Costa Cruises is enticing travelers to enjoy la dolce vita aboard Costa Smeralda in the Mediterranean this late summer into fall when temperatures cool and crowds dwindle. Costa Smeralda will sail the Western Med on weeklong cruises, visiting some of the most beautiful destinations in Italy, France and Spain. Itineraries are further enriched by Costa’s “Sea Destinations” featuring unique experiences that bring the locations on board for immersive activities and celebrations.
Costa Smeralda will sail an eight-day itinerary that visits Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Genoa, Cagliari and Naples, Italy. For the ultimate flexibility, guests can choose to sail roundtrip from Barcelona, Genoa or Civitavecchia, embarking on weekdays and weekends in those ports. For example, the Sep. 06, 2024, cruise embarks in Genoa on Thursday; Sept. 26, 2024, embarks in Civitavecchia on Thursday; and Oct. 20, 2024, departs from Barcelona on Sunday.
The adventure is enhanced by Costa’s exclusive ‘Sea Destinations’ where guests will experience a journey within a journey on board.
Sea Destinations on the Costa Smeralda itinerary:
- Balearic Sea – Sea of Stars: While at sea, guests can discover planets and constellations with a ship officer out on deck, away from light congestion in the darkness of the Mediterranean.
- Capri Bay – Caprese Breakfast with a View of the Faraglioni: Before going ashore for the day to explore Naples, guests can enjoy a Neapolitan coffee and a giant torta Caprese in front of the spectacular landscape of Capri at dawn.
- Cetacean Sanctuary – Cetacean Light Show: an innovative light show on the open sea against the backdrop of the ship’s funnel reveals the secrets of the most fascinating sea creatures.
Why Costa Smeralda?
North Americans looking for an authentic European-style cruise experience will have a truly international vacation from the only Italian-flagged cruise line. Costa Smeralda is a genuine homage to Italy, the cruise line’s birthplace, making a Mediterranean cruise on the ship an all-encompassing vacation from ship to shore.
The tribute begins with the ship’s name, which honors one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Sardinia — the Emerald Coast. Costa Smeralda incorporates many of Italy’s iconic landmarks and piazzas, including Rome’s Colosseum and the Spanish Steps. The ship’s tribute extends to its decks, with each named after the country’s most renowned cities, from Palermo to Trieste.
Aboard Costa Smeralda guests can embark on an authentic Italian gastronomic journey with over 500 delicious, traditional recipes from 18 regions that can be enjoyed daily at the ship’s 11 restaurants and snack bars, and 19 bars and lounges. At Costa’s exclusive Archipelago restaurant, guests can savor unique dishes inspired by destinations on the itinerary, created by one of Costa’s three world-renowned chefs: Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze and Ángel León.
A world of extraordinary entertainment also awaits travelers who sail aboard the flagship, Costa Smeralda. The fleet’s latest generation cruise ship showcases an assortment of unique shows and activities enhanced by cutting-edge technological innovations. Guests can enjoy thrilling acrobatic shows, themed parties, and spectacular musical performances.
For more information about Costa Cruises, consult a travel advisor, contact reservations at 800-462-6782 or visit www.costacruises.com.