If you’re searching for a memorable voyage merging luxury, sustainability, and Italian charm, look no further than the Costa Toscana. For 70+ years, Costa Cruises has been at the forefront of the cruising world, offering exceptional experiences with a touch of Italian elegance. I had the pleasure of sailing on the Costa Toscana cruise ship, and it left an indelible mark on me.
From stunning decor to top-notch amenities and green initiatives, this ship epitomizes the future of cruising. Ready to learn more?
We were hosted by Costa Cruises to familiarize ourselves with their ship and features. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% ours and unbiased. WIMR regularly updates content to provide the latest and most accurate information for our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.
A Glimpse into Costa Cruises
Under the Carnival Corporation umbrella, Costa Cruises stands as an ambassador of Italian excellence. With 13 ships sailing routes from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Costa Cruises is renowned for its commitment to sustainability.
Two of their ships, including the Costa Toscana, are LNG-powered, significantly reducing harmful emissions. Each ship also adheres to the highest environmental standards, ensuring minimal ecological impact.
Welcome Aboard Costa Toscana
Costa’s newest addition, the Costa Toscana, has a capacity of 6,600 passengers and offers itineraries covering illustrious destinations like Rome, Naples, Valencia, Marseille, and Barcelona. The Costa Toscana celebrates Tuscany, with its design paying homage to everything “Made in Italy.”
The ship’s decks and central areas are named after Italian cultural landmarks, creating a unique ambiance.
Fun Fact: The Costa Toscana’s sister ship is the Costa Smeralda.
Sustainability at Sea
At its core, Costa Toscana is a traveling “smart city.” The ship’s LNG power drastically reduces emissions, while desalinators convert seawater to meet daily water needs. A smart energy efficiency system also curtails energy consumption, and 100% of waste onboard is sorted for recycling.
Sustainability isn’t just a box they tick; it’s embedded in Costa Toscana’s DNA.
Exploring the Ship’s Accommodation Options
The Costa Toscana offers five types of cabins: Interior, Sea View, Sea Balcony, Sea Terrace (with a terrace and veranda), and Suite, of which we viewed each one.
I stayed in a Sea Balcony room and was thrilled by its spacious bathroom and storage. The sliding balcony door was a game-changer for convenience and noise reduction.
For families or those seeking luxurious experiences, the Suite Is the perfect choice. It offers ample space, allowing you to separate the bedroom from the living area for added privacy. The inclusion of a private butler and whirlpool adds a touch of luxury to your stay.
The Sea Terrace room, with its veranda, is perfect for enjoying the outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
You can watch our walking tour of the Costa Toscana’s upper decks on Instagram here and here.
Poolside Paradise
Costa Toscana features 13 pools and hot tubs:
- Il Forte Beach with pools on both sides and a stage for entertainment.
- Versilia Beach offers plush cabanas and a laid-back vibe.
- Splash Aqua Park with water slides of varying heights.
My favorite spot? La Spiaggia Beach Club. It quickly became my go-to relaxation zone with a clear-sided pool, hot tubs, cool seating areas, and various dining options (Nutella crepes, gelato, or French fries with mayochup, please).
Spa and Wellness
Indulge yourself at Solemio Spa, which offers massages, facials, hair treatments, and more. The very impressive thermal suite, featuring heated chaise lounges, a sauna, steam room, thalassotherapy pool, salt room, and even a snow room, is a must-visit.
I think my mother spent more time in the thalassotherapy pool and snow room than anywhere else on the ship!
Shopping and Recreation
Shop till you drop at Piazza dei Miracoli, the onboard shopping hub featuring everything from souvenirs to high-end purses you might see in Las Vegas or Paris. There’s also a casino, sports complex, and a gym equipped with the latest Technogym equipment.
Outdoor Spaces and Unique Features
Quiet and luxurious lounge chairs await you on Deck 8 at the ship’s rear. Another highlight is the Volare Skywalk, a ramp offering panoramic sea views—ideal for watching sunsets.
Dining Delights
Embark on a culinary journey with Costa Toscana’s 11 diverse restaurants and 19 bars, each catering to a unique palate. Some are included in your cruise fare (like the elegant main dining room — ours was L’Oliveto), while others offer a premium experience for an extra fee.
Highlights include the Aperol Spritz Bar, a very Instagram-worthy spot, the innovative Heineken Star Club & Bistro, the luxurious Ferrari Spazio Bollicine, and the high-end Archipelago, where celebrity chefs’ creations await.
The Heineken Star Club & Bistro became my favorite dining spot with its cool concept and delicious food. We ate nearly all of our meals there. Pizzeria Pummid’Oro was a close runner-up with gourmet and authentic Italian pizzas.
Check out our full Costa cruise ships dining and restaurant guide here.
Entertainment Extravaganza
The heart of the Costa Toscana, the Colosseo, spans three decks and hosts live music, theater shows, and dance parties. TVs scattered throughout ensure you never miss a beat.
Piazza del Campo, a three-level area overlooking the ship’s wake, is a lively hub for games and parties. Activities like Bingo, karaoke, and trivia keep the fun going all day, but the ship truly comes alive after dinner.
The highlight is the unique White Night, a dazzling dance party where everyone dresses in white. With techno music and lights, the La Spiggia Beach Club is transformed into a mesmerizing dance floor.
And of course there is an adults-only casino to enjoy slots and table games.
Family-Friendly Fun
Surprisingly, Costa Toscana is incredibly family-friendly with:
- Squok Club for Mini (3-6) and Maxi (7-11) groups
- Baby Squok Club
- Teen Club Junior (12-14) and Teen Club (15-17)
Families can also dine at the exclusive Squok Restaurant. Special Peppa Pig-themed activities for the Mini Squok Club make it a hit with younger children.
Language Barrier
Costa Toscana’s crew was wonderful; everyone I interacted with was incredibly kind and ensured I was well cared for. That being said, Italian is the primary language spoken on the ship. Most everyone could communicate in English, and if not, grabbed someone nearby who could.
I was in the minority of passengers on this cruise ship. Almost all others were European, primarily 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. The language barrier didn’t prevent me from enjoying my trip.
My Final Thoughts
Sailing on the Costa Toscana was an unforgettable experience. The ship’s design and amenities perfectly cater to millennials and families, offering a relaxed yet fun atmosphere. The lack of sea motion was a pleasant surprise, making it accessible even for those new to cruising. No sea legs here!
While this was my first Costa cruise, it won’t be my last. As a 30-year-old millennial, I think the Costa Toscana is perfect for people my age traveling abroad—whether going solo, with friends, or even with kids. It’s much more relaxing than the fast-paced vacations I’m used to.
I look forward to enjoying more of Costa’s offerings in the future. Between the food, ship’s atmosphere, language spoken, and culture of the European passengers on board, my time on the Costa Toscana was an immersive experience. I felt like I lived in Italy for seven days, seeing the Mediterranean like a local.
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