Sarah Bretz, ContributorCosta Cruises guests will enjoy la dolce vita aboard Costa Smeralda this late summer into fall when temperatures cool and crowds dwindle. The ship will sail the western Mediterranean on weeklong cruises, visiting some of the most beautiful destinations in Italy, France, and Spain.
Smeralda will sail an eight-day itinerary that visits Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Genoa, Cagliari, and Naples, Italy. Guests will be able to choose to sail roundtrip from Barcelona, Genoa, or Civitavecchia, embarking on both weekdays and weekends in those ports. For example, the September 6, 2024, cruise embarks in Genoa on Thursday; September 26, 2024, embarks in Civitavecchia on Thursday; and October 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.
Costa Cruises is the only Italian-flagged cruise line, and Costa Smeralda is a genuine homage to Italy, 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.
Over 500 recipes from 18 regions of Italy can be enjoyed daily at the ship’s 11 restaurants and snack bars, as well as 19 bars and lounges.
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