---

March 28, 2024

It is with immense pleasure that I invite you to relive with me the thrilling moments of my extraordinary adventure aboard the majestic Costa Smeralda, from January 28th to February 3rd, 2024. Let’s embark on this 6-night, 7-day cruise, full of discoveries, intense emotions, and unforgettable memories.

The journey began in Marseille, with a warm welcome and early boarding at 11:30. We were immediately immersed in the enchanting atmosphere of Costa Smeralda, one of the last jewels in the Costa Cruises fleet. Respecting the environment with its liquefied natural gas propulsion, this giant of 337 meters in length, 42 meters in height, and a capacity of 6554 passengers truly represents luxury at sea.

The Mediterranean cruise, with stops in Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Palermo, and Civitavecchia, sparked general enthusiasm. For the sea day, we would have preferred a more balanced schedule of activities to avoid moments of monotony. Personally, however, it was my favorite time, offering me the opportunity to capture some photographic shots, explore the ship, and enjoy facilities like the gym, the spa, and the indoor jacuzzis.

Discovering iconic places like the Aperol Spritz Bar, the Ferrari Bar, and the Amarillo in Piazza Trastevere delighted our palate and proved to be perfect visual spots for Instagram lovers. Departing from Marseille at 6:00 PM, accompanied by Costa’s enveloping music, marked the beginning of our journey of discovery and adventures on the high seas with a splendid sunset. The following days were marked by beautiful stops, from the majestic Barcelona to the charm of Palma de Mallorca, and the exploration of the fascinating Palermo. Each descent was an opportunity for culinary discoveries, like the Jamon y Vino in Barcelona and the Brunchit in Palma de Mallorca.

Onboard, I dedicated the sea days entirely to moments of relaxation, visits to the various themed bars, to watching fascinating shows like “Smeralda” at the Colosseum, and to unforgettable gastronomic experiences at the Arlecchino and Pummi d’oro restaurants. The shows and entertainment at the Colosseum between decks 6, 7, and 8 offered thrilling moments with performances like “Duo Pure Love” and “Trilogy Smeralda”. Despite the quality of the shows, some seats had limited views, highlighting an opportunity for improvement. In any case, the main stage impressed with its exceptional performances and its innovative stage equipped with modern technology. The stage’s ability to lower for sets or artist entrances, even down to deck 3, was remarkable. At night, the ship continued to shine with a thousand lights with themed performances and celebrations.

The specialty restaurant Pummi d’oro (pizza) was a pleasant gastronomic surprise, offering delicious pizzas. The well-equipped pools were not very crowded due to cooler temperatures. Personally, I didn’t use them because the cold outside made this activity unattractive to me. Despite the ship being full, Costa’s crowd management was effective in avoiding any sense of oppression.

My interior cabin was quite comfortable. However, the absence of a minibar proved to be an inconvenience, especially for those with medications that require refrigeration, although assistance can be requested for this. Every day, a “Today on Board” (onboard newspaper) was carefully deposited, both on the door and on the bed, detailing the activities and shows onboard. However, the Costa Club policy, which excluded new members from the welcome cocktail, could benefit from a review to promote greater inclusivity onboard. Each awakening brought with it a new adventure, whether in Civitavecchia, where we preferred to explore the city, or on our return to Savona, which concluded our journey with precious moments and a last comfortable night on board.

This journey in the Mediterranean aboard Costa Smeralda turned out to be much more than just a cruise. It was an engaging experience, rich in emotions, discoveries, and encounters. Costa Smeralda managed to capture my heart, and this journey will remain impressed in my memory as an unforgettable adventure.

Thank you for following us on this extraordinary maritime adventure. I look forward to sharing new explorations with you.

Stay tuned for news, updates, and reviews of Costa Cruises on Cruising Journal with photos, videos, and cruises on offer.

Amandine Lojewski

Comments