Planning a family holiday can feel like a juggling act — finding something fun for the kids, relaxing for the parents, and affordable for everyone. That’s where Costa Cruises comes in.
With kids’ clubs, teen hangouts, family-friendly restaurants, and even water parks on board, there’s plenty to keep little (and not-so-little) ones happy. And the best part? Kids under 18 can cruise for free on many sailings — you just cover port taxes and extras.
So whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or a whole crew of cousins, Costa makes family cruising easy, fun, and budget-friendly.
Costa Cruises Family Deals
One of the biggest reasons families love Costa? The deals. Cruises can get pricey when you add kids into the mix, but Costa has some super family-friendly offers that make a big difference.
Kids Sail Free (Up to 18 Years Old)
Kids under 18 cruise for free when they share a cabin with two adults. You’ll only pay port taxes, plus any extras like flights, transfers, or insurance. This offer is available almost all year round (the only exceptions are New Year’s Eve sailings and World Cruises).
And if you book an All Inclusive or Super All Inclusive package, the kids’ drink and excursion packages are included too. Huge win for parents.
One Adult + One Child Discounts
Traveling solo with your kid? Costa’s got your back. If one adult shares a cabin with a child under 18, the child gets up to 50% off the adult cruise fare. You’ll still need to cover port taxes and extras, but it’s an excellent option for single parents or grandparents traveling with a grandchild.
Big Family Savings
Got two or three kids? Costa makes it easier by offering big discounts on extra cabins. For families with two adults and two or three children, you can book a second cabin (usually an inside cabin) at up to 50% off. Or, if you’d rather stick together, there are connecting cabins so everyone gets their own space. It’ll be much easier to gather the whole family for meals, shows, or morning swims without walking across the whole ship.
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Onboard Fun for Kids of All Ages
Costa Cruises really knows how to keep kids entertained — no matter their age. From tiny tots to teens, there’s something fun around every corner.
Babies & Toddlers (0–3 Years)
For the littlest cruisers, the Squok Baby Area is a colorful, safe space filled with sensory toys and activities. Parents can relax nearby while their little ones explore and play against the backdrop of endless sea views. On Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana, even kids up to 5 years old can join in the fun.
Kids Club (3–11 Years)
The legendary Squok Club is where the magic really happens. They have creative workshops, treasure hunts, themed parties, baby dancing, and interactive games — all supervised by fun, energetic staff. Costa even partners with Kinder to bring the “joy of moving” method to life, keeping kids active while developing their motor and cognitive skills. And don’t worry — Squok the half-shark, half-dolphin mascot is always there to welcome new friends!
Teens (12–17 Years)
Teens get their own space called the Teen Zone, where they can hang out, try new games, and make friends. There’s foosball, ping pong, team tournaments, arts and crafts, and even sports challenges. When the sun goes down, themed parties and mini discos keep the fun going. Honestly, it’s a place where teens feel like they’re on a holiday of their own — and they won’t want to leave!
Family Entertainment & Activities
Imagine a ship where every day feels like a mini adventure. Splashing in colorful pools, zooming down twisty water slides, joining hilarious shows, and diving into hands-on workshops — that’s everyday life on Costa Cruises. From toddlers discovering new games to teens racing through challenges, the ship is packed with fun for every age. Here’s what you can expect:
Aqua Parks & Pools
If your kids love water, you’re in luck. Costa ships have pools for every age, from splash zones for toddlers to adrenaline-pumping slides for the older ones. The Aqua Park has crazy curves and funnel-shaped pools that look terrifying (in a fun way) but are completely safe — and yes, parents can join the fun too if you’re feeling brave!
Cruise Tips:
Arrive early for a good lounge chair, especially on sunny days.
Slides and funnel pools are best for kids over 6; toddlers stick to splash areas.
Bring water shoes — decks can get slippery.
Fun Challenges & Shows
Costa runs daily entertainment like the Nutella Slide Contest, Bubble Show, and interactive family games. These are scheduled throughout the day, so it’s easy to plan around meals or excursions.
Cruise Tips:
Arrive 10–15 minutes early for popular shows to get a good spot, especially for the Bubble Show or Nutella Slide.
Some contests are age-specific, so make sure your child meets the requirements before joining.
Bring a small towel or extra clothes for messy events — some of the fun can get sticky!
Workshops & Hands-On Classes
Kids can get creative with arts and crafts, or join the “Little Chefs” cooking classes to make simple, fun recipes. Treasure hunts and interactive games are also organized around the ship, giving them chances to move, explore, and have fun.
Cruise tips:
Sign up early for cooking workshops; they fill quickly.
Bring an apron or clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy.
Check the ship app daily for age-specific activities.
Dress-Up & Photo Experiences
Kids can transform into pirates, princesses, or even ship captains for themed photo sessions. These experiences let them play dress-up while capturing fun holiday memories.
Cruise tips:
Book early or check the ship app — popular sessions fill quickly.
Some outfits are limited by size, so it helps to arrive a little early.
Bring a small prop or accessory from home if your child wants to add a personal touch.
Family Dining on Costa Cruises
Meals on Costa are designed to make life easier for families. The restaurants are welcoming, staff are attentive, and there are plenty of options for kids with different tastes and appetites.
Restaurants & Dining Options
Costa has a mix of buffet-style and main dining restaurants, plus some specialty venues.
Buffets are ideal if your kids are picky eaters or like to choose their own portions. They run breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can go at flexible times. Try to go early or a little later than peak hours to avoid crowds.
Main dining rooms offer multi-course meals in a more structured setting, with staff serving each course, giving families a proper sit-down dining experience without the stress of queues. You can let the staff know if you have dietary restrictions; they’re usually happy to adapt dishes for kids.
Specialty restaurants are worth booking for a treat night — some even have interactive chefs or themed evenings. On your first day, take a walk around the restaurants and chat with the staff. They often know when there are special menus or unique dishes during the cruise.
Kids Menus & Special Meals
All main dining areas and buffets provide kids menus, with familiar options like pasta, chicken, and fresh fruit.
Some ships offer themed nights where kids can enjoy dishes inspired by pirates or other fun concepts.
If your child wants an extra side or a favorite snack, just ask — the staff can usually make small adjustments, like extra sides or slightly different preparations, to match what your child likes.
Snacks & Casual Options
Poolside snack bars and cafés serve sandwiches, pizza, and ice cream throughout the day.
Check the daily schedule for ice cream times — these can get busy, so going a few minutes early helps.
Costa Excursions for Families
Costa Cruises offers plenty of shore experiences designed to keep kids entertained while letting adults enjoy the sights. There’s a mix of interactive, educational, and just-for-fun excursions so every family can find something that fits their style.
Fun for the Whole Family
Costa designs excursions that let kids and adults explore together, learn a bit, and have fun at the same time.
Barcelona: Beyond the Gothic Quarter treasure hunt, families can visit Parc Güell for colorful architecture, or do a bike tour along the beachfront — it’s active but kid-friendly. Don’t miss the Vicens nougat factory, where kids can taste samples and see how the sweets are made.
Genoa: Start at the Genoa Observatory to peek at the stars and planets, then follow it up with hands-on workshops or treasure hunts organized for young explorers.
Other Ports: Many cities have interactive cultural experiences, like chocolate or candy-making classes, short guided walks with games for kids, or even animal encounters. These let children be part of the adventure rather than just tagging along.
Teen & Older Kids Activities
Teens can enjoy excursions that are a bit more adventurous than the standard family tours. Some popular options include:
Water sports: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, or other mild adventure sports at beaches or calm bays.
Cultural scavenger hunts: Exploring historic streets, monuments, or markets with challenges that make sightseeing more engaging.
Active city tours: Bike tours, guided walks, or light hikes that cover more ground than younger kids could manage.
Hands-on workshops: Art, cooking, or science experiences designed for older kids, often with more independence than younger children get.
Cruise Excursion Tips
Book early: Popular family excursions can sell out, so reserve your spot via the Costa Shore Excursion Desk or the onboard app.
Avoid long lines: If going to the Shore Excursion Desk, aim for mid-morning or mid-afternoon, rather than just after embarkation.
Time it right: Morning tours are usually cooler and less crowded, especially in summer.
Pack smart: Bring hats, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and water.
Pick your battles: Not every excursion will entertain every age — choose ones that suit your kids’ interests to avoid frustration.
Mix it up: Combine cultural stops with fun experiences, like chocolate tastings or animal encounters, to keep everyone engaged.
Final Thoughts: What Families Are Saying About Costa Cruises
Families often highlight the value for money and the fun, lively atmosphere onboard. One reviewer noted, “Great cruise for families. We went on this cruise as a family of 3 with a 20-month-old and overall great experience.” (CruiseCritic)
Parents appreciate the kids sail free offers, discounted rates for solo-parent trips, and the convenient connecting cabins for larger families. The Squok Baby Areas, age-specific kids’ clubs, and teen zones are frequently mentioned as standout features.
However, some guests have pointed out areas for improvement. Issues such as language barriers, limited English-speaking staff, and occasional excursion cancellations have been noted. One traveler shared, “Just a heads-up for anyone planning to book shore excursions with Costa Cruises — especially if you’re an English-speaking guest. You might end up in a bilingual tour you didn’t sign up for, and still be charged the full price.” (TrustPilot)
In summary, Costa Cruises offers a vibrant and family-friendly experience with affordable options and a variety of activities for all ages. While there are occasional challenges, many families find the overall experience enjoyable and memorable.
