, and there was a line of others reporting the same issue. The Receptionist took my information and advised the matter would be looked into.  A few days later, someone called us and told me it was a mistake and that “I should have known better, ” and if we wanted a refund, we could have it ONLY if we didn’t use the internet (which, of course, we used). We thought that was not the correct way to handle the issue, but we needed the internet so we had no choice but to accept the charge. Still we think that the internet was incredibly expensive because 520 euros for two people is way, way more than we ever paid – and certainly more than what competitor cruise lines charge. 

Now it is time to vote and because of the how the issue was handled, and the fact that the internet is way overpriced our vote is a 2 out of five, especially considering that other cruise lines have it included in the all inclusive package it seems way too expensive!

PS: Now once we got home we notified Costa Corporate office and they finally recognized the error and they gave us a €320 on board credit for our next cruise.

Now let’s move to another aspect of our Costa Toscana cruise review: the photo lab

The Photo lab

The ship has a lot of photographers around all the time and they are a bit pushy in trying to get people to take photos. We did take several photos but we only bought one because most of the photos we took were the same cruise ship photos that we have taken thousands of times with the same staged unnatural poses.

The photo lab also has a lot of computers for people to look at their photos and apparently they have facial recognition software that is able to sort passengers photos. Unfortunately, we noticed that most of the photos were still printed and nobody was using the computers. Also the facial recognition software was not the most accurate.

We noticed that only about 1 out of 5 photos were found by the app… so.. Maybe that’s why the photos were being printed.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Costa is a little tricky when it comes to the photo packages. On this cruise, you could buy the photo package for about 100 euros… but on Costa, they are sneaky!  There are two kinds of photos, the regular ones that can be bought in an unlimited package and the “Myshades” photos that are not included in the package… and for all those photographers taking photos around the ship, well, pretty much every one of them were consider “myshades”.   So if you are thinking of buying the photo package – we say, buyer beware!  Be sure to know  exactly which photos are included before spending the money.

Mostly for the deceiving tactics, our vote for the photo lab is a 1 out of 5.

Let’s move to the next topic to review the overall feeling

The Overall feeling

The overall feeling on board the Costa Toscana was fantastic. All the crew members seemed to be happy, and very friendly. It was great to see officers around all the time interacting with passengers. In particular the Captain was always around, talking to passengers, interacting and giving information about the cruise. He was always available to take photos and selfies.

The captain was also very funny and he made fun of his German every time he had to give a speech. 

Also the passengers on board were very happy and they were having fun. It was a great mix of passengers of all ages and nationality and everyone was really friendly and willing to talk and socialize. Every passenger was on board to have fun and not to complain. In my opinion this was the first cruise that felt 100% back to normal since the pandemic. Did we mention, this was THE BEST CRUISE EVER! So we guess you all know what my vote for the overall feeling is!

Now it is time to review one of the saddest part of the cruise: the disembarkation

The Disembarkation 

The disembarkation process was incredibly easy and smooth, as usual. We arrived in Dubai at 8 am and by 9:30 we were on our taxi. We did not check our bag but we used carry ons so that made the disembarkation process even simpler. But from what we could see around the process seemed to be well organized and smooth. 

Our vote for disembarkation is a 5 out of 5, very simple.

Let’s move on to our last item to review on our Costa Toscana cruise – costa quirkiness.

As we’ve seen on other Costa cruises , there were some odd things that are worth mentioning, nothing important, but it is worth mentioning.  The first very strange thing was the fact that all the time changes during our sailing were at 11am! This was the first time ever that we experienced that. You could actually see the clocks at 10 am moving forward one hour. Usually when there is a time change on board it happens at night so passengers wake up in the morning with the new time. Well not on board the Costa Toscana. On the toscana, you get up, go for breakfast, then 30 mins later, go for lunch. Weird!

Another thing that was really bizarre was the fact that the ship had almost no Christmas decorations. There were a few small Christmas trees that were almost unnoticeable in such a huge ship.

We asked the Hotel Director why there were no decorations and he told us that it was a corporate decision! And we confirmed it. Other ships in the costa fleet had very little decorations. Now… we thought… maybe it’s because we’re going to a muslim area. But… Dubai had more Christmas decorations than back in the states!  So Costa – you guys missed the boat on this one. Very sad. 

Conclusions 

After this very long review it is time to draw some conclusions. I think this was an epic cruise, everything on board was really fantastic. Yes we has some little issues with the internet or some other minor problems but overall it was a fantastic cruise and I can’t wait to be on board the Costa Toscana again!

We mentioned this a million times during the cruise BEST CRUISE EVER so no need to vote for us!  

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Andrea was born and raised in Northern Italy. At the age of 30, he moved to Vancouver Canada. Over the years he traveled extensively in North America, Europe, Central America, and Asia. He is passionate about traveling, cruising, and travel photography. He likes to write about his traveling and shows his travel photos.

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Hi guys! Thank you for the amazing, detailed review of your cruise on Costa Toscana. I’ve just selected the cruise from Barcelona to Dubai (same itinerary as yours) departing in late November 2023. I have to say that I do prefer smaller ships but am willing to take this one because of the fantastic itinerary. As a Club member (silver status) I’ve temporarily reserved two cabins (to chose from in a few days) – 16089 and 12131 (I travel alone). Could you advise as to which one to pick given that I like a quiet cabin, especially at night? Even though I will turn 61 in a few weeks I love to walk a lot (and take stairs while on the ship). One more question – does the housekeeping take place once or twice a day (I’ve read a review stating that housekeeping takes place only in the morning)? Many thanks & best regards, Robert PS – I retired from the United Nation Peace-Keeping Division five years ago and currently reside in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain (otherwise, born and raised in Croatia)

Hello Robert, thank you for your email. We loved that cruise and we would like to do it again. Regarding the cabin probably the 12131 would be quieter, because on the 16th deck there is the main pool and the 16089 it is very closer to it. regarding the housekeeping service, you are correct now it is done only in the morning. If you have any more questions do not hesitate to contact us. Have a greeat weekend Rick and Andrea

Hi Rick and Andrea, many thanks for your reply!! In the meantime, I put hold on two cabins in front of the ship (1121 and 1216) and will end up selecting one of them in a few days. The 8th deck promenade is considerably wider below 12131 and more narrow below 1121 and 1216 and I like to have as much privacy as I can get while using the balcony. The only question that remains is whether I want my cabin to face West or East during most of the cruise (and while sailing the Red Sea) 🙂 Once again, thank you so much for replying to me and best wishes for future travels to both of you, Robert

Hello Robert, while sailing the Red sea we had a cabin facing west and we loved the sunsets from the balcony. We don’t know if this little tip will help you making your decision 😃

Again, thanks for your reply! I usually prefer to face west if in balcony cabin because I like to spend a bit of time sunbathing “au naturel” if possible 🙂

I do have one more question – since the suitcase has to be stored under the bed – can advise regarding the height of such space on this ship, so I can know which suitcase to take with me? Frankly, this info should be in the online description of every cabin on any ship!

Once again, many thanks & best regards,

Hi guys, I made a typo in my previous message regarding the cabin number on the 12th deck – it is 12026, not 12016 (which does not even exist). If you end up doing the cruise again (in November 2023) I will be delighted to get to know you in person!! Best, Robert

Damn, another typo (should read “can you advise….”) – I’m in the middle of packing for my trip to Vienna tomorrow. Cheers!

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Luxury Travel Blogger – Carmen Edelson

Costa Toscana Review: Costa Cruises Newest Flagship

Cruising is one of the most exciting, luxurious, and convenient ways to travel. The possibility of discovering a new destination every morning without having to pack your suitcase over and over again is what absolutely sold me in the beginning. What if your next journey is on an Italian-style cruise no matter where you are in the world? This is what Costa Cruises has been offering its guests around the world for over 70 years.

Costa Cruises’ newest flagship, Costa Toscana , has sailed for the first time in the waters of the Persian Gulf departing from stunning Dubai to navigate for 8 days to equally marvelous ports such as Doha, Muscat and Abu Dhabi. As a guest hosted onboard the Costa Toscana this month, I enjoyed every minute of this exciting Arabian itinerary, but most of all, I loved everything that this new cruise ship has to offer its future travelers.

At a glance, Costa Toscana is impressive! The ship features world-class accommodation, delicious & varied restaurants, luxury spa treatments, premium sports facilities, exciting live entertainment and more. I had the opportunity of cruising on its sister vessel, Costa Smeralda,  throughout the Mediterranean in 2021 and now both have left me in awe of their sheer scale and quality. Boasting 19 decks and over 1,000 feet in length, the new Costa Toscana is one of the largest ocean liners in the world! It can accommodate more than 5,300 passengers distributed in 2,661 cabins and assisted by nearly 1,700 wonderful crew members. However, its large size also helps for it to never feel extremely full.

Costa Toscana Persian Gulf Route:

Our cruising journey with Costa was an exciting week around the Persian Gulf. We experienced 7 days of fascinating destinations and 1 sea day to fully experience everything this new ship has to offer. Overall, I enjoy having less sea days so this itinerary was ideal for me. We also started and ended in Dubai which was very convenient in terms of flights from the United States.

From Dubai, we cruised to Doha in Qatar, then onto Muscat in Oman, and lastly, Abu Dhabi, before heading back to Dubai. Costa always offers an incredible range of land excursions, and an entire article about the excursions we chose is coming soon. However, a few highlights included a sand dune adventure in the Dubai desert, admiring architectural gems in Doha, visiting one of the most ancient Arab markets in Oman, and visiting jaw-dropping palaces in Abu Dhabi.

Accommodation on Costa Toscana:

We loved our Balcony Cabin from the very first moment we entered. Costa Cruises’ cabins always impress with their thoughtful decor and spaciousness. In this home-away-from-home, you won’t lack anything during your journey from modern amenities to bright and cheerful interiors.

The bed is very spacious and comfortable, perfect for resting after your shore excursions or at sea days. I appreciated the detail in the shower, which has a floor-to-ceiling glass section that allows you to still admire the ocean views while taking a hot shower. You can rely on your roomkeeper at all times as they will be taking excellent care of you, from in-room breakfast to laundry service. The extra living space featured a couch and desk, which mean’t that, thankfully,  your bed isn’t the only option to sit, relax, or work in your room.

But without a doubt, the terrace was my favorite part! There’s nothing better than waking up every day to a new view from your bed or sitting with a refreshing drink and that sea breeze in the privacy of your own terrace. The floor to ceiling sliding glass doors not only allow a glorious amount of light in, but you can easily step outside onto your personal balcony to watch the world go by.

Restaurants onboard Costa Toscana:

When you sail on an Italian cruise, you might expect all the food you find onboard to be Italian, and although Italian cuisine is one of my favorites, the truth is that Costa Toscana offers much more than this. In total, you have an incredible 11 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges to choose from. Here are some of the highlights..

La Sagra Dei Sapori Buffet is an excellent choice for breakfast and lunch with a wide variety of dishes, including Italian charcuterie, pastas, meats, fish, vegetables and drinks. While at dinner, you will always have a seat available in your assigned restaurant, which in our case was the lovely La Maremma Restaurant where we ate most evenings. The portions of the 3 courses were always perfect and I especially enjoyed their fresh pasta and desserts.

For a gourmet experience, I highly recommend Archipelago Restaurant, the very best onboard Costa Toscana. At this fine dining establishment, you can choose between 3 menus created by renowned chefs Hélène Darroze, Bruno Barbieri and Ángel León, which are inspired by different regions of the world. Personally, I selected the French chef’s menu which was inspired by Arabian cuisine and local ingredients, which included 5 courses accompanied by a selection of wines. From start to finish, everything was a delicious masterpiece.

Before dinner, you can stop for a glass of sparkling wine at Ferrari Spazio Bollicine along with striking starred miniature dishes of Chef Edoardo Fumagalli. Another great pre-dinner drink spot is at the vibrant Campari Bar with sleek red interiors and ocean views. In terms of a quick and easy lunch, dinner or takeaway, I’d recommend Sushino at Costa. This is Costa’s first sushi bistro on board and is designed to bring you an authentic Japanese experience. Additionally, in terms of less formal dining, I’d also recommend Pummid’Oro Pizzeria and Heineken Club & Bistro to enjoy either the best Italian pizza or the best hamburger onboard.

As far as fun and interactive dining, they have a state-of-the-art Food Lab for cooking classes where you can enjoy your creations after with an expert sommelier on hand to pair with your dishes. And in terms of fun for the whole family, the Teppanyaki restaurant is a must, offering dynamic cooking shows at your table. You’re truly spoiled for choice with Costa Cruises!

Wellness Amenities on Costa Toscana:

Solemio Spa is an absolute highlight on Costa Toscana. I was very impressed with the salt room, Turkish bath, sauna and multiple relaxation areas, including two zones that were my favorites. First, the Thalassotherapy pool, which has a perfect water temperature and allows you to relax in the bubble beds, and secondly, the snow room, which is not only incredibly fun and unique, but great for you body to switch between the cold and hot temperatures.

I also had a 50-minute facial treatment in one of their beauty rooms, where they first analyzed the characteristics of my skin with a diagnostic software, and then tailored the treatment to fit my specific needs, using products from the British skincare brand Elemis. If you’re looking for more beauty treatments such as a manicure, pedicure, hairdresser, and so on, there’s also the Salon Solemio to help you feel and look your best on vacation.

Unlike other cruise ships, Costa Toscana’s lido deck is enclosed, and for good reason. This allows guests to use the jacuzzis and the pool all year round, even during winter itineraries. Even so, the ship has open-air pools as well. In total, Costa Toscana has 13 swimming pools and hot tubs, plus an aqua park with some fun water slides for all ages! Speaking of different ages, if you have kids from age 3-11, I highly recommend taking them to Squok Club – a fun kid’s club onboard. If you want a date night or afternoon without your kiddos, they will be well looked after here with so many fun and stimulating activities!

Entertainment onboard Costa Toscana:

It’s always show time onboard Costa Toscana! Every night you receive a pamphlet with the next day’s activities and the first thing you realize is that there is not going to be a moment for boredom, especially on sea days. Colosseo is the main venue for concerts and shows, located amidships and distributed in 3 decks. It’s surrounded by bars and restaurants such as Campari Bar, Kartell Cafè and Sushino at Costa to order a drink or a snack.

The Voice of the Sea was one of my favorite shows along with dancing the night away under the stars in La Notte Bianca (the white night), a celebration that is unique to Costa Cruises, plus plenty of other shows, live performances, and DJ sets. For those wanting a break from the music, you can test your luck at the Granducato Casino. This fun space is divided into two sides with numerous slot machines on one, and a variety of gaming tables on the other, including Blackjack, Roulette, and more.

This was my second time sailing with Costa Cruises and so far my opinion has only improved. This Italian cruise company doesn’t disappoint travelers, each time they look for new ways to offer the warmest hospitality. Costa Toscana, in particular, is an impressive new flagship that Costa should be proud of! In addition to all the fun onboard, their itineraries are also a great match for any type of traveler, with a heavy focus on convenience while soaking up the local history and culture. Whether cruising the Mediterranean Sea or sailing along the Arabian coast, Costa Cruises always offers a memorable cruising experience.

Disclosure: I was a guest of Costa Cruises, but all opinions here are my own. 

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My Costa Toscana Review: Costa’s Newest Ship

By: Author Taylor Hardy

Posted on Published: August 8, 2022  - Last updated: August 11, 2023

For more than 70 years, Costa Cruises’ ships have explored the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality, and cuisine while providing holidays that focus on fun and relaxation. I recently had the opportunity to sail on their newest ship, the Costa Toscana, and it is easily my favorite cruise ship to date. From the beautiful decor to onboard amenities and sustainability efforts, the Costa Toscana is the epitome of cruising.

I was hosted by Costa Cruises to familiarize myself with their ship and features. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased. 

About Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises is an Italian cruise line under the Carnival Corporation umbrella. As the only cruise company flying the Italian flag, Costa acts as an ambassador for Italian values around the world.

The cruise line has 13 ships in service with routes in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Dubai and UAE, South America, and the Transoceanic.

Sustainability is at the forefront of Costa’s endeavors. Two of their ships are LNG-powered (liquefied natural gas), which drastically reduce sulfur, nitrogen oxide, and greenhouse emissions.

Additionally, all Costa ships operate in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards.

Costa Toscana Overview

The Costa Toscana is Costa’s newest ship, with a capacity of 6,600 passengers. Its current itinerary visits Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy), Naples (Italy), Ibiza (Spain), Valencia (Spain), Marseille (France), and Savona (Italy). The Costa Toscana leads to the discovery of “the art of living the sea”.

This ship pays homage to Tuscany, and its design is a celebration of everything that is “Made in Italy”. The names of all decks and main areas are also reflective of Italian culture. For example, the center area of the ship is called the Colosseo.

At its core, the Toscana is a traveling “smart city”. In addition to being LNG-powered, the Costa Toscana uses desalinators to convert sea water to provide all of the ship’s daily water requirements (how cool is that?), uses a smart energy efficiency system to reduce energy consumption, and 100% of all waste on board is sorted for recycling purposes.

Fun Fact: The Costa Toscana’s sister ship is the Costa Smeralda .

Note: During my cruise, we visited Barcelona instead of Ibiza.

Costa Toscana Cabins

The Costa Toscana has five cabin types: Interior, Sea View, Sea Balcony, Sea Terrace (includes a terrace and veranda), and Suite (includes private butler, whirlpool, plus separate living and sleeping areas).

During my cruise, I stayed in a Sea Balcony room. I thought the decor was really pretty, fun, and played on the ship’s “art of living the the seas” tagline.

There were two things I absolutely loved about my room on the Costa Toscana. First, the bathroom was MUCH more spacious than traditional cruise staterooms. And, it had a lot of storage.

Second, the door to the balcony slid to open and close. This not only made it much easier to open than most balcony doors where you have to fight the wind, but you also did not hear balcony doors opening and closing all day long (a million thank yous to Costa for this design!).

Tip: If you’re traveling from the states, make sure to pack a power converter.

I had the chance to view one of each of Costa’s staterooms. The Suite is absolutely perfect for families. It is spacious and allows for the bedroom to be separated from the living room.

The coolest feature that I saw was the veranda in Sea Terrace rooms. It is a great space for enjoying the outdoors when you can’t be outside on the balcony due to rain or low/high temperatures.

Life On The Costa Toscana: Amenities

Costa’s newest flagship , the Costa Toscana, has 13 pools and hot tubs. Il Forte Beach has pools on both sides of the ship and a small stage for live entertainment, while Versilia Beach is more laid back and has plush cabanas for relaxing.

Splash Aqua Park has water slides of varying heights, including one from the Toscana’s top deck.

My favorite pool area was La Spiaggia Beach Club. In addition to a pool and hot tubs (with clear siding), this covered solarium has cool terrace seating areas and various dining options (Gelateria-Cioccolateria Amarillo, Nutella at Costa, and The Salty Beach serving French fries, sandwiches, and burgers).

The ship’s Solemio Spa offers a variety of traditional spa services–massages, facials, pedicures, manicures, hair treatments, and more. Additionally, it houses a very impressive thermal suite with heated chaise lounges, a sauna, steam room, thalassotherapy pool, salt room, and snow room. Yes, a snow room!

Piazza dei Miracoli is the shopping hub, with several retail spaces. Whether you’re looking for a Costa Cruises souvenir, perfume, clothing, or new high-end purse, you can find it on the Toscana.

There is also a casino, sports complex, and huge gym with the latest Technogym equipment on board.

Large outdoor spaces can be found throughout the Costa Toscana, where you can sit and enjoy the sun and sea. My favorite set was on deck 8 at the back of the boat. It was quiet and had luxurious padded lounge chairs.

Another cool location on the Costa Toscana is the Volare Skywalk. This ramp takes you above the top deck for panoramic views of the sea. It’s a fantastic place to watch the sunset.

You can watch our walking tour of the Costa Toscana’s upper decks on Instagram here and here .

Life On The Costa Toscana: Dining

There are 11 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges on the Costa Toscana. Some restaurants are included in the price of your cruise, while others require an additional fee.

A few are themed in collaboration with major partners–Aperol Spritz Bar (there are two), Heineken Star Club & Bistro, Ferrari Spazio Bollicine, and Caffé Vergnano 1882. The Costa Toscana’s signature restaurant is Archipelago, serving dishes crafted by Chefs Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze, and Ángel León.

In your main dining room (ours was L’Oliveto Restaurant), dinner menus are based on the port the ship will visit the following day.

My favorite restaurant ended up being the Heineken Star Club & Bistro. It’s a very cool concept and I thoroughly enjoyed the food. I also visited Pizzeria Pummid’Oro, Gelateria Amarillo, and KikiPoke (build your own Poke bowl) several times during my cruise.

Learn more about Costa’s restaurants .

Life On The Costa Toscana: Entertainment

The heart of the Costa Toscana is the Colosseo. This atrium spans three decks and is home to live music, theater shows, and dance parties. TVs are scattered throughout the Colosseo so you can enjoy its entertainment while also spending time with friends and family.

Outside, Piazza del Campo encompasses three decks overlooking the ship’s wake. Here, games, parties, and more fun ventures happen.

Activities take place across the ship all day (like Bingo, karaoke, and trivia), but the Costa Toscana really comes alive after dinner. And, the excitement lasts until the wee hours of the morning.

Possibly the highlight of the cruise is White Night, where all cruisers dress in white and participate in a dance party in the La Spiggia Beach Club—think techno music, lights, and lots of fun!

Family-Friendly Activities

Since this was my first cruise with Costa, I didn’t know what to expect. I was really surprised (and thrilled!) to see how family-friendly this cruise line is.

Children can be part of the Squok Club . Divided into two groups, Mini (3-6) and Maxi (7-11), each group will be entertained with age appropriate activities all day long (9 AM to 12 AM). The Toscana also has a Baby Squok Club.

If you’re traveling with children ages 12 to 17, the Costa Toscana also has a program for them, called Teen Club. It, too, is divided into two age groups: Teen Club Junior (12-14) and Teen Club (15-17).

The coolest offering for families is Squok Restaurant. This restaurant is exclusively for families traveling with children.

Fun Fact: The Mini Squok Club has special Peppa Pig-themed activities.

My Costa Toscana Review

I sailed on the Costa Toscana in June 2022. It was my first time sailing with Costa Cruise Line. Overall, I loved it, and I cannot wait to go on another Costa cruise.

The Costa Toscana itself is beautiful! It has a very chill vibe and really fun decor. There are seating arrangements in every nook and cranny of the ship (both inside and outside), which I took advantage of. I spent time reading outside while taking in some sun, and inside by the Colosseo peoplewatching.

As an almost 30-year-old millennial, I think the Costa Toscana is perfect for people my age traveling abroad–whether going solo, with friends, or even your kids. It’s much more relaxing than the fast-paced vacations I’m used to.

I also want to note that I only felt movement twice the entire cruise. I’m not sure if the water was unusually calm or this boat just has cruising figured out, but I was shocked. No sea legs here!

More Of My Thoughts

The crew on board the Costa Toscana was wonderful. Everyone that I interacted with was incredibly kind and made sure I was well taken care of. That being said, Italian is the primary language spoken on the ship. Most everyone was able to communicate in English, and if not, they were able to grab someone nearby who could.

As an American, I was in the minority of passengers on this cruise ship. In fact, most of the other Americans on my cruise were travel media visiting for the same reason I was. Almost all other passengers were European, with the majority being Italian. It was definitely a multicultural crowd.

Some excursions were available in English. Some activities were hosted in English. But many were not. And that was okay with me. I was happy to sit back and watch. I don’t feel that the language barrier prevented me from enjoying my trip in the least.

Between the food, ship’s atmosphere, language spoken, and culture from the European passengers on board, my time on the Costa Toscana was an immersive experience. I feel like I lived in Italy for seven days, seeing the Mediterranean like a local.

While this was my first Costa cruise, it certainly won’t be my last. I look forward to enjoying more of what Costa has to offer in the future.

Additional Information

Embarkation for the Costa Toscana is available at almost every port on the itinerary. Everyone is going on the same cruise, they’re all just starting at different points. This cuts down on congestion when getting on, and off, the ship. And, creates a different mix of passengers nearly every day.

United States folks–Costa Cruise Line is coming here in the Spring of 2023! Costa and Carnival Cruise Line are creating a new concept for Carnival’s North American guests, called Costa by Carnival. At that time, the Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze will join the Carnival fleet . I cannot wait!

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Cruising the Costa Toscana to Dubai

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Are you looking for an unforgettable travel experience? Do you dream of seeing the world, but don’t have the time to take a long journey? Then why not consider taking a cruise on the Costa Toscana from Dubai? In this blog post, we will explore the sights and sounds of this incredible voyage and show you how to make the most of your trip. So get ready for luxury, adventure, and culture – it’s time to embark on a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience! Check out Costa’s website .

Costa Cruises brings the spirit of Italy on its ships, providing passengers with a unique opportunity to experience Italian culture while sailing around the world. As it proudly sails under an Italian flag, Costa is not only bringing smiles and relaxation to travelers; but also acts as an ambassador for widely-recognized values like style and passion! Check out what the Costa Toscana is doing to be responsible explorers .

Cruise the Mediterranean, explore Northern Europe, soak up Caribbean sunsets or experience Arabia’s exotic beauty – no matter where your dreams take you, one of their 13 magnificent ships will carry you there. From South America to beyond the oceanic horizon – be swept away on a journey of discovery like never before!

Explore the vast Mediterranean aboard Costa’s newest pride and joy, the majestic Costa Toscana! With capacity for 6,600 passengers on board ready to soak up its culture-rich itinerary – Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy), Naples (Italy), Ibiza (Spain) Valencia( Spain ), Marseille( France )and Savona ( Italy ) – this is no ordinary cruise. Enjoy ‘the art of living the sea’, diving into a world full of life where history meets contemporaneity; you never know what wonders await around each corner .

EMBARKING & DISEMBARKING

Experience a hassle-free embarkation and disembarkation process when sailing aboard the Costa Toscana. Guests will be welcomed aboard at the start of their cruise in Dubai, U.A.E., where they will be able to enjoy the onboard amenities and activities as soon as they step foot on the ship.

The Costa Toscana has designed a streamlined process for embarking and disembarking that will make guests feel comfortable and safe during their cruise. On embarkation day, guests will arrive at the cruise port in Dubai with their valid ID cards, passports, and boarding passes. From here, they will be processed through security and check-in before being directed to the cruise terminal.

Once onboard, guests can explore all that the Costa Toscana has to offer, including restaurants, lounges, activities, and entertainment venues. At the end of their cruise, disembarkation is just as effortless. On arrival at the port in Dubai, guests will need to have all of their documents in order before collecting their belongings from their cabin and disembarking the ship. They even have a short presentation a couple of days before disembarkation where they explain the process to you so you know what to expect!

To ensure a smooth and stress-free embarkation and disembarkation process, guests should make sure they comply with all of the requirements outlined by the Costa Toscana before arriving at the port in Dubai. Guests are also encouraged to check their ship account prior to arriving at the port to minimize wait times on embarkation day. You can take care of any outstanding charges to your account the day before disembarkation at customer service or at any of the kiosks they have around the ship so you won’t have to wait in line.

We collected our passports the night before disembarkation and the luggage tags were delivered to our room. We were assigned a disembarkation time and just had to have our bags outside our room by midnight that night. Just make sure you don’t pack your clothes for the next day or you may be leaving the ship in your PJ’s! Our disembarkation time was 9:30 and we had our luggage by 9:45. It was super easy.

Navigating the Ship

No matter how many cruises you have been on, navigating the ship can be a challenge. The Costa Toscana has made navigating the ship a lot easier. At the elevators they have a list that tells you what deck everything is located on. Not only that, they also have symbols that tell you where on the ship it is located. A triangle means it’s at the front or bow of the ship, a square is midship, and a half circle is the back or stern of the ship.

There may be a time you will need to visit guest services. On the Costa Toscana instead of having to stand in line, you check in at a kiosk with your ship card. You are assigned a number and you are free to find a comfortable place to wait. There are monitors in the area that will display your number when it’s your turn!

Speaking of guest services, there are several places on the ship that can handle most things you need to do. There are kiosks that will allow you pay on your ship account. You can use cash or card. Just beware that as of this writing those machines didn’t accept US dollars. There are also touch screen monitors throughout the ship where you can access your ship account and look at details.

If you plan on getting the internet package, I recommend signing up as soon as possible. This is a popular feature on this ship and Costa only has one internet specialist on board to help navigate any internet problems. Lines can get very long and you can wait up to hours to get help. This is one of the things we mentioned to our Costa rep, that could be fixed in order to make our cruise experience better.

Sea Balcony Cabins

On Costa Toscana cruise ship, passengers have the option of choosing from 2,663 cabins, 1,550 of which offer private balconies. These balcony cabins offer an unbeatable view of the sea and provide a luxurious, private space for travelers to take in the sights. For those looking for a more economical option, Costa Toscana also offers inside staterooms with no view. Of course you can always choose from suite cabins, terrace with a sea view cabin, balcony cabin, and Oceanview cabin as well.

Our cabin for this cruise was the Sea Balcony. We had a queen bed and sofa in our stateroom. Your luggage does fit underneath the bed. We were able to put our 3 suitcases underneath the bed with room to spare. There are 2 closet spaces with lots of places to hang clothes and shelving (no drawers) . The bathroom has quite a bit of shelving which I found nice. Much more than most cruise ships. It helped keep everything organized. I also love that there is plenty of hot water so if you love a hot shower, you are going to be in heaven!

The balcony is pretty spacious as well. There are a couple of chairs on the balcony where you can sit and relax in private. It also makes some great views of the ports for taking photos.

The one and only thing we did not like about our room is the glass window in between the shower and the bed with a curtain over it.

If you are rooming with someone and you or they wake up early, it makes it almost impossible to take a shower without waking them up. Even with the curtain, the light shines right on the persons face laying in bed. I wish they offered a black out curtain for that.

Dining Options on Toscana

The Costa Toscana offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste, budget and culinary preference. Start your day with an array of delicious breakfast options at the buffet or the main dining room. Then for lunch you can enjoy pizza at Pizzeria Pummid’oro , burgers or some amazing appetizers at the Heineken Bistro. Of course the buffet is always open for lunch. For dinner, indulge in a four-course meal in the formal dining room or sample international cuisine in one of the several themed restaurants.

• Archipelago – Three world-renowned chefs, with three different menus: Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze and Ángel Leónre interpret the ingredients, traditions and recipes of the your next cruise’s destinations.
• Teppanyaki Restaurant – A Japanese style restaurant
• Sushino at Costa – sushi bistro that is designed to bring you an authentic Japanese experience that includes nigiri, maki, sashimi, and mochi.
• Pummid’oro Pizzeria – Several different pizzas to choose from
• La Fiorentina Steak House – enjoy Italian meats such as Florentine T-bone and Piedmontese fassona steak, but also Irish Black Angus and organic chicken.
• Burger Bar – enjoy burgers, hot dogs, and snacks by the pool
• Kikipoke – Poke bowls with a view
• Dim Sum Chinese Dumplings and Noodle Bar – Taste the best of China between Noodles and Ravioli, with a menu based on meat, fish or vegetarian.

If you are feeling adventurous you should try the Archipelago   . They offer 3 very different menus you can try from 3 different chefs. Enjoy the creativity of Bruno Barbieri, the authenticity of Hélène Darroze, and the seafood experimentations of Ángel León. This restaurant will have you expanding your taste buds. You can also get a wine pairing to go along with your meal.

The ship also features two poolside eateries and several bars and lounges where you can enjoy light snacks and drinks throughout the day. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a romantic dinner for two, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite on board the Costa Toscana.

If you are looking for something unique make sure to stop by the Nutella at Costa. You can try several different dishes made with Nutella! It is located on Deck 17 in the pool area.

Entertainment Options on Toscana

The Costa Toscana doesn’t just provide a luxury cruise environment, it offers an array of activities and entertainment options to keep you occupied during your voyage. With a variety of live performances, movies, classes, special events, and even a spa, the Toscana offers something for everyone.

Onboard entertainment is provided by the professional theater troupe of Costa’s “Theatre of Dreams”. They put on regular performances of spectacular musicals, acrobatic shows, and comedy acts. This is the perfect way to unwind after an unforgettable day at sea. Plus with the Colosseo being mid ship you won’t miss a performance! They also broadcast the performances on your TV in your stateroom so if you had a long day on your excursions you can still enjoy the show!

There are several areas for live music that are sure to keep you entertained. We enjoyed listening to a 1 man band play while devoured some nachos at the Heineken Bistro for dinner one night!

Costa Toscana hasn’t forgot about the kids. They have a teens lounge and Squok Club. At the Squok Club they offer activities for kids ages 3 to 11. There is also a nice size game room with a variety of games to enjoy.

On our sailing there were several themed nights that we were able to enjoy. The Silent Disco was amazing! Just seeing everyone sing and dance to 3 different DJ’s was very entertaining! You could tell which DJ everyone was listening to by the color lit up on their headphones. White Night was another fun night that ends with a a dance party on the back of the ship!

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, take a break and enjoy some pampering at the onboard spa. If you want to enjoy something other than a massage, We loved using a day pass to the spa on our sailing. We were able to use the thermal spa, salt room, dry sauna, steam room, and snow room. Yep you read that right… a snow room! This was a great refresher for me and I would recommend this to everyone. It felt so amazing going to the spa after a long day of exploring. The Beauty Spa Solemio also offers facial masks, hair removal, manicures, and they even have a hairdresser on board to keep you looking your best.

Or you get active with aerobics classes, yoga sessions, or visit the on board gym. They even have a sport court area where you can play basketball, soccer, and many other activities. If you enjoy hanging out in the pool or hot tub, Costa Toscana has 13 swimming pools and hot tubs to choose from. In the La Spiaggia Beach Club, there is a covered solarium with 4 clear hot tubs that were adult only. This was awesome because it allowed the adults a place to relax without all the kids splashing and taking over the pool area like on most cruise ships. There is something for everyone to enjoy on the Costa Toscana.

When night falls, the ship transforms into a live music venue providing guests with an unforgettable experience. Enjoy live performances from international artists and DJs playing a range of genres from jazz to EDM. If you’re looking for something more low-key, you can enjoy some of the incredible views from the sky walk or anywhere along the deck 18. There are plenty of chairs and lounging areas for you to enjoy! You can even find a hammocks where you can relax and be rocked to sleep by the ocean.

You also don’t want to miss the onboard Duty-Free shops. We were pleasantly surprised with prices on board. We were able to pick up some last minute gifts. Plus with the wide variety of items they offer it was easy to find something for everyone. With so much to do onboard the Costa Toscana you’ll never be bored during your journey to Dubai!

For Americans Cruising with Costa

If you’re use to cruising on American based ships there are a few things you need to know about cruising Costa and we thought these tips would be helpful when planning your cruise.

• Most cruise ships in America have shampoo and conditioner in the shower. This ship does not. So make sure you pack some. They do provide body wash so you won’t need to bring your own. They also don’t offer wash cloths so you will need to bring your own.
• On your TV, you may notice most of the stations are in a different language. However there is a button on your remote that will allow you to switch it to english if english is available on that channel. If you need subtitles though, they are only in Italian.
• Make sure you bring European plug converters. You can purchase them here . You WILL need these to plug anything in.
• When you get to the cruise port you will see signs all over to download the Costa Cruise app. Don’t freak out if you can’t find it in the app store. This app is not available to the U.S. You will simply need to login at MyCosta.com .
• Remember you are in a different country, not everything is Americanized. I feel like I need to say this because sometimes expectations from Americans can set them up for disappointments. I have heard comments in Facebook groups etc and I simply have to remind people “YOU’RE IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY”. Not everything is catered to Americans. Try to enjoy the culture of the country you are visiting. New experiences can bring a lifetime of memories. It also helps you understand and learn from the different cultures.
• Make sure you hit the currency exchange at the airport. You won’t be able to exchange money on board the ship. We tried to exchange money in Doha, Qatar and we needed our passport or a picture of our passport to do so. Most places accept the US dollar so it’s not mandatory that you get the local currency. Also be aware of the exchange rate. It can change daily. We were told that a picture of your passport would suffice.
• Download a translater app, it will help you communicate with other passengers on board that may come up to ask you questions. We have had some interesting and fun exchanges with fellow passengers.
• If you are an early riser, there is hot tea and water located on Deck 8. Most places are closed until 7-7:30am. You can grab coffee at the Cafe Vergano on deck 6 at 7:00am.

What to Pack

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned veteran, packing for a seven-day cruise is no easy feat. To make sure you have everything you need for your journey aboard the Costa Toscana, here are some items you should consider packing:

• A comfortable but stylish outfit for disembarking, such as a nice sundress, a polo shirt and khakis, or something comfortable for travel.
• A swimsuit – don’t forget your sunscreen!
• A lightweight jacket or cardigan in case of chilly nights.
• Comfortable shoes – it’s a long trip and you’ll be on your feet most of the time.
• A camera, to capture all the amazing sights on your journey. Also carrying an extra memory card is a good idea.
• Any medication you might need during your stay, such as seasickness pills or headache tablets.
• Your passport and visa (if necessary).
• Clothes for any themed nights. On our Costa Toscana sailing we had a white night, Arabian night and we brought fancy clothes for a night. I mean who doesn’t like to dress up!

Pack light but don’t forget any of these essential items. Above all else, make sure you have fun and enjoy the beautiful sights of Dubai and the UAE while cruising the Costa Toscana. This is just a sample but you can also check out our full cruise carry on packing list . While not necessary everywhere, women might need to have their shoulders and knees covered. You only need to wear a head scarf if you plan on visiting a mosque. Men shouldn’t wear tank tops, short shorts, or clothes that aren’t modest. These rules could change often so it’s best to check with your travel agent for current information and customs.

If you forget something…

The terminal at Dubai has few stores where you can pick up any toiletries, snacks, or just about anything else you forgot to pack. We picked up a few things here including our power adapter!

Is Traveling to Dubai Safe?

This trip was truly a cultural experience for us and we have learned so much!

Much of what American media talks about in the the Middle East is very exaggerated and some of it is false. The media actually makes money off division (think about that). We felt completely safe over there! Dubai is the 7th safest city in the world and did you know Abu Dhabi has virtually no crime, no unemployment and no homelessness?

We felt safer there than we did to our trip to New York City. The people over there love Americans and they love tourists. They don’t actually need the tourists for income, they just love the people.

Making the Journey to Dubai

Planning a cruise to Dubai? Look no further than Costa Toscana, Costa Cruises’ flagship ship! With flights from various locations and ports around the world, you can make your way to this exotic destination with ease.

Flying into Dubai International Airport is the most convenient option, but other nearby airports are also available. You can also take a ferry from Abu Dhabi or Muscat to reach the port. Once you arrive in Dubai, you’ll be ready to begin your cruise aboard this magnificent vessel.

The Costa Toscana offers a variety of cabins, ranging from budget options to luxurious suites. No matter what your budget is, you will be able to find something that fits your needs. Plus, all passengers will enjoy the same onboard experience and amenities, such as a range of dining options and entertainment.

From the moment you step on board the Costa Toscana, you’ll know that you’ve chosen the right cruise for your journey to Dubai. And with its many ports of call in the UAE and surrounding areas, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience. So don’t wait any longer — book your cruise on the Costa Toscana today!

What are the Port Options?

The ports of call during your cruise aboard the Costa Toscana will give you a chance to explore the stunning beauty of the UAE and its neighboring countries. From Dubai, you’ll have the chance to visit Muscat in Oman, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. In Muscat, you’ll be able to sample the local cuisine, while in Abu Dhabi, you’ll be able to explore the glitz and glamour of a modern Arabian mecca. Finally, in Qatar, you’ll be able to admire the local architecture and venture into the majestic deserts.

No matter where you visit, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and take it all in. You can easily customize your holiday to make it truly unique. From shopping trips to cultural tours, there are plenty of options available that can help make your journey special.

So if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, why not join us on a cruise aboard the Costa Toscana? With tantalizing ports of call and plenty of activities to keep you entertained onboard, it’s sure to be an unforgettable voyage! make sure you subscribe to our newsletter and Follow us on Facebook as we plan on going into detail on each port. So you won’t want to miss those up coming blog posts!

Cruising Dubai’s Coastline

Experience the beauty of the United Arab Emirates and Dubai by taking a cruise on the Costa Toscana. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner cruise or an action-packed all-day excursion, you’ll find it on board. Enjoy the stunning sights of Dubai’s skyline and coastline as you glide along the shore.

Take in the graceful architecture of some of Dubai’s most iconic buildings, including the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure. Then head to Palm Jumeirah, where you can take in stunning views of its artificial islands and resorts .

With over 400 miles of coastline to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do while cruising along the Arabian Sea. Experience all that the UAE has to offer with stops at some of its most popular ports, such as Abu Dhabi and Muscat. Or take an extended cruise and make stops at lesser-known ports like Doha, Oman.

No matter where your cruise takes you, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. Enjoy all that Dubai has to offer from the comfort of your own private cabin aboard the Costa Toscana. So grab your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Making the Most of Your Time in Dubai

Once you’ve reached the seaside city of Dubai, you’ll be eager to make the most of your time there. From shopping and sightseeing to taking part in thrilling desert activities, there is plenty to do during your visit.

To get the full Dubai experience, why not explore the city’s markets? The Gold Souk is a great place to find all sorts of jewellery and souvenirs, while the Spice Souk provides an aromatic and vibrant atmosphere.

If you’re ready to take on the desert, you can take part in a range of activities such as camel rides, sandboarding, and dune bashing. Or why not take a hot air balloon tour and watch the sunset over the golden dunes? You can even get up close and and personal with a falcon!

If you’re looking for something more relaxed, there are plenty of beaches and parks to explore. Take a dip in the sea or just enjoy some sunbathing while taking in the stunning scenery.

No matter how you choose to spend your time in Dubai, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience. So make sure to make the most of it during your Costa Toscana cruise!

We will writing a more in-depth article on Dubai so make sure to check it out.

Weather in Dubai

Dubai has 4 seasons. The temperature in the summer averages in the mid 90’s and the humidity can make seem hotter. The best time to cruise from Dubai is the winter. The average temperature in the winter is in the low 70’s and the overnight lows around the mid 50’s. Perfect weather for exploring all Dubai has to offer. Of course weather is unpredictable so check about 10 days before you plan to leave to get a more accurate forecast.

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Costa Toscana

Cruise line Costa Cruises

• Savona (Italy Riviera)
• Barcelona (Spain)
• Marseille (France Riviera)
• Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy)
• Palermo (Sicily Italy)

Costa Toscana current position

Costa Toscana current location is at West Mediterranean (coordinates 38.34328 N / 12.46827 E) cruising at speed of 15.6 kn (29 km/h | 18 mph) en route to ITPMO-PALERMO. The AIS position was reported 1 minute ago.

Current itinerary of Costa Toscana

Costa Toscana current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Mediterranean From Palermo . Prices start from USD 929 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 30 May, 2024 and ends on 06 Jun, 2024 .

Specifications of Costa Toscana

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Costa Toscana Itineraries

Costa toscana review, review of costa toscana.

The 2021-built Costa Toscana cruise ship is from the new Helios-class vessels ordered by Carnival Corporation . The ship order agreement with Meyer Werft was signed in July 2015 and included the construction of all 4 new cruise ships . The contract was finalized in April 2016. Of these 4 vessels, 2 are for Costa Cruises and the other 2 for AIDA Cruises (Carnival's German brand). Other Excellence-Class liners (Costa Toscana's sisterships) are Costa Smeralda (2019), Carnival Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Celebration (2022), Carnival Jubilee (2023), P&O Iona (2020), P&O Arvia (2022), AIDAnova (2018), AIDAcosma (2021).

The vessel (IMO number 9781891) is currently Italy- flagged (MMSI 247431200) and registered in Genoa .

History - construction and ownership

Costa Cruises is a Genoa -headquartered subsidiary company owned by Carnival Corporation . Costa is Europe's second-largest cruise line (after MSC ) with year-round operations in the Mediterranean. Costa was founded in 1854 as a cargo shipping company. It started passenger shipping services in 1947, with regular Transatlantic crossings between Europe (Italy) and South America. In 2000, Costa Cruises was acquired by Carnival Corporation (shipowner).

The new Costa ships were scheduled for delivery in 2019 (Smeralda) and 2021 (Toscana). Costa cruise liners were built in Turku Finland , AIDA's - in Papenburg Germany . Each unit has GT-tonnage of 183,000 tons, 2600+ cabins, double-occupancy passenger capacity 5200+ (max 6600), crew capacity ~1700.

Ship's design features more efficient use of both indoor and open-deck spaces, with several multi-functional areas. Deck 16 is the activity deck with a water slide, water park, high rope garden, mini-golf. The pool deck is covered with a retractable glass roof. The Beach Club (adults only complex) is beneath the glass roof and features an activity area with 2 waterslides, a rock climbing wall, sports deck area. This deck also has a giant LED wall for movies and other outdoor video entertainment. The ship has dedicated club lounges for teens and kids, including for toddlers.

The panoramic glass elevators also connect the outdoor areas. There is a 45-m above water level located glass-bottomed skywalk, huge wellness complex (Organic Spa and Fitness), a plaza with numerous bars and shops, Atrium Lobby lounge (meeting place with a stage for street performers), large-capacity Theater (show lounge).

The new liners for Costa and AIDA are the industry's first fully LNG-powered cruise vessels, generating all of the onboard and propulsion power from LNG (abbrev Liquefied Natural Gas) - both in ports and at sea. With the new vessels, Costa Group had a fleet of 7 ships on order . This brand new fleet has a total capacity of 41,000 berths. In comparison, the combined total capacity of Costa's fleet is 110,000 berths.

The 4-vessel contract was part of a previously announced larger shipbuilding order with Fincantieri (Italy) and Meyer Werft for all 9 new vessels with scheduled deliveries between 2019 and 2022.

Managed by Costa Group, the Costa and AIDA combined fleet is Europe's largest. In 2014, one out of every two cruise ship tourists in Europe sailed on either AIDA or Costa ship. In 2015, Costa Group had 20 offices in 14 countries, around 27,000 shipboard employees and total passenger capacity of over 68,000 berths (across the combined fleet). Costa Group also is the leader of China's rapidly growing cruise market in Asia.

Besides the ship's staff and crew, Costa cruise passengers are also served by Peper robots - the latest cyborg technology implemented fleetwide in 2016. These humanoid robots greet and guide passengers upon embarkation. They also assist them throughout the cruise by providing information and tips on onboard dining, entertainment, enrichment program (workshops, pre-scheduled events), casino and shopping promotions, shore excursions and tours. Pepper robots are mobile and communicate in 3 languages (English, German, Italian). They can also interpret human emotions by analyzing voice tones and facial expressions.

Decks and Cabins

Costa Toscana staterooms (2663 total, 1550 balconied) were designed by Dordoni Architetti and decorated depending on deck/city theme. For all passenger cabins were contracted Italian companies to provide their furniture (Molteni&C, Roda), matrasses (Dorelan), lighting (Flos), fabrics and upholstery (Dedar Milano, Rubelli). Among the Italian suppliers are also the brands Kartell (tables, chairs, furnishing accessories), Poltrona Frau (sofas, chairs, armchairs, tables, side tables), Alessi (kitchen accessories).

All Costa Toscana cabins offer as standard amenities sleeping area (twin beds convertible to Queen-size, bedside tables, reading lamps), lounge/living area (sofabed, ottoman seat/couch, low/coffee table, mirrored vanity table/desk with chair, sliding wardrobe/closet with drawers and hangers), smart HDTV (infotainment system, satellite reception, Internet, on-demand movies), direct-dial phone, electronic safe box (in the closet), hairdryer, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower cubicle), mini-bar/fridge, individual air-conditioning, complimentary 24-hour room service, complimentary in-cabin Continental breakfast. Most staterooms are equipped with single/double sofabed or Pullman/bunk beds for 3rd/4th person.

The largest are category GS-Grand Suites (350 ft2 / 33 m2 plus 100 ft2 / 9 m2 terrace), each with dressing room, large bathroom (whirlpool bathtub, shower, WC/bidet), larger living area sectional double sofabed). Standard Suites are smaller-sized (290 ft2 / 27 m2 plus 55 ft2 / 5 m2 balcony). Terrace Suite (a new for Costa cabin category) are 205 ft2 / 19 m2 with a large-sized (8 m2) step-out balcony.

The boat has 20 decks , of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 11 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Dining onboard Costa Toscana includes 16 different options (11 venues), 19 bar venues/lounges, 4 main dining room restaurants /MDRs (Arleccchino, Il Meneghino, Il Rugantino, La Colombina), 2 buffet-style eateries, 5 food courts. The ship's 3 specialty restaurants (at extra charge) are Pizzeria Pummid'oro (Italian-style), Teppanyaki (Japanese food) and Laboratorio Del Gusto (where passengers can create their own food). Costa Club Perla Diamante level (loyalty program members) enjoy complimentary the exclusive Bellavista Restaurant, while Suite passengers can dine at their exclusive Panorama Restaurant.

Costa Toscana's Main Restaurants (waiter-served and complimentary) include L'Argentario, Le Anfore, three aft MDRs/Main Dining Rooms (L'Oliveto on deck 5, La Maremma on deck 6, and II Vigneto Osteria Buffet on deck 7) and two exclusive restaurants (Bellavista and Archipelago).

Follows the complete list of Costa Toscana's dining venues (restaurants and food bars).

• Teppanyaki Restaurant (at extra cost) is decorated in an Oriental style. Here can be ordered Japanese seafood specialties (sushi, sashimi, etc). The restaurant's tables are arranged around a large cooking table where the chefs prepare each meal at a time.
• Buffet / Self-Service Restaurant (Ristorante Buffet La Sagra dei Sapori) offers light snacks and full lunches, as well as quick dinner meals. La Sagra dei Sapori Restaurant provides scenic ocean views and menus including a variety of dishes (vegetarian, salads, fish, meat, pasta), delicious desserts and kids-menu options.
• Classic Restaurant (MDR) offers typical Italian or international freshly-prepared breakfasts. At dinner are offered some of the best-known Italian dishes, including cappelletti with braised meat, fillet of beef alla Rossini, Sardinian fregola with fresh vegetables, plus gourmet dishes from the seaports along the cruise itinerary. The most popular Italian dishes are at extra charge - like Cotoletta (veal breaded cutlet) or onboard-made Mozzarella (cheese from buffalo milk).
• Ristorante Tutti a Tavola is a family restaurant with live entertainment and fun activities.
• Pizzeria Pummid'oro's menu has 14 pizzas (by the slice) - from Margherita, Four Seasons, Calzone, and Napoli, to the gourmet cheese focaccia from Liguria, plus excellent draft beers and wines (by the glass) and a selection of desserts. Pizzeria's food is prepared with simple and natural ingredients, including extra virgin olive oil and fresh-made mozzarella cheese.
• Laboratorio Del Gusto (Taste Lab/Food Lab Restaurant) offers various made-your-own dinner options.
• The Salty Beach Street Food
• Ristorante Bellavista is an exclusive restaurant for Costa Club Perla Diamante-level passengers.
• Ristorante Archipelago is an exclusive suite-only restaurant.

Introduced in 2021, "Destination Dishes" are complimentary and available at the MDR's/main dining rooms fleetwide. They are based on individual recipes designed by a "celebrity chef trio" (Bruno Barbieri/Italian, Helene Darroze/French, Angel Leon/Spanish) and interpret the traditional food of the destinations to be visiting by the ship on the following day of the voyage.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Costa Toscana ship's entertainment options include Liquid Entertainment (live music, dancing, thrilling shows and other live performances at venues like Colosseum and Piazza Trastevere (bow-located). Piazza Grande Bellezza is a midship-located amphitheater/show lounge for live performances, while Piazza Ravello is an open space with a bar lounge area (with live music and served by Spritz Bar). Live entertainment (DJs and pianists) can be also found throughout the restaurants. Fun street performances are held in several public areas. Ship's best spots for evening entertainment are Casino Laguna (gaming lounge with bar) and Quelli Della Notte (piano bar).

The boat's wellness complex includes a large Fitness Center/Gym, and the Samsara Spa (beauty salon, thalassotherapy pool, sauna, salt room, snow room, relaxation room, Turkish Bath/hammam, treatment rooms for massages).

The cruise liner Toscana has 4x swimming pools - La Spiaggia (central/glass roof covered), Settimo Cielo (outside, with a swimming lane), 2 kids pools, plus 9x large Jacuzzies/outdoor hot tubs. Children also benefit from the Aqua Park and La Sala Giochi (teens-only interactive game room). Younger children can play at Luna Park. The CoDe Museum on Costa Toscana is the fleet's second (after Smeralda) Italian design-themed museum. The Trastevere (deck 8 forward) is a Mediterranean marketplace-style complex lined up with shops and bars (also representing the premium brands Ferrari, Illy, Campari).

Follows the complete list of Costa Toscana lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Teatro Sanremo (Theater Lounge, Grand Theatre) is offered a different Broadway-style show production each night, with professional performances by national and international artists (singers, dancers, acrobats, magicians, stand-up comedians). Talent shows allow passengers to become a star performing on stage.
• Liquid Entertainment programming features live music and shows, dancing and other performances at the Colosseum and Piazza Trastevere. Colosseo is a 3-deck-high, midship-located show lounge (on 3 levels) featuring large LED screens mounted on its walls and dome. The large screens display also ship's current cruise itinerary (as call ports and land tours) via themed videos.
• Piazza Grande Bellezza (amphitheater)
• Piazza Ravello (open space with a bar lounge area, live music, Spritz Bar)
• CoDe Museum showcases the best of the Italian design companies.
• Amarillo Ice Cream Shop & Chocolate Bar uses Agrimontana-based flavorings to prepare creamy Italian gelato (frozen desserts) and Italian confectionery made from Gobino chocolate and Biasetto (pastry shop) sweets.
• At the Teen Club (ages 12 to 17) teenagers are divided into 2 age groups - Teen Club Junior (12-14-year-olds) and Teen Club (15-17-year-olds). Among the most popular events are sports tournaments, disco and game competitions, themed dinners, open-deck pool parties, dance and music classes.
• The Beach Club (adults-only complex) is beneath the glass roof and has an activity area with 2 waterslides, rock climbing wall, sports deck area and outdoor theater with a giant LED wall for movies and other media).
• La Sala Giochi is an interactive game room for teens.
• Luna Park is an outdoor playground for kids.
• Aqua Park Toscana (outdoor park with water slides)
• The ship's 4 swimming pools are named La Spiaggia (midship, glass roof covered), Settimo Cielo (with a swimming lane, and is served by Bar Settimo Cielo / Seventh Heaven Bar), plus 2 kids pools.
• Sun Deck Private 19 is an adults-only sundeck area with swimming pools and jacuzzi.
• Passeggiata Volare (Fly Walk) is a Skywalk - glass-bottomed walkway located 65 m / 213 ft above sea level
• Campo da Gioco (Sports Court) is an outdoor playground for playing basketball/volleyball.
• Palestra Virtus (Gymnasium / Fitness Center) is fitted with the latest Technogym equipment.
• Centro Benessere Samsara (SPA & Massage) is the ship's wellness complex consisting of Venus Beauty Salon, thalassotherapy pool, sauna room, 16 treatment rooms (thermal massage, stone massage, Lime & Ginger massage).
• Trastevere is a marketplace-like string of shops and bars on deck 8. Shopping options also include Costa Boutique (branded merchandise) and Shop II Mercatino.
• Photo Shop, Area Foto (Photo Gallery and Shop)
• Lungomare Riviera (Promenade Deck)
• Piazza di Spagna
• Nutella Cafe
• Aperol Spritz Bar
• Quelli Della Notte (Piano Bar / Jazz Club)
• II cielo in una stanza (Piano Bar)
• Grand Bar Mastroianni
• Terazza e Bar Superba (outdoor bar lounge)
• Bar Orizzonte (Horizon Bar)
• Spazio Bollicine
• Bar II mattino
• Bar II Sole
• Bar Maranello
• Bar La Cascata
• Casino & Bar Laguna, Disco Nightclub

The Galleria Shops is a 2-deck-high, 5500-m2/59200-ft2 sized retail shopping complex via partnership with Starboard Cruise Services. The "mall" groups a total of 13 boutique stores selling ultra-premium global brands specializing in designer clothing (also by Louis Vuitton and Chanel), shoes, fashion accessories, handbags and scarves, watches (also Olivia Burton London), jewelry (including Diamanti per Tutti and Little Switzerland's Engrace Diamonds), beauty and lifestyle products. Professional personalized services are provided by dedicated Retail Concierges (introduced on Costa Smeralda in 2020).

Smoking on Costa Toscana is allowed at the open-air spaces on decks 7 (Montepulciano), 8 (Bolgheri), 17 (Montecatini Terme), 18 (Viareggio), 19 (Pietrasanta) and 20 (Forte dei Marmi).

Itineraries

Costa Toscana itinerary program was announced in late-October 2020. The 14-day Inaugural Cruise was originally planned to leave from Hamburg  on June 28, 2021, and end in Savona . However, due to delayed delivery, the vessel's launch/inauguration was postponed - first to 2021 (December) then to 2022 (March).

Costa Toscana had to start operations on December 4, 2021, with a "super mini-season" (Dec 4 through 16) in the Western Mediterranean, based on 6-7-day itineraries (leaving roundtrip from Savona, Barcelona and Civitavecchia-Rome) followed by the 2021-2022 winter season in South America/Brazil (December 26, 2021, through April 10, 2022). However, these plans were canceled, the Maiden Voyage was rescheduled for March 5 (Savona roundtrip) and the South American season - for winter 2022-2023 (Dec 16 thru April 16).

• Toscana's Mediterranean program is based on 7-day roundtrips from four homeports (Savona, Civitavecchia-Rome, Valencia, Marseille) additionally visiting Palermo (Sicily Italy) or Naples with Ibiza Island (Balearic Spain).
• Toscana's Brazil program is based on 7-day roundtrips from Santos-Sao Paulo visiting Salvador de Bahia and Ilheus .
• Note: Toscana's originally scheduled 2021-2022 program (December-March) was allocated to Costa Luminosa , which Mediterranean schedule was canceled due to Israel's travel restrictions.

Seasonally (when changes deployment regions) the ship operates Transatlantic crossings between Europe and South America or Suez Canal transits between the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf (RrepositionCruises.com).

In winter 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 (December thru March), Costa Toscana is deployed in the Arabian Sea for 7-day voyages available with a “flight+cruise” package. The week-long fly-cruise itinerary (roundtrips from Dubai and Abu Dhabi ) visits the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Qatar ( Doha ) and Oman ( Muscat ), with a 2-day/1-overnight stay in the UAE homeports.

Costa Toscana - user reviews and comments

Photos of costa toscana.

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Costa Toscana Wiki

On July 30, 2019, at Meyer Turku Shipyard (in Turku, Finland) was held the vessel's steel-cutting ceremony. The vessel (yard number/hull 1395) was launched (floated out from drydock) on January 14, 2021. The ship was delivered in December 2021 (postponed from June due to the pandemic). The sistership Costa Smeralda was delivered in December 2019. The vessel's max draught is 8,6 m (28 ft). Its service/cruising speed is 17 knots (32 kph / 20 mph).

Baltic Sea trials started on October 11, 2021. The delivery ceremony (held on December 2, 2021) was attended by Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku's CEO) and Mario Zanetti (Costa Cruises' President).

For Toscana ship's steel-cutting was used for the first time a new plasma cutter/panel line part of Meyer Werft's EUR 100+ million investments inside Perno yard's steel halls. For both liners, the German shipbuilder contracted ALMACO Group to supply all staterooms (pre-fabricated passengers and crew cabins), wet units, provision stores, also the galley/kitchen equipment.

Costa Toscana's hull assembly started on February 11, 2020, at Meyer Turku Shipyard's drydock hall. The special keel-laying ceremony was attended by Neil Palomba (Costa Cruises' President) and Jan Meyer (Meyer Turku Oy's CEO). The ceremony's Godmother was Minna Arve (Turku City's Mayor). Hull's first pre-assembled section was the 100-meter-long FERU (engine room unit). Traditionally, under the vessel's first hull block were placed coins for good luck.

The new Costa liner is named after Tuscany (Toscana) - a 23,000 km2 (8,900 ml2) sized region in central Italy with population around 4 million and capital city Florence (after which is named the fleetmate Costa Firenze ). Tuscany's Etruscan Coast (Costa degli Etruschi) is best-known for its white-sand beaches, the list of which includes Rosignano Solvay San Vincenzo, Lido di San Vincenzo. Other large beaches are Portoferraio 's Spiaggia di Sansone (on Elba Island), Versilia's La Lecciona (Viareggio) and Marina di Pietrasanta (Pietrasanta), Marina di Vecchiano's Spiaggia del Gombo, Scarlino's Cala Violina, Porto Santo Stefano's Cala del Gesso, Poggio Pertuso's La Feniglia, Monte Argentario's La Cacciarella.

Like most large -sized newbuilds , the Costa ship Toscana is LNG-powered , with 4x Caterpillar Marine LNG engines (model MaK 16M-46DF) generating combined output 57,2 MW. The propulsion system is based on two Azimuting thrusters (combined power output 37 MW). The ship has 3x LNG tanks (cryogenic steel) with total capacity ~3200 m3. Two of the tanks are larger (length 35 m, diameter 8 m, LNG capacity 1525 m3), while the 3rd tank has length 28 m, diameter 5 m and capacity 520 m3.

The ship's christening ceremony was on June 14, 2022, held dockside at Port Barcelona. The naming event was attended by the godmother Chanel Terrero Martínez (1991-born Cuban-Spanish singer, dancer and actress), Captain Pietro Sinisi (the ship's Master), Mario Zanetti (Costa's President), as well as the Spanish celebrities Carlos Javier Sobera Pardo (actor and TV presenter), Flora González Lopez (journalist and TV presenter), Angel Leon (seafood chef). The event featured a live performance by the Italian electric violinist Andrea Casta.

ChocoCruise 2023

Via an exclusive partnership with Barry Callebaut Group (1996-founded, Zurich Switzerland-based producer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa) Costa planned the pastry-themed 'ChocoCruise - Explore the World of Chocolate' for the Toscana ship.

The 7-day Mediterranean cruise (itinerary November 17-24, 2023/roundtrip from Genoa) visited Marseille, Barcelona, Cagliari Sardinia, Naples, and Civitavecchia-Rome.

This special voyage was attended by five world-class master pastry chefs, all of whom are members of the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy and are Barry Callebaut's Ambassadors. The five pastry masters on "ChocoCruise 2023" - Alberto Simionato (Italy), Joel Perriard (Switzerland), Philippe Bertrand (France), Ramon Morato (Spain), and Alexandre Bourdeaux (Belgium), were joined by Riccardo Bellaera (Costa's Corporate Pastry Chef & Baker).

The chocolate-themed onboard experiences had planned meetings and cooking shows conducted by the guest chefs and Riccardo Bellaera, where they share professional stories and kitchen secrets, and demonstrate the professional preparation of the chocolate dish of the day.

In the Lab (ship's galley laboratory), passengers had the opportunity to attend chocolate-themed workshops and tastings of the chefs' signature dishes.

Additionally, two Italian master bartenders (both Bacardi's Europe Cruise Brand Ambassadors) presented exclusive cocktails with chocolate as one of the ingredients.

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2022

Costa Toscana was scheduled to enter service in 2021 - first on June 28 (repositioning from Hamburg to Savona) then on December 4 (7-day roundtrip from Savona). The liner's inauguration was also originally planned to be in Brazil as part of the maiden South America 2021-2022 winter season. Costa decided to start Toscana with a "super mini-season" (December 4 through 16) in the Western Mediterranean, based on 6-7-day itineraries leaving roundtrip from Savona, Barcelona and Civitavecchia-Rome.

Followed the 2021-2022 winter season in Brazil (December 26, 2022, through April 10, 2023), with the inaugural South America (New Year's Eve) voyage departing roundtrip from Santos on Dec 26. The winter program was based on 7-day Santos roundtrips visiting Salvador de Bahia and Ilheus.

(inaugural South America cruise 2021/canceled) 7-day Brazil roundtrip from Santos. Excluding the New Year's Cruise (EUR 1270 / USD 1550 pp), general prices started from EUR 990 (USD 1210) per person with double occupancy.

In 2022, the eastbound Transatlantic crossing (repositioning from Brazil to Europe/Italy) was scheduled to depart from Santos on April 17, 2022.

However, due to delayed delivery, both programs were scrapped and the Maiden Voyage was rescheduled for March 5, 2022.

(Inaugural Cruise 2022) 7-day Mediterranean itinerary roundtrip from Savona

Inaugural 7-day Mediterranean itinerary with Ibiza and Naples

The itinerary program allowed embarkation in all of the above ports (excluding Palermo and Palma) and ended with the westbound Transatlantic crossing from Europe to South America.

(2022) 19-day Transatlantic from Savona to Santos

The only cruise blog for the Middle East and South Africa

Costa Toscana arrives in Dubai for first-ever Middle East cruise season

Costa Toscana has debuted in the Middle East, arriving at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal for the first time Friday to commence her Arabian Gulf cruise season, sailing roundtrip from Dubai .

Costa Toscana is one of the largest and newest cruise ships homeporting in Dubai this season. She was delivered last March and is built on the same platform as AIDAcosma, which is also cruising roundtrip from Dubai this season .

The two vessels are owned by separate cruise lines, but Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises are part of the Carnival Corporation group, which owns nine cruise brands and is a joint owner of the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal, its exclusive regional hub .

Costa Toscana

“We are delighted to welcome our second LNG powered cruise ship for the season with the arrival of Costa Toscana,” said Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer, Shamal Holdings, Carnival’s regional partner.

 “Dubai is a city where cruise ships play a crucial role in boosting the overall tourism strategy [as they]provide distinct choices to experience the city from a unique perspective,” he added.

Costa Toscana will cruise roundtrip from Dubai on 3-night, 4-night, and week-long itineraries throughout the 2022/23 winter cruise season, sailing 13 voyages, from December 17th, 2022, to March 11th, 2023.

“Last year, we had a great season home-porting at Dubai Harbour with Costa Firenze,” said Francesco Raffa, Director of Asia Region, Growth Markets and North America Costa Cruises. “We are elated to be back this time with our new flagship of the fleet, Costa Toscana, our most technological and sustainable ship to date.”

“We are grateful for the support we continue to receive each year from Dubai Harbour’s extraordinary location, facilities and employees,” he added, describing Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal as state-of-the-art.

To mark her debut arrival in the city, Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal Management along with public and private sector stakeholders exchanged plaques with the Captain of Costa Toscana in line with maritime tradition.

AIDAcosma, a sister ship to Costa Toscana, arrives at Dubai Harbour

Some 300,000 passengers are expected to pass through the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal this season, boarding Costa Toscana or AIDAcosma, or one of the several other Carnival Corporation-owned ships sailing from Dubai this season.

Queen Mary 2 of Cunard Line, for example, will cruise from Dubai early next year, along with Queen Victoria, while the luxury cruise line Seabourn will sail a grand voyage from the city aboard Seabourn Encore.

Then there are the many non-Carnival Corporation cruise line that will be sailing to and from Dubai during the current season, using the Dubai Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid down the coast, near the Creek.

MSC Cruises and TUI Cruises are homeporting throughout the season, MSC Cruises with the second-largest class of cruise ship in the world , while Virgin Voyages, Oceania, Silversea, Azamara and more are all scheduled to sail one-off and repeat cruises from the city.

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Categories: Middle East Cruise News , News

Tagged as: Arabian Gulf , Costa Cruises , Costa Toscana , Dubai , Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal , Middle East

Published by Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com. View all posts by Shaun Ebelthite

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Costa toscana – explore the middle east in style, enquire now.

Costa Toscana is a new flagship in the Costa Cruises fleet which has a capacity to carry 6,554 passengers and 1,646 crew members. The ship’s design is inspired by Italian art, culture and landscapes and is the third ship of the Costa Group fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Costa Toscana has over 2,600 cabins, each one more beautiful than the other! The ship has 20 decks which accommodates 11 restaurants and 19 themed bars. Shows and entertainment featuring international artists await you, as well as swimming pools with slides and water games for all ages, a state-of-the-art spa and gym, and much more.

Some of the ship’s highlights include an open-air balcony on the top deck which has a crystal floor where guests can experience the thrill of flying over sea. And there is a spectacular skywalk for guests to stroll on the sea, admiring views from a height of over 65 meters. The indoor swimming pool has salt water which includes a beach club to recreate the atmosphere of swimming in the ocean.

Costa Toscana will be cruising in the Mediterranean with seven-night cruises from dual home ports of Genoa & Rome (Italy) visiting the popular Mediterranean ports Marseille, Naples, Cagliari – Sardinia and Barcelona apart from Genoa and Rome. In the winter, she moves to Dubai offering 7night cruises to Abu Dhabi, Muscat & Doha.

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Celebrity ascent: the best dining, amenities and more on celebrity cruises' newest ship.

Top-notch eateries, adults-only areas and entertainment options stand out.

Celebrity Ascent Review

Megan duBois

Key Takeaways

• There are 32 different dining and drinking venues on board, from Le Voyage by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud to the line's iconic Martini Bar.
• The onboard entertainment is incredible. The "Awaken" show combines popular music with acrobatics and lasers, while Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night invites cruisers to don metallic or sequin outfits for a deck party under the stars. 
• The Solarium adults-only pool area is a relaxing spot with comfortable lounge chairs, a pool and hot tubs; head to Eden for delightful cocktails and optimal sunset views.

You can think of Celebrity Cruises as the more adult cousin of Royal Caribbean International – which makes sense, considering both cruise lines are owned by Royal Caribbean Group. With all of the recent buzz around both brands, I was excited to sail on Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, in its debut month. I embarked out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2023.

The 17-deck, 141,420-ton ship has 1,646 staterooms and can carry 3,260 guests at double occupancy. At 1,073 feet long and 128 feet wide, the ship has plenty of space for upscale amenities, edgy entertainment and incredible dining venues. The Edge Series ship also has more than 1,400 crew members who hail from 60 different countries around the world.

As an avid cruiser who has taken more than 50 ocean and river voyages on almost a dozen cruise lines, I found Celebrity Ascent lived up to the hype. The ship itself is stunning, and each area has a distinct vibe. I loved the ample amount of food and drink opportunities – there are 32 different venues – and the standout onboard entertainment was like nothing I had seen before on a cruise ship.

Find your perfect cruise

Celebrity Ascent itineraries

Celebrity Ascent sails around the Mediterranean and the Caribbean over the next few years. Summer 2024 brings Ascent to Mediterranean ports of call in Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. The Mediterranean season ends in October 2024, with a 13-night transatlantic sailing departing from Barcelona, Spain.

Late fall and winter sailings depart from Fort Lauderdale. The Caribbean season runs between November 2024 and April 2025. It includes seven- to nine-night voyages calling on ports like Aruba , Bonaire and Curacao ; Bimini, Bahamas ; Labadee, Haiti; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands ; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; and St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In late April 2025, it's back to the Mediterranean for the 2025 season between May and October. Ascent then returns to the Caribbean for sailings in late 2025; destinations include southern Caribbean locales, plus the Panama Canal and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Similar Caribbean sailings are also on sale for early 2026.

Who should sail on Celebrity Ascent?

Celebrity Ascent, like its Edge Series sister ships, caters to adults traveling together. The overall vibe of the ship is upscale and modern, with plenty of places to grab a drink, enjoy a meal and watch a show. Couples can enjoy an elevated date night in Le Grand Bistro, while the aptly named Sunset Bar – which overlooks the rear of the ship – is the spot to be with a cocktail in hand as the sun sets into the horizon. This bar was easily my favorite spot on board; I spent most afternoons here enjoying a cocktail.

The deck parties, of which Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night is the premier event, are a fun time – but they aren't so loud that guests can hear the bass thumping in the staterooms below. Shows at The Theatre are fully immersive, with incredible technology and great music that had me dancing in my seat.

If you are traveling with children, know that there aren't many places on board for kids to just hang out and be kids. The Camp at Sea kids club is crammed into a small area on Deck 3, away from the main Grand Plaza and The Martini Bar.

Cruises on Ascent can be expensive, but Celebrity often runs deals on sailings. Without any promotions, sailings around the Mediterranean in 2024 and 2025 may run between about $1,000 and $5,600 per person. In comparison, 2024 and 2025 Caribbean voyages may cost between about $2,000 and $4,400 per person before discounts. (Note: Cruise rates can change frequently, based on demand and availability.)

The stateroom

There are over two dozen different stateroom styles on Celebrity Ascent. The smallest (and usually cheapest) rooms are the Inside Staterooms, which offer between 181 and 202 square feet of space. For solo travelers, the Single Inside Staterooms offer the same amenities as a double occupancy room, but with a smaller 103-square-foot layout and no single supplement fee at booking.

Ocean View Staterooms are slightly larger, at 200 to 242 square feet. There are three different room styles; the main difference among them is the size of the window. Options range from small windows in the middle of the wall to large, floor-to-ceiling picture windows.

Ascent's balcony cabins are quite varied, but the majority are Infinite Veranda Staterooms, where the balcony is actually a uniquely designed window that can be opened to let the ocean breeze in. There is a set of glass doors that can be drawn to make this space more private, as well.

Concierge Staterooms allow guests access to a dedicated concierge staff and exclusive onboard events. AquaClass cabins all feature the infinite balcony design, plus unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite, complimentary dining at Blu restaurant, fitness classes and a spa concierge.

Celebrity Ascent's suites are all part of The Retreat, the line's ship-within-a-ship concept where cruisers have access to an exclusive restaurant, a sun deck with a pool, a lounge and a dedicated crew. Suites range in size and style, from smaller 319-square-foot studios to massive two-bedroom suites offering more than 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

When I sailed on Celebrity Ascent, I stayed in an AquaClass stateroom. The main living space had a king-size bed, which was cozy after long days of exploring the ship and nights spent on the dance floor. I found the cabin's couch a bit uncomfortable, but there was plenty of storage space in the large closet and drawers. Conveniently, the bed was high enough to fit my suitcases under.

Because this was my first time in an Infinite Veranda room, I was interested to see how the balcony actually worked. After pressing a button for the window to roll down, my room instantly filled with humid air – not the sea breeze I was expecting. The air conditioner also turns off when the window is down, so it takes a long time for the room to cool off again. I only opened the window once because of this. For me, the extra veranda space served as more of a sitting area to take in the views than a spot to enjoy the ocean breeze.

My stateroom's bathroom was spacious, with a larger-than-usual standup rain shower. I also loved the eco-friendly bath amenities, which smelled divine. I used the in-room bathrobes and slippers every day of the cruise.

I loved that my AquaClass stateroom came with some amenities that are not included in other Infinite Veranda rooms. There were two yoga mats, two bottles of water that were refreshed daily, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, an umbrella, binoculars, complimentary shoeshine service and a pillow menu. AquaClass guests also have unlimited access to the spa's thermal suite, complimentary fitness classes and a dedicated spa concierge. I went to the thermal suite daily to enjoy the heated loungers and steam rooms.

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Best amenities on Celebrity Ascent

On Celebrity Ascent, you'll never be bored. Over just a few days, I was able to participate in game shows and dance parties, sit back and enjoy live music, and spend some time by the pool. While I don't gamble, the casino always seemed to be full when I walked by, and someone was always cheering about hitting the jackpot.

For live entertainment, be sure to catch Flash Flair Fusion, the nightly bartending performance at the Martini Bar. Meanwhile, the Theatre hosted three main shows during my sailing: "Residency," "Awaken" and "Bridges." (Based on my experience, "Awaken" is the production to prioritize.)

Additionally, The Club hosts most of the ship's game shows and some smaller live music events. I loved hanging out at this venue; it was never overly packed with people, and the games were pure fun. I even got called up on stage to participate in one of the games and ended up winning a Celebrity Cruises-branded hat.

For some outdoor fun, hit the onboard pickleball court. Or, head to the Rooftop Garden, where float pools face the ocean and plenty of comfy seating awaits. I loved how lush this space felt, thanks to all of the live plants surrounding the seating areas. This is also the spot to catch movies at night.

If you're looking for an even more unique place to hang out, head to The Magic Carpet. This bright orange, glass-encased bar hangs out over the side of the ship and is the perfect spot for an after-dinner drink. The Magic Carpet can move up and down the side of the ship, docking at select decks for a set amount of time. I loved hanging here at night as the ship was pulling out of port to see the islands light up and watch other ships pass by.

When planning out your evenings, keep in mind that it can be a trek to get from one onboard activity to the next – especially when there is very little time between many of the major scheduled events. One night, I started in The Club to watch a game show, then immediately had to get to the Theatre. After the theater performance, I had to walk the entire length of the ship and take the stairs to get to the night show in Eden. Then, after Eden, it was time for the Shine the Night deck party. By the time I got back to my stateroom, I was exhausted.

Best dining venues on Celebrity Ascent

There are 32 different spots for food and drinks on Celebrity Ascent, including four main dining rooms; four casual complimentary eateries; eight specialty restaurants; 14 cafes, lounges and bars; and two exclusive venues.

Included with the base fare are meals at the four main dining rooms, all of which serve the same menus every day, plus a small exclusive menu that's tailored to the theme of each restaurant. (For example, if you're dining in Cyprus, there is a small list of Cyprus-exclusive dishes that highlight Mediterranean cuisine, while the Normandie restaurant serves up French favorites.)

Other restaurants included in the cruise rate are Eden Cafe & Bar, which serves light bites and sweets; Mast Grill, offering burgers and salads; and Oceanview Cafe, a buffet open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For an additional cost, head to specialty dining venues like the stunning Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, which is great for date night; Le Grand Bistro, a fun take on a classic French Bistro; or Eden Restaurant, which features an entirely plant-based menu.

My favorite specialty dining option – and overall favorite restaurant on the ship – was Raw on 5. It features stunning chilled seafood towers, fresh sashimi and hot dishes like fresh lobster and shrimp wontons. Each dish was prepared beautifully, the service was top-notch and our table next to the window offered great views.

However, one restaurant I would skip is Fine Cut Steakhouse. It is a pretty standard steakhouse, and nothing on the menu really stood out to me. The upscale ambiance was also diminished by music floating in from the nearby Grand Plaza and Martini Bar (think: everything from One Direction to Cher). While both artists are great to hear while sipping a martini in a public space, I don't want to hear them while dining at an expensive restaurant.

Best excursions on Celebrity Ascent

Travelers cruising to the Caribbean should book a beach outing. There are abundant excursion options in St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands . If you're into local brews, try the Small Group: Brewery & Beach Tour Philipsburg, St. Maarten .

On a past Mediterranean cruise, I explored both Florence and Pisa, Italy, while docked in the Italian city of Livorno. Celebrity offers a similar excursion aboard the Ascent. The day trip includes a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside; exploring Florence and seeing the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo; and a trip to Pisa to see the iconic learning tower. In Rome , consider doing an all-day tour where you can see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Square.

Regardless of where your cruise is headed, you may choose to explore ports on your own instead. If that's the case, be sure to give yourself enough time to get back to the ship. I always try to return at least an hour before the scheduled sail away time.

Overall impressions of Celebrity Ascent

When it comes to ships that cater to a mostly adult audience, Celebrity Ascent really has it all. From stunning common areas to incredible dining and entertainment, I was never bored on this ship. What I loved most was the wide range of entertainment, from pop-up music around the ship to full-blown experiences that need to be seen to be believed. The food on the ship is a step above most other major cruise lines, and the number of dining options is great, especially for longer sailings.

While I loved my room's location and amenities as a whole, I found the Infinite Veranda design to be a bit of a waste. When I did use it, my room got hot quickly and took a while to cool back down. I would consider booking a traditional veranda cabin next time, or a stateroom with a large picture window to save some money without sacrificing the ocean views.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Megan duBois has been covering travel, cruising and theme parks for over five years. She has taken more than 50 cruises, has traveled to four continents and more than 25 countries, and has visited a dozen theme parks around the world. Her work appears online and in print in major publications like U.S. News & World Report, Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes and more.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
• The Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean
• The Best Solo Cruises
• Cruise Packing List: The Essentials Chosen by Experts

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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