What First-Time Cruisers Need to Know Before Booking Costa Cruises

Thinking about your first Costa Cruise? Get ready for something a little different. Costa is Italian, part of Carnival Corporation, but it doesn’t run like American ships. From dining to entertainment, everything follows a European rhythm – slow, lively, and full of flavor. Knowing what to expect will make your first trip much smoother.

Your First Step on a Costa Cruise: Master the App Before you do anything, open the Costa App and check the daily newsletter. It’s your lifeline for show times, restaurant hours, theme nights, and excursions. Skipping it is the easiest way to miss out on the best experiences. Bookmark your favorites and plan each day.

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Why Costa Cruises Feels Different

Once you’re onboard, you’ll gradually notice the difference in experiences. It might feel unfamiliar at first, but understanding these differences helps you settle in and enjoy the cruise without surprises. Here are the key things to look out for.

European-style dining

🔹 Dinner is later than on US ships – expect a more relaxed schedule. 🔹 Snacks in the late afternoon are just that, not full meals. 🔹 Multi-course meals are normal if you want to try them, but you can keep it simple too.

Languages on Board

🔹 Announcements are made in several languages. 🔹 Menus, signs, and activities are translated (sometimes amusingly). 🔹 Dedicated English hosts are available to help you navigate everything.

Different Onboard Pace

🔹 Less rushing, more enjoying the moment. 🔹 Entertainment starts at different times, especially on port days. 🔹 The vibe is relaxed, social, and cultural – not American-style fast-paced cruising.

Drink & Water Policy on Costa Cruises

One of the biggest surprises for first-time Costa cruisers is how water and drinks are handled onboard. Unlike most American cruise lines, Costa doesn’t include water in your meals (except in very specific cases). Knowing the rules ahead of time will save you frustration and extra charges.

Free Water

🔹 Water dispensing machines are available at the buffet whenever it’s open – completely free. 🔹 At breakfast only, the Main Dining Room (MDR) serves water by the glass at no charge. 🔹 Coffee, tea, and juices are included at breakfast and buffet hours.

Paid Water & Drinks

🔹 Outside of buffet and breakfast, all water must be purchased by the glass or bottle. 🔹 This applies at bars, lunch, and dinner in the MDR, specialty restaurants, casual food outlets, and room service. 🔹 Tap water in your cabin is safe to drink, but bottled water must be purchased.

Drink Packages

🔹 The My Drinks Package covers some water, soft drinks, beer, wine, cocktails, and some specialty coffees. 🔹 The My Drinks Plus Package includes unlimited water by the bottle, premium wines and top-shelf drinks. 🔹 Water packages available 🔹 Packages are cheaper if purchased at booking rather than onboard.

First-time cruisers should strongly consider buying a drink package before sailing. It makes meals and snacks simpler and avoids constant surprises at the bar. Check inclusions online or contact Cruising Australia for details.

Dining on Costa Cruises

Dining is another aspect on Costa that is very different experience compared to American cruise lines. Meals follow European traditions; multi-course dinners are common, and not everything you might expect is included. Knowing what’s on offer, how it works, and what costs extra will make your first Costa cruise much more enjoyable.

Buffet Dining

🔹 Multiple buffets are available, especially on mega ships, open for breakfast and lunch. 🔹 Very popular – crowds are common, so try to go early or toward the end of service. 🔹 Wide selection of European and international dishes. 🔹 Pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs aren’t at the buffet, but you can buy them at other specialty venues.

Main Dining Room

🔹 Dinner can be either open seating (choose your time and table) or set times (arrive at your assigned slot). 🔹 Typical dinner is later than US cruises, usually around 7 or 9 PM. 🔹 Multi-course Italian meals are served: Antipasto → Primo → Secondo → Contorno → Dolce → Coffee/Digestivo.

Casual & Specialty Dining

🔹 Offers snacks and comfort food like burgers, focacce, and fries – these are extra, not included in your fare. 🔹 Specialty restaurants such as pizza or themed cuisine are also available for an additional charge 🔹 Hours vary by ship and day – check the Costa App or daily newsletter

Dining Tips for First-Time Cruisers

• Limited buffet hours – Buffets open for set meal periods and close in between, so it’s worth checking times in the app or daily planner.
• Late dinner culture – Dinner starts later than many English-speaking cruisers expect, and rushing it isn’t the norm.
• Flexible courses – You can skip courses, order just one dish, or have several. There’s no “right” way to order.
• Longer meal pace – Meals are designed to be relaxed and social, not fast. Expect dinner to take time.
• Ask for speed – If you want a quicker meal one night, tell your waiters early and they’ll happily adjust.

Cabins & Onboard Comforts

Your cabin is your home at sea, and Costa does things a bit differently to other cruise lines. Here’s what you need to know to stay comfortable and safe.

Kettles & Tea/Coffee

🔹 Costa does not provide kettles in cabins – they’re banned for safety reasons. 🔹 Don’t worry – room service can deliver a thermos of boiled water, along with cups, tea, and sugar. 🔹 Great for a late-night cuppa or whenever you want coffee or tea in your room.

Balcony Safety & Locking

🔹 Balcony doors are sliding and heavy – adults can manage them easily, but children need supervision. 🔹 Most doors have a primary lock at the handle and a secondary lock higher up – use both for extra safety. 🔹 Always watch children on balconies; never leave them unsupervised.

Smoking Rules

🔹 Smoking is allowed on balconies and in designated smoking areas only 🔹 Smoking inside cabins is strictly prohibited – substantial fines apply 🔹 Cigarettes are sold onboard, sometimes even by the carton 🔹 Smoking is not allowed on balconies or decks when the ship is refueling at port.

Entertainment, Theme Nights & Nightlife

Evenings on Costa Cruises have a very European feel. Things start calmly, build slowly, and then suddenly it’s late, loud, and full of energy. If you’re expecting early shows and an early night, Costa will surprise you – in a good way.

Live Shows & Performances

🔹 Main theatre has two showings most nights (early & later). 🔹 Shows mix music, dance, and visual entertainment. 🔹 Typical start times are about 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM.

Theme Nights & Parties

🔹 Expect White Night, Italian Night, and festive parties. 🔹 Dress up, mingle, and dance on deck or in lounges. 🔹 Dressing up is optional – you can fully enjoy theme nights in casual clothes if you prefer.

Nightlife & Dancing

🔹 DJs and clubs open late, often past 1 AM. 🔹 Dance floors are available on many ships for late-night fun. 🔹 Live music continues in lounges for relaxed evenings.

Costa Night Activities for All Ages

• Game Shows & Interactive Fun – Hosted entertainment with audience participation.
• Karaoke & Talent – Sing or watch performances in casual, friendly settings.
• The Voice at Sea – Participate or watch passenger singing contest shows.
• Casino & Gaming – Roulette, blackjack, and slot machines for adults.
• Piano Bars – Live piano music, perfect for relaxing evenings.
• Kids & Teens – Supervised programs with games, movies, and activities.
• Outdoor Pool Movies – Evening films under the stars on select ships, like Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana.
• Adult-Only Options – Lounges, clubs, and late-night activities for grown-ups.

Costa Cruises offers a unique, European-style cruise experience – from multi-course dining to lively theme nights and late-night entertainment. First-time cruisers may find some aspects surprising, but knowing what to expect makes the trip smooth and enjoyable.

If you’re thinking about booking a Costa cruise or want more personalized advice, give us a call – we can help you plan the perfect cruise experience.

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