Cruise Review: Costa Toscana on Mediterranen Sea

The content on this page includes affiliate links. While clicking on these links won't cost you anything extra, we may earn a modest commission from any purchases.

A Mediterranean cruise had been on our bucket list, so we were excited to embark on a seven-day journey aboard Costa Toscana. This modern ship took us through some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic ports. We liked the Italian design, diverse dining options, and lively entertainment. As first-time Costa cruisers, we also had plenty of questions. Join us as we dive into the details of our Mediterranean adventure!

Costa Cruises is a well-known name offering Italian hospitality, modern ships, and exciting itineraries. It was founded in 1948 and has grown into a leading company in the cruise industry, recognised for providing family-friendly experiences throughout the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. With a fleet of vessels, Costa Cruises attracts travellers seeking relaxation, entertainment, and cultural exploration.

Our first true Mediterranean cruise adventure led us to choose Costa Cruises. Unlike our prior Mediterranean ferry trip on F/B Prevelis from Rhodes to Santorini, which was simply a passage between islands, this booking marked a longer commitment to life and travel aboard a cruise ship.

We chose Costa Toscana for several reasons: it offered a good deal, promised modern amenities as a young ship, and was built by Meyer Turku in Finland. Without overthinking, we decided to take a chance and discover what experiences it could provide.

Our itinerary was a 7-day adventure through some of the most iconic ports in the Mediterranean. We embarked from Savona, Italy. We set sail for a series of destinations: the vibrant city of Marseille in France, the cosmopolitan hub of Barcelona in Spain, and the shores of Palma de Mallorca, Spain. From there, we continued to Palermo in Sicily, Italy, before concluding our journey in Civitavecchia near Rome.

In this review, we share our impressions of the Costa Toscana, particularly tips for first-time cruisers. We highlight practical aspects and provide an evaluation of the services offered. At the end of the article, we give the ship rating.

We boarded the Costa Toscana at the port of Savona. The ship's size made it feel more like a grand hotel than a cruise vessel. After settling into our stateroom and completing the mandatory emergency drill, we explored and got our first impression of the ship.

We soon discovered that the ship offered even more services than a typical grand hotel. There were numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars. Entertainment options were diverse, with several venues hosting shows and performances. The ship also featured a modern gym, multiple pools, and relaxation areas for families and adults.

The ship's interior was clean, with a design that combined neutral tones and vibrant accents. We felt welcomed as our stateroom attendant greeted us personally and shared practical information about the cabin. Costa Toscana’s amenities left a strong first impression, promising an enjoyable cruise experience.

We had booked a balcony stateroom, which was larger than we had expected. The private balcony even enhanced the experience. The additional light from the balcony and open atmosphere made the room feel spacious, making it well worth the upgrade from the Inside Class. With the ship’s modern design, the stateroom was also pleasantly up-to-date.

The stateroom was about 18 square meters, featuring two beds and a sofa. The private balcony provided fresh sea air and great views. Additionally, the stateroom had a table and chair, a telephone, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.

There was enough storage, including a wardrobe and several drawers, making keeping our belongings organised easy. We could store luggage under the beds. The room also had a safe box.

The stateroom was more functional than similar-sized hotel rooms. Its bathroom included a shower, toilet, and sink with counter space for toiletries. The water pressure was intense. The attendant cleaned the stateroom every day and provided clean towels if requested. There were separate towels for beach use.

One of the enjoyable parts of our Costa Toscana cruise was the dining experience. The cruise fare included breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, excluding beverages. There was no need to feel hungry on the cruise.

During breakfast, filter coffee, juice, and water were complimentary, while at lunch and dinner buffet, only water was available free of charge. For all other beverages, including soft drinks and alcohol, there was an additional charge because we hadn't bought any drink packages.

We appreciated the flexibility in dining. Buffets were available for every meal, offering various dishes from fresh salads to international favourites and comforting desserts. We also had the option to dine in à la carte restaurants for lunch and dinner. We had an automated table reservation for Il Vigneto Osterioa restaurant each evening. It provided a more formal setting with table service. However, the buffet was always an option if we preferred a quicker or more casual meal.

The quality of the food exceeded our expectations.

For those looking for even more variety, Costa Toscana also features speciality restaurants at an additional cost, offering gourmet experiences beyond the included dining options. However, we saw no need to choose these options, as the included food was already delicious. The crew eagerly promotes additional dining experiences, but we politely reject the offers.

We found various bars, cafés, and lounges throughout the ship. There were bars, cafés, and entertainment lounges, including spots on the outer decks for enjoying refreshments with a sea view. We sailed in the wintertime, but the weather was still good enough to enjoy drinks under the sun on the outer decks.

The complimentary drink selection was limited, although meals were included in the cruise fare. Water, juice, and filtered coffee were free at breakfast. Only water was free during lunch and dinner at the buffet. The afternoon snack buffet also offered water and filtered coffee. We got no complimentary drinks in the à la carte restaurants. Special coffees and drinks like soft drinks, alcohol, and speciality beverages had to be purchased separately.

Costa sold drink packages for those who wanted unlimited beverages. These packages ranged from all-inclusive options with unlimited drinks of various types to more affordable, limited packages. While a package would have provided convenience, we found them quite expensive. After some calculations, we decided to purchase only the drinks we needed to be more economical.

Costa Toscana provided entertainment for all age groups, including most activities at no extra charge. We watched only a few shows, as there were many other things to explore and experience on the ship. Costa Toscana is a good choice if you enjoy watching shows and interactive programs. Buying a drink package also makes sense, as drinks are available at the venues.

The ship had several entertainment venues. The Colosseo was the central performance hub, spanning Decks 6, 7, and 8. This three-level rotunda featured tiered seating and large LED screens on all decks and support columns, creating an immersive visual experience.

Another key venue was the Poltrona Frau Arena on Deck 6, a more intimate theatre. With a large dance floor and a walk-up bar, it served as a late-night dancing venue while hosting the ship's main production shows.

For a unique entertainment setting, La Spiaggia Beach Club on Deck 16 transformed from an indoor pool area into a lively venue for themed events.

The shows onboard carried a distinct Italian flair, reflecting Costa's heritage. Despite this, most performances were bilingual and presented in English and Italian to accommodate international guests. Some entertainment programs were interactive, such as the Voice of the Sea singing competition. There was a special program for children; most shows were suitable for the whole family.

Costa Toscana offered pools and water activities across multiple decks. While the pools were open to the whole family, the water slides were mainly for children. All pool access was free of charge.

On Deck 16, La Spiaggia Beach Club featured the ship’s indoor pool beneath a glass roof. The area allowed guests to swim in any weather. It quickly became one of our favourite relaxing spots, with jacuzzis for extra comfort. The glass roof also helped keep the space warm, even though the coldest winter months were going on.

Costa Toscana also hosted outdoor pool areas known as beaches, providing open-air space for swimming and sunbathing.

The Versilia Pool at the aft on Deck 18 was an adult-only pool offering ocean views — an ideal place for peaceful relaxation. The Il Forte Beach, situated midship on Deck 17, featured pools, jacuzzis, and a vibrant atmosphere with surrounding lounge areas. Lastly, the Volare Infinity Pool on Deck 7 was good for photo opportunities, with glass panels and an edge extending toward the sea.

Deck 17 was also home to the Splash Aqua Park and water slides. While we weren’t particularly excited about them, children and teens loved sliding. During the summer, it would be even more enjoyable for them to play in the Splash Aqua Park under the hot sun.

Solemio Spa on Deck 16 offered a more adult way to relax. We did not try it ourselves because we felt its admission was too expensive. However, it would have provided interesting services like a thermal area with saunas, steam rooms, and a salt relaxation room. Solemio Spa is likely a great choice if price isn't a concern. While we've seen similar spa offerings on ferries connecting Finland and Sweden, like the M/S Viking Grace, the one on this cruise was notably larger.

Costa Toscana’s large outer decks offered a variety of open-air spaces to enjoy the sea breeze. With the ship's wide and long design, the outer areas were suitable for strolling, relaxing, and viewing panoramic ocean views. The designated beach areas were perfect for sunbathing and swimming in summer pools.

A highlight of our outdoor experiences was the Volare Skywalk, located on Deck 18. This glass-bottomed walkway extended to the ship's highest point. It was the place where we took amazing photos.

We were not in the mood for exercising, but fitness enthusiasts could take advantage of the jogging track on Deck 18, which looped around the ship's upper part. The ship also features a basketball court.

On Deck 16, Piazza del Campo stood out as a spacious open area inspired by the famous Italian square, also a space for events. It was an inviting place to relax or admire the ocean views during the daytime. One evening, the crew organised a stargazing event, a magical experience even in the vast darkness of the open sea.

Besides the upper decks, Costa Toscana offers outdoor areas on the lower decks, giving a closer connection to the sea. These spaces provide quieter spots for those seeking a peaceful retreat while enjoying the open air.

Costa Toscana provided many other services beyond our experience. For instance, there were dedicated clubs for kids. Even a week on board wasn’t enough to experience everything.

A 24-hour reception desk was available for assistance, which passengers could visit in person or contact by phone. We used the reception services a few times and got our needed help. The crew provided multilingual service.

Room service allowed passengers to have food delivered directly to their stateroom, offering added convenience. However, this service wasn't essential since many other dining options were complimentary. It’s a valuable option, especially if you cannot visit the restaurant for any reason. We didn’t order extra food because the buffets and à la carte restaurants satisfied us.

The ship's hospital was located on Deck 3. To prevent common illnesses, Costa Toscana provided multiple hand disinfection stations. However, knowing that medical assistance was available if needed was reassuring.

The crew organised physical activities such as yoga and fitness classes, though most required an additional fee. Some, like yoga, took place outdoors, while others were in the indoor pool. For those who prefer individual exercise, the ship also offers excellent facilities.

The ship had only a few shops, making it less appealing for shoppers. The selection was limited, and prices remained relatively high despite several discounts. Most stores specialise in souvenirs and a range of branded products.

A professional photographer roamed the ship, capturing moments throughout the cruise and offering the photos for purchase. She stopped passing passengers for differently themed photos. Additionally, there was an option to have an image of your iris photographed as a unique souvenir.

Going on a cruise for the first time is exciting, but you may feel unsure about what to expect and how things work. We’ll briefly explain the main procedures and share useful tips.

Since the ship can accommodate thousands of passengers, check-in times usually vary. Costa announced our check-in time a few weeks before departure. We had to print luggage tags and attach them to our bags. Arriving at the port at the scheduled time helped us to avoid long queues.

At the terminal, we first dropped off our luggage with the tags attached and then proceeded to the check-in hall. The check-in process was fast. A staff member verified our documents, took a photo, and gave us brochures about the ship. After that, we passed through security and were ready to board.

At the intermediate stops, disembarking the ship took only a few minutes. It took place on Deck 3 or Deck 6. On return, passengers went through a security check at the terminal before boarding, where tickets were then verified./p>

Deboarding followed a similar process. The crew provided luggage tags the night before disembarkation. Staff transported our luggage to the terminal, and we disembarked at the assigned time. Our luggage was ready for collection upon arrival at the terminal.

Nearly every day, the ship arrived early in the morning at its destination. We and other passengers were allowed to disembark and had to return to the ship 30 minutes at the latest before the scheduled departure. Departure times were always clearly communicated, as the ship did not wait for late passengers.

Costa offered tours at the destinations and provided shuttle bus services. Unfortunately, their services were rather pricey. We saved a lot by using Uber with our itineraries. In some places, we could even walk to the centre. We rode on affordable local hop-on, hop-off buses in Palermo and Civitavecchia. These local services saved us significantly compared to Costa's organised trips and transportation.

GetYourGuide is a convenient marketplace for booking tickets to local attractions and short tours. Remember to book with enough buffer time to ensure you can return to your ship on schedule.

On the ship, all payments were made using the cabin key, which was called Costa Card. The crew had access to our photos in the database, which allowed them to verify who was making the payment. Purchases made with the Costa Card were visible on the Costa App.

It was possible to link our Curve Pay to the Costa Account to deposit funds. The system automatically charged the credit card each night. Another option was to deposit money in advance into the account.

Tips were automatically added to all purchases. It's important to note that our cruise fare already covered tips for all complimentary services during the trip. While we did not have a drink package, those who did were not required to tip for their drinks since the package included the tips, too.

The internet packages on board were costly, making it an impractical option for many passengers. Mobile roaming works smoothly in the EU, so we decided not to opt for Costa's internet service. Even at sea, mobile data worked when we were close enough to shore.

We suggest not purchasing Costa’s expensive internet packages, as you don’t need the internet when sleeping or not actively using it. The roaming options on your phone were sufficient for staying connected during the trip. If you come outside the EU, purchasing an embedded EU SIM from NO_LINK_AVAILABLE is a good option. For transatlantic cruises, an internet package makes much more sense.

The large ship makes losing track of your friends or travel companions easy. WhatsApp and similar messaging services do not work without internet access when far enough from the shore. Costa provided a handy solution. The Costa App features a chat function that lets passengers message each other for free using the ship's Wi-Fi without needing an internet package. The app's chat function was helpful for us on the day we were at sea.

The Costa App was also helpful for keeping up with the ship’s services and restaurant menus. Additionally, Costa provided a paper program each night detailing the events and activities for the following day. Internal communication during the cruise was good, though we sometimes received an overload of information. One suggestion for improvement would be for Costa to consolidate all essential details into a single Cruise book stored in the cabin.

We rate Costa Toscana with four stars. The ship was luxurious and offered a wide range of services. There was plenty of delicious food, and the entertainment was high-quality. Costa managed the practical aspects efficiently, including details. There are also areas for improvement. Communication about food arrangements could have been clearer, and extra service prices were unreasonably high. While the Costa app was practical, it was not particularly user-friendly.

This was our first time booking a Mediterranean cruise, so we’re not yet experienced. While booking directly through the company’s official website is often a good option, we compared Seascanner prices and decided to book through their platform. Seascanner provided a fresh user interface to compare cruise options.

The booking process on Seascanner was somewhat complicated, and after the booking, we had trouble accessing our reservation on Costa’s website due to some bugs. Fortunately, Seascanner was very responsive and assisted us, allowing us to overcome the minor challenges. Although Seascanner might not be the perfect booking site, it does provide a lot of helpful information about cruises.

We had to book flights since we didn’t live near the Port of Savona. We flew from Helsinki to Milan by Finnair and continued by train to Savona. We arrived in Milan a day early and stayed at a hotel to allow enough time. Going on a cruise is simple if you already live in South Europe.

We've taken several cruises on passenger-cargo ferries, usually shorter but high-quality experiences. The cruise on Costa Toscana was our first time embarking on a more extended cruise. Indeed, we will cruise again.

We enjoyed Costa Toscana's services and the overall experience. It provided great value for money and was a wonderful way to explore Mediterranean cities. While winter may not be ideal for a cruise, the weather was still warm enough.

Have you been on many cruises in Europe or elsewhere? What is your favourite winter cruise destination? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

Tags: cruise, review, ship Destination: Italy