Costa Deliziosa

The "Deliziosa" is probably for the Pizza onboard

Costa Deliziosa is one of the most elegant ships in the entire Costa Cruise fleet. While Costa Toscana and Smeralda are also beautiful, those ships tend to invest more in big waterparks and flashy entertainment options, while Deliziosa offers a more laid-back, romantic vibe. So, are you traveling with adults only or the love of your life? Then the Deliziosa, which launched in 2010, might be an even better choice than Costa’s newest offerings.

What we like about Costa Deliziosa

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Costa Deliziosa looks great. It’s a bit retro without being too in-your-face. It feels like a classic Italian painting, with pleasant décor that actually elevates the romantic feel. With a capacity of about 2,260 passengers, Deliziosa hits a sweet spot - it’s big enough for long itineraries but small enough for a cozy, intimate experience. It’s Panamax-sized, so it can access smaller or more unique ports, including transits through the Panama Canal.

One of the best things about the Deliziosa, by the way, is actually the itineraries. This is a ship that offers plenty of World Tours and Voyages - almost 50 in total - and it's one of the few Costa cruises that sail from the United States! Yep, the Costa Deliziosa departs from San Francisco, so if you want to know what this Italian cruise line is all about, this might be your best bet to try it out.

The restaurants onboard are also quite good. While it doesn’t feature Costa’s newest restaurant - Archipelago - guests often praise the venues onboard Costa Deliziosa. If you have the time, do make sure to visit the Pummid’Oro Pizzeria. This is often considered one of the best pizzerias among all cruise lines, offering a diverse range of options for lovers of good pizza. A traditional Margherita pizza might cost you around $10, while more exotic flavors are about $15. It’s kinda meh that you need to pay for pizza, but it’s well worth it. If you’re on the Deliziosa, try this place.

What we don’t like about Costa Deliziosa

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Costa Deliziosa can feel packed depending on when and where you are sailing. The buffet is open only during certain times, so you might encounter long waits, and finding a place to sit down can be a challenge.

There also aren’t many entertainment options, especially for kids. Although you’ll find several pools and hot tubs onboard, there are no waterparks or waterslides. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll have a better time onboard Costa Toscana or Costa Smeralda, since both ships feature a waterpark and more activities geared toward kids.

Other than that, some common issues with Costa ships are also present here. Standard cabins usually feel smaller compared to those on other cruise lines, with limited storage space and few power outlets. There are also many extras that come at an additional cost, like coffee and water outside the buffet and Main Dining Room. That’s one of the reasons we usually recommend the All-Inclusive package when sailing with Costa, since it gives you access to those items, plus alcoholic beverages.

Conclusion

Costa Deliziosa is a good choice if you're looking for unique itineraries and World Voyages. It’s a ship that usually offers affordable routes, and the intimate, charming décor is perfect for adults and those seeking a romantic trip. If you're planning to travel with kids, however, there are better options, like the Costa Toscana or Smeralda.

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