Sarah Bretz, ContributorCosta Cruises is debuting new programming for families on its Mediterranean voyages. The new offerings include family-focused shore excursions and onboard entertainment and activities inspired by the itinerary.
The exclusive shore excursions are available in select western Mediterranean ports: Savona, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Palermo, and Cagliari, Italy; Barcelona and Valencia, Spain; and Marseille, France. Passengers will be able to enjoy pre and post-excursion activities on board, curated by the teams at the “Squok Club” and “Teens Club,” Costa’s onboard facilities for younger guests.
The family-friendly tour program includes two main options: the first is designed for kids ages three to 13, accompanied by family members so the port can be enjoyed together. The second is for teens ages 14 to 17 to go ashore on tour as a group without family, joined by Costa team members.
The shore excursions developed for younger kids with their families include the chance to explore Palermo and its iconic markets in search of the ingredients used in the famous Sicilian dessert, the cannolo. The experience continues back on the ship as guests take part in a cooking class in the food lab.
Other excursions include the discovery of Marseille through its renowned games and products, such as “Petanque” and France’s famous soap, or a day in the hills of Genoa, riding the historic Righi funicular railway to explore the observatory.
For teens, the program includes experiences that highlight adventure. Offerings range from photography tours to discover street art in the city of Marseille to more adventurous activities such as surfing and paddle-boarding on the coast of Cagliari. Other tours include a walk through the most Instagrammable spots in Naples, trekking to the Grotta dei Falsari (Cave of Forgers) near Savona, or an experience in Palermo on the Lisca Bianca — a small sailing boat with an incredible history where teens learn the basic principles of boating.
The new family program also includes various activities on board, designed to foster continuity between the ports and the ship. Kids will have the opportunity to participate in cooking classes with their parents, learning the secrets of cooking from the expertly trained shipyard chefs.
On Costa Toscana and Smeralda, specifically, one day of the cruise will be entirely dedicated to families, with Squok the mascot leading the festivities that culminate with an evening show at the Colosseo.
At the Hall of Fame in the Squok Club and in Teen Zone, young guests will have the opportunity to send in their most memorable photos and show the best moments they experienced during their vacation, both on board and during their shore excursions.
All Costa ships offer clubs dedicated to kids and teens, open every day of the cruise from 9 am until midnight. There is no charge to attend the shipboard facilities. The clubs are divided into age groups, with indoor and outdoor areas reserved: the Squok Club, named after the mascot “Squok,” half shark and half dolphin, appears in the mini club (from three to six years old) and in the maxi club (from seven to 11 years old). Teenagers have the Teens Club, divided into Teen Club Junior (from 12 to 14 years old) and Teen Club (from 15 to 17 years old).
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